Reporting absence from training and who you must inform

What this article is about
This article explains who you need to inform when you are absent from training.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who are absent from work or training due to sickness, statutory leave, emergency leave, compassionate leave or another approved reason.

What you need to know

• You must follow your employer’s absence reporting process for work-related absence.
• You should also inform your training programme where absence affects training, ARCP, placement, revalidation or CCT date.
• Your Training Programme Director, educational supervisor or programme team may need to know if absence affects your training progress.
• HET may need to update your training record where absence is significant or affects training dates.
• Absence information may be relevant to Form R, ARCP and revalidation.
• You should provide accurate dates and update the relevant teams if your absence changes.
• Do not send unnecessary sensitive information.

What to do

1. Report absence to your employer using their local absence reporting process.
2. Tell your educational supervisor or Training Programme Director where absence affects training.
3. Raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal if the absence needs to be recorded by HET.
4. Include your full name, professional registration number, specialty, placement, absence start date and expected return date.
5. Provide updates if your absence is extended or your return date changes.
6. Complete Form R and ARCP declarations accurately when required.
7. Consider SuppoRTT if you will be away from training for a significant period.

If this does not work
If you are unsure whether HET needs to be informed, raise a brief query through the PGMDE Support Portal and explain the absence dates and training impact.

Who to contact
Contact your employer for sickness absence, emergency leave, pay, contract, HR and occupational health matters. Use the PGMDE Support Portal for HET training record, ARCP, revalidation or CCT date queries.

What HET can and cannot help with

HET can help with

• Recording relevant absence in HET-held training records.
• Advising whether ARCP, revalidation, CCT date or placement records may need review.
• Directing you to SuppoRTT or programme support where appropriate.
• Liaising with programme teams where training arrangements are affected.

HET cannot help with

• Approving employer absence or leave.
• Managing sick pay, contracts, rota or HR decisions.
• Providing clinical, occupational health, legal, immigration or financial advice.
• Replacing employer absence reporting processes.

Related articles

• Applying for statutory leave
• Returning to training after a period of leave or absence
• Submitting your Form R for ARCP

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026