Out of window IFST applications

The national process for managing Inter-foundation School Transfers (IFSTs) has been introduced to provide a consistent, robust and transparent process to allow foundation doctors to transfer between programmes across the UK.

Where possible, we would encourage foundation doctors to utilise the national IFST application window and process and follow the national timelines for fairness and continuity across the community of applicants and foundation doctors. The national IFST process is for transfers with an August start date.

In cases where unforeseen situations occur, and an applicant’s or a Foundation doctor’s personal circumstances change outside of the national IFST timeline and they need to transfer to a different foundation school to continue their training as soon as possible, out of window applications will be accepted and managed by foundation schools as the need arises.

Non-urgent advice: Important

The UKFPO are not involved in any part of the Out of Window IFST application or review process.

Applications will still be dependent on a vacancy being available at the receiving foundation school regardless of the circumstances.

Out of window applications are reserved for significant and unforeseen changes in circumstances requiring urgent review, as they necessitate that a doctor must train in a particular geography and this review cannot wait until the next IFST window. There is no indicative list for such circumstances, as you cannot define exceptionality.

The Out of Window IFST process ensures that there is a flexible support mechanism in place for applicants/foundation doctors whose exceptional and unforeseen circumstances mean that a move to another foundation school is required at short notice.

Any submission outside of the national IFST window should be made to the current foundation school and is not subject to the same review process or governance as the national IFST process

Applicants/foundation doctors must discuss their circumstances with their Foundation School Director and the foundation school team, who will provide support with this process. The UKFPO are not involved with any part of the Out of Window application process. It is entirely managed locally by the foundation schools.

Applicants must still use the national IFST application forms for an Out of Window application. The national IFST criteria and application guidance will still apply. Applicants will be required to demonstrate in their application that their circumstances meet one of the criteria and provide the supporting evidence which is required for the criterion they are applying under.

The completed application form must be submitted to the current foundation school (and not to the UKFPO).

Decisions around Out of Window IFST applications will be made by the Foundation School Directors, and as by definition, these are exceptional changes in circumstances where decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, there is no mechanism for appeal against this decision.

Out of window IFSTs will only take place if both foundation schools agree that the applicant’s personal circumstances have changed after the national closing date for IFST applications and meet one of the nationally agreed IFST criteria. There must also be a place available in the receiving foundation school.

If an applicant has already had an application rejected by the national IFST panel, a repeat out of window application stating the same circumstances will be declined by the foundation school. 

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