How the matching process works for rotations

What this article is about
This article explains, in general terms, how trainees are matched to placements within a rotation.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who want to understand how placement matching works, and Trust colleagues supporting rotation planning.

What you need to know

• Matching is part of rotation planning and is normally managed by the relevant specialty or programme team.
• Training Programme Directors plan placements in line with curriculum requirements, training needs, available posts and programme requirements.
• Placements must be suitable for the trainee’s programme and training level.
• Personal circumstances, reasonable adjustments and approved training arrangements may be considered where relevant and where the process allows.
• Less Than Full Time arrangements, Out of Programme dates, statutory leave, ARCP outcomes, special circumstances, IDT and return to training needs may affect matching.
• The matching process does not guarantee a preferred Trust, site, rota or location.
• Some forecast information may change before the final 12-week notification point.

What to do

1. Keep your training intentions and circumstances up to date with your programme team.
2. Make sure approved LTFT, OOP, special circumstances or adjustment information has been submitted through the correct process.
3. Discuss training needs with your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor if required.
4. Wait for formal placement notification before making firm plans.
5. Raise a query if your confirmed placement appears inconsistent with an approved training arrangement.
6. Contact your employer separately for rota, contract, pay or onboarding queries.

If this does not work
If you believe an approved arrangement has not been considered, raise a query through the PGMDE Support Portal  and include the relevant approval, placement details and why you believe it has not been applied.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for rotation and placement queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor for training needs discussions. Contact your employer for rota and contract queries.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Checking HET-held training and placement records.
• Confirming whether approved information is recorded.
• Directing queries to the specialty, programme or rotation team.
• Supporting corrections where the recorded data is wrong.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing a preferred placement, Trust, site or rota.
• Overriding curriculum or programme requirements.
• Making employer rota, contract or pay decisions.
• Confirming a placement before it has been formally agreed.

Related articles

• How rotations are allocated and when you will be notified
• Requesting a local swap or change to your placement
• Special circumstances: eligibility criteria and how to apply

Last reviewed
Last reviewed: 19 June 2026