Who to contact for OOP, Acting Up and SuppoRTT queries

What this article is about
This article explains where to raise queries about OOP, acting up and SuppoRTT.

Who this is for
Doctors and dentists in training, Trust colleagues, programme teams and others involved in OOP, acting up or return to training support.

What you need to know

• The correct contact depends on whether the query relates to OOP, acting up, return to training support, employment, visa sponsorship, training approval or placement planning.
• HET can usually help with process, records and routing queries.
• Training Programme Directors and educational supervisors advise on training suitability and curriculum issues.
• Employers manage contracts, pay, rota, HR, occupational health and local return to work processes.
• College, Faculty or GMC requirements may apply where time is intended to count towards training.
• Visa or sponsorship issues must be raised through the correct sponsorship route.
• Queries should include enough information for the team to identify the case.

What to do
When raising a query, include your full name, professional registration number if applicable, specialty or programme, training level, current placement, OOP, acting up or return to training dates, type of request such as OOPT, OOPE, OOPR, OOPC, OOPP, acting up or SuppoRTT, whether the time is intended to count towards training, whether you hold a Skilled Worker or Tier 2 visa, any relevant approval, application reference or support form number, and a clear summary of your query.

If this does not work
If your query is sent to the wrong route, it may be redirected. If you have a query reference, include it when following up.

Who to contact
Use the PGMDE Support Portal for HET OOP, acting up and SuppoRTT queries. Contact your Training Programme Director or educational supervisor for training suitability discussions. Contact your employer for HR, contract, pay, rota, occupational health and return to work processes.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Routing OOP, acting up and SuppoRTT queries.
• Checking HET-held training records.
• Confirming administrative requirements and deadlines.
• Recording approved arrangements where appropriate.
• Directing queries to sponsorship, College, Faculty, GMC or employer routes where needed.

HET cannot help with

• Providing immigration, legal, financial or employment advice.
• Guaranteeing approval of OOP, acting up or a return placement.
• Managing employer contracts, pay, rota, HR or occupational health.
• Replacing urgent health, safety or wellbeing support routes.

Related articles

• Out of Programme (OOP): overview of types and key rules
• Acting up as a consultant: eligibility and how to apply
• SuppoRTT: Pre-Return form – planning your return to training

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026