What is PLT?
Protected Learning Time (PLT) is a nationally recognised approach that enables primary care teams to step away from routine clinical and operational duties to take part in structured learning and development.
Within general practice, PLT is a vital opportunity for the whole workforce to pause, reflect, and build knowledge and skills that directly improve patient care, team working, and service delivery.
PLT in Calderdale
Pennine GP Alliance has been delivering PLT in Calderdale since July 2025, funded by the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), with occasional sponsorship where appropriate to support and enhance programme delivery.
This programme forms part of a coordinated approach to workforce development across primary care, ensuring staff across Calderdale have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities.
PLT at Pennine GP Alliance
We deliver a total of ten PLT events per year made up of 8 online and two face-to-face events from May to March, supporting both clinical and non-clinical primary care teams across Calderdale.
Clinical events
- Format: Four live online learning events with one face-to-face event
- Timing: 1:15pm – 5:00pm
- Delivery: Focused 1 to 1.5 hour training sessions within each event
Non-clinical events
- Format: Four live online learning events with one face-to-face event
- Timing: 1:30pm – 5:00pm
- Delivery: Focused and bitesized sessions up to 1 hour
Event videos
Clinical PLT event video coming soon…
Who PLT is for
Our PLT programme is designed to reflect the diversity of roles within general practice.
Non-clinical PLT events (up to 250 attendees)
These sessions are designed for non-clinical professionals working across general practice, including:
- Receptionists and patient services staff
- Practice managers and operational leads
- Social prescribers, Care coordinators and other appropriate ARRS roles
- Administrative and support teams
These roles are essential to the patient journey and day-to-day functioning of general practice. PLT supports them to develop confidence, communication skills, and operational expertise.
Clinical PLT events (up to 150 attendees)
We also deliver dedicated clinical PLT sessions for the Calderdale primary care workforce, reaching approximately 150 GPs, AHPs, Pharmacisits and other clnical roles per event. These sessions focus on clinical updates, quality improvement, and system priorities in general practice.
Practice Nurses attend a seperate event organised by the West Yorkshire Training Hub.
Why PLT matters
PLT is more than protected time for training – it is an investment in people, practice, and patient care.
Improving patient care
Well-supported and well-trained teams deliver safer, more consistent, and more effective care.
Supporting workforce development
PLT enables staff to build skills, stay up to date, and grow professionally within their roles.
Enhancing wellbeing and retention
Dedicated learning time helps reduce pressure, improve morale, and support staff retention.
Strengthening system-wide working
Shared learning across Calderdale primary care promotes consistency, collaboration, and improved pathways for patients.
Our approach
PGPA’s PLT programme is designed to be accessible, efficient, and relevant to the needs of busy primary care teams, with a strong focus on high-quality online delivery that reduces travel, supports equitable access, delivers system-wide cost effectiveness, and maximises workforce reach and impact.
Alongside this, we also provide at least one face-to-face PLT event per year for both clinical and non-clinical staff. These in-person sessions complement the online offer by enabling stronger relationship building, deeper discussion, interactive learning, and improved cross-system collaboration, while also providing protected time for reflection away from day-to-day pressures.
This blended approach ensures PLT remains both practical and scalable, while preserving the essential value of in-person connection and shared learning across Calderdale primary care.
In summary
Since July 2025, Pennine GP Alliance has been delivering PLT in Calderdale with support from ICB funding and occasional sponsorship. The programme plays a key role in strengthening the skills, confidence, and resilience of both clinical and non-clinical primary care teams.
PLT is helping to build a stronger, more connected workforce – ultimately improving care for patients across Calderdale.
May 2026 – March 2027 event dates
| Date | Clinical events | Non-clinical events |
| Tuesday 12 May 2026 | Online: 1:15pm-5pm | Online: 1:30pm-5pm |
| Wednesday 01 July 2026 | Online: 1:15pm-5pm | Face-to-Face: 12:30-5pm |
| Tuesday 06 October 2026 | Face-to-face (additional for 2026 only): 12:45-5pm | Online: 1:30pm-5pm |
| Wednesday 02 December 2026 | Online: 1:15pm-5pm | Online: 1:30pm-5pm |
| Tuesday 02 March 2027 | Face-to-face: 12:45-5pm | Online: 1:30pm-5pm |
Speaker requests
We also welcome speaker proposals from local partners and training providers who would like to contribute to our PLT programme. Requests can be submitted via the speaker request form for consideration at our planning meetings. All submissions are reviewed to ensure proposed topics align with the needs and priorities of the primary care workforce, and we will respond to confirm whether the session is suitable for inclusion in the programme agenda.