According to the Gold Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK Occasions where out of programme (OOP) is granted to foundation doctors are likely to be exceptional given the length and nature of their training.
Foundation Schools are required to have procedures to manage requests for Time Out of Foundation Programme (TOFP). The duration of time out of the foundation programme will usually be 12 months to avoid foundation doctors becoming out of phase with the foundation programme.
Foundation schools will typically only approve OOP at the end of F1 so that the time out is taken between the end of F1 and the beginning of F2. Examples of why a Foundation Doctor may consider Time out of Training could include:
- to go abroad to work
- to go abroad to travel
- domestic reasons
- personal reasons
Time out during F1 or F2 placements will only be considered by the Foundation School Director in exceptional circumstances.
Foundation Doctors should not be compelled to complete their Foundation Programme as quickly as possible if they have good reasons for wishing to take time out.
The foundation programme is time and competency based. In addition to the permitted annual leave and study leave entitlements, doctors may require unplanned leave from a programme that does not come under a formal request for time out. Where this leave exceeds 20 days in the F1 or F2 year, this will trigger a review at the Annual Review of Competence Progression as to whether the trainee needs to have an extra period of training. Please also see document “Absences from training in the Foundation Programme GMC position statement” Absence from Training
Foundation doctors who want to take OOP should first discuss this with their educational supervisor and trust Foundation Programme Training Director.
- F1 doctors should be aware that the GMC has made an important change to the way doctors can use their provisional registration. From 1 April 2015, the length of time doctors are allowed to hold provisional registration is limited to a maximum of 3 years and 30 days. Further information can be found at GMC | Provisional Registration.
- Foundation doctors who take time out of the foundation programme during F1 to undertake training outside of the UK will require a Certificate of Experience from their medical school confirming that they have successfully completed the requirements of F1 in order to apply for full GMC registration. No other evidence will be accepted. If the foundation doctor cannot provide the evidence for the Certificate of Experience, they are not eligible for full registration and will be limited to applying for provisional registration on their return to the UK. Further guidance can be found at GMC | Provisional Registration.
- If the foundation doctor does not contact the Foundation School Manager as agreed, the foundation school is no longer required to hold a F2 programme and the foundation doctor would need to apply for a vacant F2 appointment in open competition.
Time out of programme for research (OOPR)
Time out of programme for research (OOPR) – Options are limited for foundation doctors because of the short programme duration. Owing to the nature and duration of foundation training, OOPR will be approved only in very exceptional cases. It will usually be restricted to one year and will generally only be taken between F1 and F2.
South West Foundation School Guidance
The School will follow the principles of the national arrangements for Time out as set out in the Gold Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training 10th edition (Aug 24).
- Occasions where OOP is granted to foundation doctors are likely to be exceptional given the length and nature of their training.
- The duration of time out of the foundation programme will usually be 12 months to avoid foundation doctors becoming out of phase with the foundation programme.
- Foundation schools will typically only approve OOP at the end of F1 so that the time out is taken between the end of F1 and the beginning of F2.
- Time out during F1 or F2 placements will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
If one year out of programme is agreed between F1 and F2, the foundation doctor will have, in principle, the right to return to a Foundation Training Programme after that year is over, assuming that the model of foundation training is still in operation. They will be required to engage in the F2 allocation process prior to re-starting their programme or to apply competitively within any new training system that has replaced foundation training.
If a doctor’s request for time out has been agreed, but their plans/arrangements change, the Foundation School will attempt to identify an appropriate training opportunity at short notice but cannot guarantee to do so.
Doctors must inform the Foundation School Manager of their intention to return to the programme by the beginning of December in the year before they will start their F2 programme in the following August. Failure to take this positive action of confirming their intention to return by the required date will mean that the foundation doctor will not have a guaranteed F2 training opportunity within the School on their return. Under these circumstances, the returning trainee would need to apply for an F2 appointment in open competition
- If a doctor takes time out of training, they will not return to their original F2 programme and may not be able to return to their originally allocated F2 Trust location. They must be willing to accept any programme at any trust in their originally allocated Foundation School providing it provides a compliant and balanced rotation.
A Foundation Doctor may choose to withdraw permanently from a Foundation Training Programme. If after discussion with the head of school, they choose to withdraw permanently from the programme they should complete the School’s Withdrawal Form.
A doctor who has applied for a F2 allocation in their original Foundation Training Programme or School will be expected to take it up. The doctor will be expected to conform to contractual obligations regarding notification of resignation as laid down in national terms and conditions of service.
Procedure for applying
- After discussing their application with their Trust Foundation Programme Director (FPD) the doctor should complete a Time Out of Training proforma (available from the UKFPO’s website). (THIS OPENS IN A WORD DOCUMENT)
- Once the application form has been signed by both the foundation doctor and FPD it should be sent to the foundation school.
- The deadline for receipt of applications for all those F1s wishing to take time out between F1 and F2 will be advised annually in an email sent out to all FY1 doctors around November each year. Please look out for this email.
- This deadline must be adhered to unless there are extenuating circumstances e.g., new personal reasons.
- Receipt of the Time Out of Training proforma will be acknowledged within 10 working days.
- A decision will be made by the end of February following the annual deadline, unless further information is required. In such cases, the applicant will be advised as to when a decision can be expected.
Timeline
| Application Window Opens | November |
| Application Window Closes | January |
| Time out Applications considered by FSD | By the end of January |
| All Applicants notified of Outcomes | By the end of February |