Regional training days: what they are and who should attend

What this article is about
This article explains what regional training days are, who they are for, and how they support postgraduate training.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who are required or invited to attend regional training days, and Trust colleagues supporting attendance.

What you need to know

• Regional training days are organised learning events linked to a specialty, school or training programme.
• They may include teaching, induction, curriculum-related learning, conference-style sessions or other programme-approved training.
• Training days are usually arranged by the relevant school, specialty, Training Programme Director, Head of School, trainee representatives or other approved organisers.
• Attendance expectations may vary by specialty or training programme.
• Trainees should check whether attendance is required, recommended or optional.
• Regional training days may need to be considered alongside study leave requirements, local rota arrangements and service commitments.

What to do

1. Check communications from your school, specialty or programme team.
2. Confirm whether the event applies to your specialty, grade or training level.
3. Book onto the event using the booking route provided.
4. Discuss study leave or rota release with your employer where required.
5. Attend the event and follow any joining instructions issued by the organiser.

If this does not work
If you are unsure whether you should attend, check with your Training Programme Director, educational supervisor or programme team before booking.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal if you have a query about an event or regional training day.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Supporting event booking arrangements where HET is administering the event.
• Providing attendance lists and event administration where agreed with the organiser.
• Issuing or supporting certificates of attendance where this is part of the event process.
• Directing queries to the correct school or specialty team.

HET cannot help with

• Deciding whether an event is mandatory for your individual training programme unless this has been confirmed by the school or specialty.
• Approving study leave or rota release.
• Guaranteeing a place where an event is full or restricted to a defined audience.
• Providing clinical or curriculum advice outside the event organiser’s remit.

Related articles

• How to book onto an event or regional training day
• Attendance requirements and what happens if you cannot attend
• How events and regional training days link to study leave

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026