MONITORING OF DEMAND. It would appear from recent discussion that the actual position in respect of the numbers of trainees seeking flexible posts is far from clear, and that considerable benefit would be obtained if a better mechanism for data collection could be devised. Currently data is collected annually from English deaneries. Some small modifications to this data collection process in terms of data gathered would significantly improve a general understanding of the situation. We propose, therefore, to ask all UK deaneries in the next round of data collection to collect enough data to indicate with some certainty the number of trainees seeking flexible training in each of their areas, under the following categories. • Enquiries Those seeking information on flexible training in the reference period who have not, at the time of data collection, progressed their application. • Applications In Progress A Those who have made formal application for flexible training, where the approval process is not yet complete and where the time since application is less than that normally accepted as reasonable for full approval (3 months). B Those who have made formal application but have not yet completed the process, and where the application was made more than 3 months ago. • Applications Completed Those whose application for flexible training has been completed. This will subdivide into those who have been accepted and those who have been rejected.
