Foundation Doctors – Support Help Sheet
During training you may experience difficulties related to personal life, health, or performance. This guide outlines what to do and where to seek help.
1. What Should I Do if I Am Experiencing Difficulties?
If anything is affecting your training, seek advice as early as possible.
You can speak to:
- Your Clinical Supervisor
- Your Educational Supervisor
- Foundation Programme Director
- Occupational Health
- HR Department
- Education Centre / Postgraduate Centre Manager
- Health Education South West
- BMA
- Professional Support & Wellbeing (South West)
If you are unsure who to contact first, your Postgraduate Centre Manager is a good starting point.
Remember: Under GMC Good Medical Practice, you must protect patient safety—seeking support early helps prevent escalation.
2. My Supervisor Has Informed Me of Problems. What Happens Now?
Supervisors must highlight concerns promptly so issues can be addressed.
- Receiving negative feedback can be difficult, but try to remain open.
- Work with your supervisor to understand:
- What the issue is
- What needs to improve
- How you can demonstrate progress
With appropriate support, most trainees successfully meet their targets.
3. I Have Been Informed That I Will Not Be Signed Off at F1 or F2. What Happens Now?
Not achieving sign‑off can occur for several reasons. Your situation will be reviewed individually by the Foundation School, which will consider whether an extension is appropriate.
If the reason relates to not meeting competences:
- You should already have been informed of concerns
- You should already be working on an improvement plan
Although the news may be upsetting, focus on what support you need to meet the requirements.
Next steps:
- A meeting will be arranged with you, your Foundation Programme Director, and the Foundation School Head or Postgraduate Dean
- Together you'll create a personalised action plan with clear targets
4. My F1 Training Has Been Extended. What Happens Now?
If you entered via national recruitment, you are guaranteed a two‑year programme, dependent on passing F1.
Extension length depends on the reason:
- Health/personal issues (e.g., time off for injury) → extension may match missed time
- Performance concerns → extension may be 4 months, 8 months, or up to a full F1 year
Decisions are made on an individual basis, and any impact on the timing of F2 will be clearly explained.
5. I Disagree With the Decision Not to Sign Me Off. What Can I Do?
You have the right to appeal if you believe the sign‑off process was not followed correctly. Please see the policy for guidance - Appeals - Foundation
Important:
- Appeals have strict deadlines
- Full guidance will be provided with your ARCP outcome