Enhanced support for trainees new to the programme

At the conclusion of national recruitment, the Deanery receives information via Oriel regarding incoming Resident doctors who are International medical graduates (IMGs) and those who hold a CREST form (further detail)

This information enables the Deanery, via Training Programme Directors (TPDs), to arrange proactive discussions with Resident doctor who may benefit from additional support and early educational planning discussions.

TPDs will receive information about IMGs joining their programme as soon as possible following release of the data from Oriel. This initial information is limited but is designed to ensure TPDs can plan rotations with an aim of being supportive to IMGs. It is not possible at this point to check each individual’s records to ascertain if they have worked or trained in Scotland previously. Where the doctor has indicated their previous experience via the Oriel application system this will be provided.

In addition to rotation planning considerations, TPDs will be asked to contact Resident doctors who are IMGs, particularly where they have indicated they have little or no previous experience in the UK. Should you find it helpful some suggested wording for this email, prepared by the NES APGD for International Medical Graduates, can be obtained by replying to the email address your list was sent from.

TPDs will also receive details of Resident doctors joining their programme who have attached a CREST form to their application. Those with CREST forms need not be contacted but TPDs should be aware of the potential that they may require support if issues are identified upon commencement of training.

TPDs will be expected to arrange individual conversations with Resident doctors who are IMGs, and have little previous experience in the UK, about their needs.  TPDs may delegate this to local Educational Supervisors (ES). The following isa guide as to what these conversations should achieve:

  1. The aim is to have individualised support plans
  2. Requirement for conversations and any action plans to be recorded in portfolio with follow up arranged if necessary
  3. ES to be notified of any support needs (if they did not hold the discussion with the Resident doctor)
  4. TPD/ES to be asked to advise DME of any support needs especially if departmental requirements are necessary
  5. Document in portfolio all follow up meetings

For most Resident doctors, local departmental and educational supervisor support will be all that is required. However, for a minority more specific support options will be needed. This should be formally requested through the Trainee Development and Wellbeing service.

DMEs will also be advised of the details of Resident doctors coming to their Health Board who are IMGs or who hold a CREST form. DMEs will receive information later than TPDs as rotation information had to be input to Turas to allow lists to be prepared by Board. DMEs will be advised that we have requested that the TPD liaise with the Resident doctor. 

For IMGs the Deanery will also undertake a range of supportive actions:

  1. The deanery will invite them to a pre-induction webinar and a Welcoming IMGs new to Scotland (WINS) event.
  2. They will be invited to join the IMG Facebook group.
  3. They will be offered a buddy from the list of doctors who have offered to provide support to IMGs.
  4. Health Board IMG lists will be shared with DMEs to enable them to implement the Softer Landing, Safer Care initiative.

Information for the trainers of IMGs can be found here.

Concern over Foundation competence in a new core/specialty trainee

If you have concerns about the Foundation competence of a core or specialty trainee recently recruited to your programme please click here for further guidance.

This page was last updated on: 04.12.2025 at 10.33