University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) is one of the leading hospitals in the West Midlands striving to deliver training to all its doctors and health care professionals. The Foundation Programme (FP) is a two-year, work-based programme and is the next step following graduation from Medical School.
UHB offer Foundation training rotations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (BHH) and Good Hope Hospital (GHH) sites. The rotations consist of a variety of specialties including surgical, medical and community posts over the 2-year training period.
Foundation Training Programme Directors are Consultants appointed to support the education, training and support of Foundation trainees within each of our hospital sites.
At UHB we have dedicated Postgraduate Medical Education teams that are on hand to provide support and guide trainees through their Foundation training whilst at the Trust.
Supervision
Every Foundation Doctor will be assigned an Educational Supervisor for that academic period and for each placement you will be assigned a Clinical Supervisor. Both will be there to help and guide you on your journey as a Foundation Doctor.
Induction to the Foundation Training Programme
We provide a detailed induction programme prior to commencement which includes key critical information, practical training sessions, and training on UHB systems. Shadowing of current Foundation Year 1 trainees is provided as part of the induction on the wards.
So that you get the opportunity to meet with your colleagues, build relationships and feel part of the UHB family we organise a fun evening out at the beginning of each academic year, which usually involves a trip around Birmingham Central Canals.
Horus e-portfolio
Foundation trainees will be given access to Horus e-portfolio, which is the portfolio used for recording evidence of Foundation training and competencies.
Training will be provided at induction for Foundation Year 1 trainees.
The Postgraduate team are on hand to support additional training, or any queries around the Horus e-portfolio system.
Foundation Trainee Representative Opportunities
UHB appoint Foundation Trainee Representatives to support the Trust with the Foundation Programme. The representatives are the voice of the trainees and link in regularly with the Foundation Training Programme Directors and NHSE Foundation School. The Postgraduate teams will email trainees directly with details of how to apply.
Support Programmes
BUDI
UHB provide the West Midlands BUDI (Bridging Undergraduate to Doctor Initiative) programme for Foundation Year 1 (FY1) trainees. FY1 trainees are matched to a Foundation Year 2 (FY2) trainee that has completed similar rotations prior to joining the Trust in July.
FY2 trainees are offered the opportunity to attend a ‘Coaching and Mentoring’ training session to support them with their BUDI support role. There is a manual, and support chart available to trainees to refer to.
UHB have BUDI Families whereby a group of FY1 trainees are matched to a group of FY2 trainees encouraged to provide support to one another particularly around rotations.
UHB appoint BUDI Leads at both the QEH, BHH and GHH sites to support the programme and ensure this runs smoothly.
Peer to peer
UHB provide trainees that start the Trust on offsite rotations (Psychiatry, GP etc) with peer-to-peer support when they join one the of Trust sites from a trainee of the same grade and in the same specialty – co-ordinated by the Postgraduate teams.
Wellbeing
At each of our hospital sites there are wellbeing hubs and rest facilities. UHB have Resident Doctor Welfare Officers that are on hand to provide support. Please see the Moodle platform for further information.
Less Than Full Time
UHB support trainees wishing to train less than full time (LTFT). There is a process trainees have to follow online via NHSE by way of application. The Foundation Training Programme Directors provide support and guidance around what training changes working less than full time will bring.
Prescribing Safety Assessment Examination (PSA)
Trainees that have either not passed or not taken the PSA examination NHSE will arrange for resits to take place in September, March and April. To support trainees UHB provide mock PSA examinations periodically using the BPSA platform, provide PSA teaching by our Clinical Teaching Fellows, and provide trainees with support from our Pharmacy departments.
Foundation Teaching
We provide face to face core teaching on alternate Tuesday afternoons covering the UKFPO curriculum UK Foundation Programme at the QEH and BHH hospital sites.
UHB support Foundation Year 2 trainees with career progression by scheduling MSRA teaching after our core teaching delivered by our Clinical Teaching Fellows.
Clinical Teaching Fellows
Our Clinical Teaching Fellows support elements of our Foundation Programme at UHB and provide support at key points of the year to trainees.
UHB provide Foundation trainees with a voice at regular Resident Doctor Forums.
Foundation Study Leave Entitlements
UHB follows the study leave policies produced by NHSE and UKFPO. Please see the link to the NHSE West Midlands website for further information.
Information is also available on the Trust Moodle platform.
Taster opportunities
As part of your study leave you can complete a short taster of up to 5 days in a specialty of your choice at UHB. Further guidance is available on the Trust Moodle platform.
Simulation
UHB provides all Foundation trainees with a full day of simulation and an additional half day progressive simulation. The simulation days are matched to the UKFPO Curriculum. Please see the Trust Moodle platform for further details and look out for emails from your Postgraduate team.
IRCP (Interim Review of Competency Progression) and ARCP (Annual Review of Competency Progression)
Foundation Training Programme Directors, Clinical Tutors and the Postgraduate teams meet with Foundation trainees at the midpoint of the training year (IRCP) for a review of progression, discussion around wellbeing and career development. IRCP requirements will be forwarded well in advance of panels following requirements set out by the UKFPO and NHSE West Midlands.
Foundation Training Programme Directors, Clinical Tutors and the Postgraduate teams have ARCP panels at the end of academic year to review the Horus portfolio contents and assess completion of training.
Careers
Foundation Year 3 opportunities
UHB have FY3 opportunities as a Locally Employed Doctor available to those trainees wanting to experience additional specialties and are not quite ready to apply for further training. Please check the Moodle platform for further information.
Careers events
UHB provide Careers events twice a year at both the QEH and BHH hospital sites. Speakers from most of the different training programmes will provide hints and tips into the recruitment processes. In addition, there will be stands available for a number of different specialties within the Trust and consultants and trainees will be on hand to ask any queries.
Events
We hold numerous Events throughout the Year such as Celebration of Leadership, Christmas Buffets, Postgraduate Showcase Events and Careers.
Last reviewed: 09 May 2025