Getting ready for foundation training from 2025/26

Please refer to the resources below for key updates on the changes that will be implemented for the 2025 foundation training year. These include details of:

• how all training posts must be entered into, and recruited through, the National Recruitment Scheme (Oriel) website
• an overview of key timelines and deadlines for using the National Recruitment Scheme (Oriel) system
• the planned requirements for training sites relating to designated prescribing practitioners and access to a prescribing learning environment
• multi-sector rotations, and when they will become compulsory in the foundation training year

Useful resources

If you are planning to recruit a foundation trainee pharmacist for 2025/26 (2024 intake), please refer to the resources below:

• this main presentation (PowerPoint only, 2.72MB) will give you the facts you need to prepare now
• watch a video tutorial on submitting 2025/26 foundation pharmacist programmes for the national recruitment scheme
• find out more in prescribing supervision and assessment in the foundation trainee pharmacist programme from 2025/26 (PDF only, 368KB) 
• find out more about NHS England requirements for training sites in NHS England foundation trainee pharmacist programme: Training site requirements (PDF only, 256KB)

Timeline of key activities

Time period December 2024, Activity December 2024

• employers notified if trainee allocated to placement via Oriel/NRS and advised to begin contacting them
• employers notified if allocated trainee has graduated against the new learning outcomes (and therefore needs a DPP) or the old learning outcomes/OSPAP course

Time period January 2025 – March 2025, activity January 2025 onwards

• employers to contact allocated foundation trainee pharmacist to complete pre-employment checks and issues employment contracts

Time period April 2025 – June 2025, activity June 2025

• sites with trainee allocated contacted by NHS England and asked to submit details of supervisors (lead designated supervisor / other designated supervisors / DPPs) and completed declarations relating to GPhC and NHS requirements for supervisors
• submission of supervisor details starts process of NHS England e-portfolio access provision

Time period July 2025 – August 2025, activity July 2025

• foundation trainee pharmacists start
• submission of training plan to NHS England via e-portfolio