Non-urgent advice: Introduction
The Foundation Programme (FP) curriculum, which underpins the training and professional development of newly graduated doctors, relaunched for the first time in five years in summer 2021. The curriculum sets out a holistic approach to care including physical health, mental health and social health and the skills required to manage this in both acute and community settings and for patients with chronic conditions. Foundation doctors must demonstrate that they are competent in the practice of medicine as defined by the GMC in Good Medical Practice (2024) . The curriculum provides a framework for educational progression that will help them achieve these skills and supports them through the first two years of professional development after graduation from medical school.
“The last curriculum was published in 2016 and a lot has happened since then, not least the coronavirus pandemic. To remain fit for purpose, the Foundation Programme must evolve with medical practice and training, so our doctors are properly equipped to practice in a range of healthcare setting, now and in the future.” Dr Tony Choules, former chair of the AoMRC Foundation Programme Committee (AFPC) and former Educational Advisor to the UKFPO (2020-2024).
The curriculum and important documents
- UK FP Curriculum (interactive pdf) –> We recommend users access the curriculum document through Adobe Reader or an up to date browser (for example Chrome or Firefox). Users accessing the document through Microsoft Edge may not get the full experience of the interactive PDF.
- The Gold Guide (10th edition, published 7 August 2024) –> A reference guide for postgraduate foundation and specialty training in the UK
- Rough guide to the Foundation Programme –> written by foundation doctors, for foundation doctors
- Curriculum resource -> This guide highlights national guidance and protocols available to support each of the curriculum’s foundation professional capabilities. It lists many of the freely available evidence-based resources, including helpful web links (such as elfh and BMA) and guidance notes.
Curriculum factsheets and guides
F1 doctors and locum work
Provisionally registered doctors (foundation year one/F1) must not undertake formal locum posts or activities.
Provisionally registered doctors can undertake occasional ad hoc additional/overtime shifts on their current FY1 placement or previous FY1 placements that have formed part of their F1 rotation, where such work is undertaken only within the limits of their current competence and with the support of their educational supervisor. When undertaking such occasional ad hoc additional/overtime work provisionally registered doctors should be clear with other members of their team about their current experience and level of competence.
Time Out of Foundation Programme (TOFP) request form
Foundation doctors should discuss their intention to take time out of programme (OOP), also known as Time Out of Foundation Programme (TOFP), with their medical school/training programme director and review the form below. Completed forms should be sent to their foundation school for consideration.
Time Out of Foundation Programme (TOFP) Request Form
UKFP Curriculum & e-portfolio webinar
See below recording of the UKFP Curriculum & e-portfolio webinar on 26 October 2022, focusing on exploring the Placement Supervision Group (PSG) and and e-portfolios.