The Foundation Programme has been fully operational since August 2005 when it became mandatory for all graduates from UK medical schools to demonstrate competence across the Foundation Curriculum on completion of a two year Foundation Programme. This is a requirement for all doctors before specialty training can begin.

The Foundation Programme is an outcome-based educational process.

It has defined competences to be achieved and a defined process of assessment with defined assessment tools.

It has a dedicated website: www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk. The Foundation Programme website provides a wealth of information about foundation training and what trainees should expect throughout their training.  There is information about recruitment, assessments, learning portfolios and resources to help trainees with the future career choices.

The NHS Foundation e-portfolio is available on www.nhseportfolio.org.uk. The Trusts will arrange log-in details for trainees and their supervisors.