Resignation/Withdrawal From Foundation Programme
Purpose
To set out the procedures that will be followed, should a foundation doctor wish to withdraw or resign from their foundation programme (F1 or F2). This includes foundation doctors taking up Stand Alone F2 posts elsewhere, and withdrawing from their allocated programme.
Principles
Foundation doctors must note the following:
The Foundation Programme Reference Guide
Permanent withdrawal from the Foundation Programme
6.118 A foundation doctor can decide to withdraw permanently from the two-year foundation programme. Before doing so, they should seek advice from their named educational supervisor, FTPD/T or FSD. Medical students who have not yet taken up their place in a foundation programme should discuss their intention to withdraw with their medical school and the local FSD.
6.119 Those considering withdrawing from the foundation programme should be informed about how to access specialist career support from their medical school, university careers service and the HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school careers service.
6.120 Foundation doctors, and medical students allocated to a place on the foundation programme, must act in accordance with the GMC’s guidance in Good Medical Practice on accepting posts and then refusing them, i.e. they must give the foundation school sufficient time to make suitable arrangements to meet patient and service needs. Appointees and employees are expected to meet the terms and conditions of their contract for permanent withdrawal from the foundation programme.
Resignation during F1
7.75. If foundation doctors resign from their employment, they should also inform HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school, which will normally terminate the training contract. HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school must inform the foundation doctor’s current and any known future employer as part of the foundation programme, when terminating a training contract.
7.76. HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school must inform the medical school of graduation. In addition, if necessary they should discuss with the Fitness to Practise Directorate of the GMC, unless a referral has already been made by the employer or representative of the employer responsible for dismissal.
Resignation in F2
7.140. If foundation doctors resign from their employment, they should also inform HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school, which will normally terminate the training contract. HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school must inform the foundation doctor’s current and any known future employer as part of the foundation programme, when terminating a training contract.
7.141. An ARCP outcome must be recorded for every period of training completed, and the panel should record the outcome as if resignation had not occurred.
7.142. HEE/NES/NIMDTA/Wales Deanery/foundation school should discuss with the Fitness to Practise Directorate of the GMC if they think there may be fitness to practise concerns (see 8.59).
Process
At the earliest possible opportunity - and giving a minimum of one month's notice - the foundation doctor must inform (in writing) the following parties of their intention to withdraw/resign:
- Employer (Trust) – Medical HR department; Foundation Programme Director; Postgraduate Centre
- Foundation School – Foundation School Director; Foundation School Manager (click here for contact details)