Update on Foundation Programme over-subscription
Published: 15/09/2010
The UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) announced last week that the number of potential applicants to the Foundation Programme from UK medical schools and from other countries has increased. This may result in the Foundation Programme beginning in 2011 being over-subscribed.
A recent media report has incorrectly attributed this increase in eligibility applications to the NHS recruitment campaigns abroad. The UKFPO and the Department of Health can confirm that there has never been an overseas recruitment drive for the Foundation Programme. The press were referring to a campaign to fill junior doctor roles in specialty training where there were shortages.
Additionally, there has been inaccurate speculation that hundreds of medical students will be unemployed in August 2011. There is no evidence for this speculation. Professor Derek Gallen, National Director of the UKFPO said:
“It is likely that a number of medical students will not be allocated to foundation schools until very late in the process, as vacancies arise. However, we expect the vast majority of eligible Foundation Programme applicants to be placed in a Foundation Programme.”
All applicants must prove that they are eligible to apply before the application period begins in October. UK medical schools do this on behalf of their students. Applicants from medical schools outside the UK must submit documentation to the UKFPO Eligibility Office. If all the eligibility criteria are met, they are able to submit an application form. However, their application will not be considered unless they comply with all of the eligibility requirements. For example, applicants who have been out of medical school more than a year will have to pass an assessment of their clinical skills in November. Other applicants must submit proof of their immigration status and information about booking PLAB by late November. If these requirements are not met, these applicants will not be matched to foundation schools in December.
In accordance with employment law, all eligible applicants regardless of their country of origin must be treated equally during the recruitment process. Applicants who do not have the right to work in this country will only be placed if there are not enough eligible UK and EEA applicants to fill the vacancies.
The actual number of applicants will not be known for sure until the end of November, and further details of the contingency management plan will be published at the time. The UKFPO, the four UK health departments, the BMA and Medical Schools Council are continuing to work together to ensure all medical students are supported through the process.
