Supporting Transition and Entering Practice (STEP)

Non-urgent advice: STEP

All applicants to the Foundation Programme are encouraged to make full use of the Supporting Transition and Entering Practice process by completing the relevant form. This process is intended to support the transition from undergraduate medical education to postgraduate training and employment as a doctor.

The STEP form is completed in advance of the start of the programme to allow Foundation Schools and employers time to identify suitable adjustments, if necessary, and prepare for the arrival of doctors by ensuring appropriate support mechanisms are in place.

The information on these pages is for all UK and international medical graduates. Queries about the process should be emailed to helpdesk@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.

What is STEP?

Information about why the process is in place

Process and form

UK and Eligibility applicants and links to the form

What to declare?

Health, welfare, personal performance, professionalism

My STEP form

Who receives a copy of my form and what happens next

Timelines / Deadlines

Important dates for form submission and the process

Case studies

Examples and case studies…..Coming soon

STEP information and guidance webinar

See below recording of the STEP webinar held in February 2024. Updated slides aligned to the 2025 STEP guidance are on our Webinars webpage, and the full updated guidance for 2025 is on the pages above. Guidance for 2026 will be published in due course.