Returning to training after a period of leave or absence

What this article is about
This article explains what to do when returning to training after leave, sickness absence, OOP, parental leave or another period away.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training returning after time away from training.

What you need to know

• Return to training should be planned as early as possible.
• Your employer may have a return-to-work, occupational health, HR or rota process.
• Your programme team may need to review training needs, supervision, ARCP timing, placement dates or CCT date.
• SuppoRTT may support return planning and follow-up.
• You may need a phased return, enhanced supervision, shadowing, simulation, refresher training, adjustments or other support depending on your circumstances.
• You should not assume your placement, rota or return date is confirmed until the relevant teams confirm this.
• Your training record should be updated to reflect your return.

What to do

1. Confirm your expected return date with your employer.
2. Tell your Training Programme Director, educational supervisor or programme team.
3. Complete the SuppoRTT Pre-Return form if required.
4. Contact your employer about rota, HR, occupational health or return-to-work requirements.
5. Agree a return plan with your educational supervisor or Training Programme Director where needed.
6. Check whether ARCP, placement dates or CCT date need review.
7. Raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal if your training record needs updating.
8. Complete follow-up arrangements after return if required.

If this does not work
If your return date, placement or support plan is unclear, raise a query as soon as possible. If there is an urgent health, safety or safeguarding concern, use the relevant urgent route.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for return-to-training and training record queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor for training support. Contact your employer for return-to-work, occupational health, HR, rota, pay and contract queries.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Supporting return-to-training queries where HET is responsible.
• Updating training records where return information is confirmed.
• Directing you to SuppoRTT or programme support.
• Liaising with programme teams where training arrangements may need review.

HET cannot help with

• Approving employer return-to-work arrangements.
• Providing occupational health, clinical or emergency support.
• Guaranteeing a specific placement, rota or working pattern.
• Managing pay, contract, HR or sickness absence processes.

Related articles

• Supported Return to Training: which forms to complete and when
• Reporting absence from training and who you must inform
• How statutory leave affects your training, rotations and CCT date

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026