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TDWS Support & Reasonable Adjustments

 

Accessing TDWS support

You do not need a formal diagnosis. Support is based on individual need and the impact on training, in line with national COPMeD guidance

Many doctors:

  • Do not have a diagnosis

  • Have not considered whether they might be neurodivergent

  • Are waiting for, or unable to access diagnostic assessment

Doctors who already have a formal diagnosis may still need training‑specific support, as postgraduate medical training presents unique challenges.

What TDWS can offer:

  • Workplace needs assessments

  • Workplace strategy coaching

  • Guidance on reasonable adjustments (workplace and training)

  • Guidance on reasonable adjustments for Royal College examinations

  • External support and signposting, including Access to Work

  • Formal dyslexia assessment (where screening indicates this)

TDWS does not:

  • Make diagnoses

  • Refer for diagnostic assessments (except dyslexia if progress in training is being affected)

  • Provide NHS referrals

  • Advise on, or organise medication

 

Support pathways

Support arrangements vary by employer and health board.  If you are unsure who employs you, check your payslip or contract.

Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS)

PSDS employs some resident doctors and has a dedicated disability lead.  With your permission, TDWS can share your details with the disability lead.

If you are not employed by PSDS

As a first step, you may wish to:

  • Speak to your Educational supervisor or Service Manager

  • Contact Occupational Health

  • Access your health board's Disability Support Network

If support is difficult to access, escalation routes include:

  • Programme Director (TPD/FPD)

  • Clinical Director

  • Director of Medical Education (DME)

 

Reasonable adjustments at work

Reasonable adjustments are changes that reduce or remove workplace disadvantage related to a disability.  This is a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010

Who can access reasonable adjustments

You may be entitled to seek reasonable adjustments if you have a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term effect on daily activities.  This includes:

  • Long-term physical or mental health conditions

  • Neurodivergent conditions (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism)

  • Fluctuating or hidden conditions

You can seek confidential advice if you are unsure.

 How adjustments can help

Adjustments can apply to clinical work, training and exams, helping doctors work and learn on an equal footing.  Common examples include:

  • LTFT training or adjusted hours

  • Extra exam time

  • Quiet workspaces

  • Assistive technology

  • Written instructions or checklists

  • Alternative learning formats

  • Regular check-ins or mentoring

  • Adjusted workload( where reasonable)

Further Guidance:  NHS Scotland Guide to Reasonable Adjustments

 

Reasonable adjustments in Royal College examinations 

If you are seeking reasonable adjustments for Royal College examinations, a formal diagnosis is usually required. We recommend you contact your specialty exam college at an early stage to discuss your needs and the evidence you may be asked to provide for an application for reasonable adjustments. Some key guidance and examples are given below:

Managing access arrangements for candidates requesting adjustments in high-stakes assessments  

Principles_for_nullification_and_number_of_attempts_1123.pdf 

Principles_for_exam_preparation_to_address_awarding_-gap_0923.pdf 

Reasonable adjustments in MRCGP examinations 

 

 

 

This page was last updated on: 21.07.2026 at 10.15