COVID-19: information for trainees
This page contains the latest guidance and advice about how COVID-19 may impact trainees. We will update the documents and links on this page when we issue, or are made aware of, any updates.
The College would like to remind trainees that they should consider their clinical competencies and capabilities carefully if they are required to be redeployed by their Trust. They should also ensure that there are appropriate local support systems in place in the case of redeployment. A position statement from the Academy Trainee Doctors' Group is below and further guidance is available on the COVID-19 resources hub.
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 2022
All current trainees not starting their specialty training in August/September 2021 will remain on their current curriculum until after the spring 2022 ARCPs. Information on the webinars regarding the new curriculum and transitional arrangements can be found on the individual specialty 2021 curriculum pages.
College guidance and advice
-
Cellular Pathology ARCP Guidance April 2021
ARCP Guidance for the Cellular Pathology training specialties during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held in 2021.
April 2021
-
Histopathology Stage A Examination Derogation Guidance
Histopathology Stage A examination derogation guidance for the 2021 ARCPs.
April 2021
-
Histopathology Stage A examination derogation - AOP Form April 2021
Histopathology Assessment of Performance Form for use in the 2021 ARCPs.
April 2021
-
Chemical Pathology ARCP Guidance April 2021
ARCP Guidance for Chemical Pathology and Chemical Pathology (Metabolic Medicine) during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held in 2021.
April 2021
-
Infection ARCP Guidance ARCP 2021
ARCP Guidance for the Infection training specialties during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held in 2021.
April 2021
-
RCPath Amended ARCP Outcome Form
Amended RCPath ARCP outcome form, including outcomes 10.1 and 10.2.
RCPath May 2020
-
Cellular Pathology ARCP Guidance May 2020
ARCP Guidance for the Cellular Pathology training specialties during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held between May and August 2020.
The Royal College of Pathologists May 2020
-
Chemical Pathology ARCP Guidance May 2020
ARCP Guidance for Chemical Pathology and Chemical Pathology (Metabolic Medicine) during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held between May and August 2020.
The Royal College of Pathologists May 2020
-
Infection Training ARCP Guidance May 2020
ARCP Guidance for the Infection training specialties during the Covid-19 Outbreak for ARCPs held between May and August 2020.
The Royal College of Pathologists May 2020
-
Initial RCPath guidance for trainees related to Covid-19
Initial guidance for trainees related to Covid-19 in a joint letter from the Clinical Directors of Examinations, Training & Assessment and the Chair of the Trainees' Advisory Committee.
Sanjiv Manek, Nicki Cohen & Matthew Clarke March 2020
-
Examination deferrals due to COVID-19 – FAQs
The Examinations department has received a number of queries with regard to the decision to defer exams – this page covers the most frequently asked questions.
March 2020
Other guidance and advice
Training and exams
-
Training Recovery Support
Information and resources to assist with training recovery, including support for one-to-one discussions.
Health Education England May 2021
-
Temporary approval of curricula derogation to support ARCPs where training has been disrupted by COVID-19
This summarises the current guidance that explains the role of the GMC in approving postgraduate curricula, the normal approach to making ARCP decisions, and the updated advice during the pandemic issued in recent letters from the four Statutory Education Bodies.
General Medical Council April 2021
-
Supporting doctors throughout the second COVID-19 wave
A letter setting out the support available during the second wave of Covid-19
Multiple organisations November 2020
-
Academy statement on professional exams and compulsory training
Read the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges statement about the importance of continuing examinations and compulsory training during the current period, while observing any compulsory guidelines.
October 2020
-
ARCPs during Covid-19 Pandemic: Specific specialty advice for Medical Specialties
ARCP guidance and specialty specific advice from the JRCPTB for the ARCPs during the Covid-19 pandemic (including haematology and immunology).
Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board May 2020
-
ARCP decision aid for JRCPTB specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic
ARCP decision aid for JRCPTB specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic, including haematology and immunology
Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board May 2020
-
Supporting the COVID-19 Response: Enabling Progression at ARCP
To enable as many trainees to progress to the next stage in their training as possible, a number of changes have been introduced for ARCPs which are scheduled to take place before August 2020.
Four nations May 2020
-
Coding for ARCPs
This document provides the codes for ARCP panels to use. It should be read in conjunction with Supporting the COVID - 19 Response: Enabling Progression at ARCP published by the Statutory Education Bodies (SEBs) of the four nations (Northern Ireland Medical & Dental Training Agency, Health Education & Improvement Wales, NHS Education for Scotland and Health Education England).
Four nations May 2020
-
Reinstating training post-Covid
To maintain the essential pipeline of trained medical staff, resumption of training must be given full support and a very high priority as services are planned and reintroduced.
Four Nations and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges June 2020
-
Derogation to Gold Guide 8: 4.91 in response to COVID pandemic and impact on trainee progression assessments (ARCP)
Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMeD) April 2020
-
Gold Guide 8th edition
The eighth edition of A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK (also known as the Gold Guide) sets out the arrangements agreed by the four UK health departments for specialty training programmes.
Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMeD) April 2020
-
Trainee progression in August 2020 and beyond
Trainee progression in August 2020 and beyond; a letter from the four nations
Four nations May 2020
-
Contingency Planning for ARCPs - Covid-19 Outbreak
Guidance from the four nations outlining plans for the upcoming ARCPs between May and July, in the light of Covid-19.
Four nations March 2020
-
Update for trainee doctors regarding COVID-19 – A statement from the Academy Trainee Doctors’ Group
The Academy Trainee Doctors’ Group (ATDG) is a forum for trainee representatives of all Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties to come together and be a cohesive voice for training doctors.
Academy Trainee Doctors' Group
-
Joint statement about exams for doctors in training
A joint statement from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, COPMeD and the GMC outlining advice for trainees about cancelled or deferred College examinations.
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, COPMeD and GMC March 2020
-
GMC Information for Trainees
Guiding principles from the GMC about training in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic
General Medical Council March 2020
-
HSST Trainee Information
Information for HSST trainees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
National School of Healthcare Science March 2020
Health and wellbeing support
-
Wellbeing support services for doctors and medical students
The BMA carried out a survey of services throughout the UK that support the wellbeing of doctors and medical students. This document outlines the results. The services listed are only available to medics.
British Medical Association March 2021
-
BMA Mental wellbeing checklist
The BMA Mental wellbeing charter sets out practical actions employers can take to develop a wellbeing strategy and build a supportive culture. This new checklist has been developed in recognition of the exacerbating effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on doctors’ mental health and wellbeing. It is designed to help doctors on the ground by providing them with specific ‘asks’ to help secure improvements and implement. positive change locally
British Medical Association March 2021
-
COVID-19 - Mental health & wellbeing for healthcare professionals
The COVID-19 outbreak is having a significant impact on all of us and has affected the way in which we work and live our lives. For many doctors and healthcare professionals this may be a time of increased pressure and stress. It is quite normal to experience feelings of distress in the current situation and it is important to recognise that this is not a reflection on your ability to do your job or to cope. It is important during this time that you take time to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing, recognising that it is more difficult to provide outstanding care for others when you are not adequately cared for yourself.
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges March 2020
-
Support for doctors
Find a range of organisations, services and websites which can offer help and support for doctors.
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges March 2020
-
COVID fatigue for healthcare workers
Covid fatigue is taking an enormous toll on healthcare workers. Whatever our situation as healthcare professionals—good pacing, refreshment, and support will be key to surviving the long road ahead.
Clare Gerada and Caroline Walker May 2020
-
NHS Practitioner Health
Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists across England with mental illness and addiction problems, who are working or looking to return to clinical practice. The service can help with issues relating to a mental health concern, including stress or depression or an addiction problem, in particular where these might affect work. The service is provided by health professionals specialising in mental health support to doctors and is available in various locations across England.
NHS May 2020
-
Doctors in Distress
A charity created to raise awareness about the value of medical professionals health and well-being and the need to care for those that care for us.
Doctors in Distress May 2020
Redeployment
-
Covid-19: Staff redeployment
BMA guidance giving an overview of redeployment for employed doctors, including giving your consent, training, terms and conditions, raising concerns and wellbeing.
British Medical Association November 2020
-
Plans regarding trainee redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic
A position statement from the Academy Trainee Doctors’ Group
Academy Trainee Doctors' Group March 2020
-
Redeploying your secondary care medical workforce safely
This guidance supports trusts to safely redeploy their secondary care medical workforce during the COVID-19 outbreak. It sets out the level of supervision staff may need if they are redeployed, to ensure they still work within their competency.
NHS England and NHS Improvement
-
Statement of expectation: Medical student volunteers in the NHS
Guidelines for NHS Trusts, medical schools and medical students relating to medical student volunteering, developed with input from HEE and the GMC.
Medical Schools Council March 2020
Regional guidance
-
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Information for trainees
Up-to-date guidance and information for trainees in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Health Education England March 2020
-
NIMDTA Covid-19 information and guidance
This page contains information about the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency work to consider the impact of COVID-19 on medical education and training and to mitigate it.
NIMDTA March 2020
-
Scotland Deanery COVID-19 information and guidance
This page contains information about Scotland Deanery's work to consider the impact of COVID-19 on medical education and training and to mitigate it.
Scotland Deanery