Attendance requirements and what happens if you cannot attend

What this article is about
This article explains how attendance is managed for events and training days, and what to do if you cannot attend.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who are expected, required or invited to attend an event or regional training day.

What you need to know

• Attendance requirements vary by event, specialty and programme.
• Some events may be mandatory or strongly recommended.
• Attendance may be recorded at the event.
• Certificates of attendance are usually issued only to people recorded as having attended.
• If you cannot attend, you should cancel your booking and tell the relevant programme or employer contact if required.
• For virtual events, attendance may be checked through the event platform or registration record.

What to do

1. Check whether the event is mandatory, expected or optional.
2. If you cannot attend, cancel your booking as early as possible.
3. Tell your Training Programme Director, educational supervisor or employer if attendance was required.
4. Keep a record of any explanation or alternative arrangement agreed.
5. Do not request a certificate of attendance if you did not attend.

If this does not work
If you believe your attendance has not been recorded correctly, raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal and include the event name, date and evidence of attendance if available.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for attendance record queries.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Checking attendance records for events administered by HET.
• Updating attendance status where there is clear evidence and the event organiser agrees.
• Issuing certificates where attendance is confirmed and certificates are part of the event process.

HET cannot help with

• Marking you as attended if you did not attend.
• Approving non-attendance for mandatory training.
• Deciding whether non-attendance affects your programme progression.
• Approving study leave or rota release.

Related articles

• Certificates of attendance and how to request a copy
• Changing or cancelling your event or training day booking
• Regional training days: what they are and who should attend

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026