Out of Programme

Trainees are required to obtain formal approval from the Postgraduate Dean in order to take time out of a clinical training programme.

If you are considering taking time out of your Specialty Training Programme (OOP) you must read the Gold Guide and the OOP Policy prior to submitting an application.

There are a number of steps that must be followed:

Step 1 – discuss your plans with your Educational Supervisor and Training Programme Director at least six months in advance of the proposed OOP start date.

Step 2 – if your Educational Supervisor and Training Programme Director are supportive of your application, you need to also review your College requirements regarding the OOP application and approval process.

Step 3 – complete and submit the application form as detailed in HEIW’s policy. This must be submitted a minimum of six months in advance of the proposed OOP start date.

The Postgraduate Dean will only consider requests that are submitted on an Out of Programme (OOP) application form.

• Please complete all sections of the form fully and provide evidence of prospective approval from your Training Programme Director and the relevant Royal College/SAC/Faculty.
• If your application for OOP is to count towards your training/CCT, HEIW will then forward your request to the GMC.
• Please note that an OOP request must be prospectively approved if it is to count towards the award of a CCT or CESR (CP) and this is a requirement of the EU Directive.
• Current out of programme trainees must ensure that an annual review and renewal of OOP form is completed and submitted along with the relevant report prior to the ARCP. For further information about the OOP process see the GMC website.