Requesting a local swap or change to your placement

What this article is about
This article explains how to request a local placement swap or change after rotation information has been issued.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training who want to request a change to an allocated placement.

What you need to know

• Placement changes after publication should be exceptional.
• A change may affect Trust work schedules, contracts, onboarding, rota planning and compliance with the 12-week Code of Practice deadline.
• A formal change process may be required where the change affects the trainee, grade, WTE, specialty, start date or end date.
• Requests close to the rotation date may need senior review and may not be approved.
• Changes within six weeks of the rotation date are exceptional and may require Postgraduate Dean approval.
• A swap or change is not guaranteed, even where both trainees agree.
• Training requirements, programme needs, available posts and employer impact must be considered.

What to do

1. Discuss your request with your Training Programme Director or programme team before making arrangements.
2. Do not agree a swap informally without programme approval.
3. Explain why the change is being requested and what placement is affected.
4. Provide evidence or approval details if the request relates to LTFT, OOP, special circumstances, health, caring responsibilities or another formal process.
5. Wait for confirmation before changing your plans.
6. Contact your employer separately if contract, rota or onboarding arrangements may be affected.
7. Keep a copy of any confirmed decision.

If this does not work
If the request is declined, ask for the reason and whether any alternative options can be considered. If you believe relevant circumstances were not considered, follow the appropriate query or complaint route.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for placement change queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or programme team for specialty approval and training needs discussions.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Advising whether a placement change process is required.
• Checking HET-held placement records.
• Supporting approved changes to training records.
• Directing requests to the correct specialty, programme or senior approval route.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing approval for a placement swap or change.
• Approving changes without specialty or senior approval where required.
• Managing employer rota, contract, pay or HR changes.
• Accepting informal swaps that have not been approved through the correct process.

Related articles

• How the matching process works for rotations
• How special circumstances applications affect placements and rotations
• Who to contact about rotation or placement problems

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026