Guidance and forms for medical trainees

A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Specialty Training in the UK (the “Gold Guide”, 9th edition) sets out the arrangements agreed by the four UK Health Departments for core and/or specialty training programmes.

Annual Review of Competence Progression

The Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) is a deanery-led process whereby trainees in specialty training have the evidence of their progress reviewed by an appropriately convened panel so that a judgement about their process can be made and transmitted to the training programme director, the trainee and the trainee's employer.  The ARCP should take place annually towards the end of the trainee’s year of training.  The Royal College of Pathologists is currently reviewing it's ARCP guidance specific to the pathology specialties and this will be published shortly.  In tthe meantime, trainees should ensure that they are fully up-to-date with the requirements of their curriculum and assessment system as outlined in the relevant specialty page and are keeping their e-portfolio appropriately up-to-date.

Inter Deanery Transfers

The National Inter Deanery Transfer (IDT) process has been put in place to support medical trainees who have had an unforeseen and significant change in circumstances since commencement of their current training programme and need to move to a different region. The process is managed by the National IDT team (Health Education South London) on behalf of the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMeD), Health Education England (HEE) and all UK regions. If you are planning to apply for an IDT process please visit the HEE website for guidance.

Guidance and application forms

Guidance and application forms for StRs seeking prospective agreement from the College of less than full-time training, overseas training, LATs and research, are available below.  These types of training must also be prospectively approved by the General Medical Council in order for it to be counted towards the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

Recognition of less than full-time training

Trainees undertaking less than full-time training must submit the ‘Less than full-time Training application form’ and all required documentation to the Training Department in advance of the beginning of their less than full-time training. It must also be ensured that the less than full-time training post is approved as part of a GMC-approved training programme.

Recognition of research

Trainees wishing to have a period of research undertaken during specialty training counted towards their CCT or CESR(CP) must submit the ‘Recognition of Research Application Form’ and all required documentation in advance of their research period. It must also be ensured that the period of research is approved prospectively by the GMC.

Recognition of taking time out of programme