What is the Foundation Training Year?
The Foundation Training Year (FTY) is a structured post-registration programme for newly qualified pharmacists in the UK. It provides a supportive framework for you to consolidate knowledge gained during your MPharm degree and pre-registration training, while developing essential clinical and professional skills.
During your FTY, you'll work under the supervision of experienced pharmacists, build a comprehensive e-portfolio of evidence, and progress towards eligibility for the GPhC Assessment (formerly known as the Faculty Assessment). Successful completion of the FTY is increasingly seen as best practice for newly qualified pharmacists.
The programme is designed to bridge the gap between registration and independent advanced practice, ensuring you develop confidence and competence across different pharmacy settings.
Key Changes for 2025/26
The 2025/26 Foundation Training Year includes several important updates:
Integrated Prescribing Pathways
Two distinct pathways now exist: Full Learning Outcomes (for those who completed IP during pre-reg) and Interim Learning Outcomes (for those who didn't). This recognizes the integration of prescribing into undergraduate programmes.
Enhanced E-Portfolio Requirements
The digital e-portfolio is now the primary evidence platform, replacing paper-based systems. It includes structured templates for reflections, case studies, and supervisor meetings.
Dual Supervision Model
Full pathway trainees work with both a Designated Supervisor (DS) and Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) to support clinical and prescribing development.
Multi-Sector Preparation
From 2026/27, 13 weeks of multi-sector experience becomes mandatory. The 2025/26 cohort should prepare for this change.
The Two Pathways
Your pathway depends on whether you completed the Independent Prescribing qualification during your pre-registration training:
| Aspect | Full Learning Outcomes | Interim Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Completed IP during pre-reg | Did not complete IP during pre-reg |
| Supervision | DS + DPP | DS only |
| Prescribing Practice | Active prescribing throughout FTY | Complete IP during or after FTY |
| Learning Outcomes | Full set including prescribing LOs | Core LOs (excluding prescribing) |
| GPhC Assessment | Eligible in final months of FTY | Eligible after completing IP |
| Duration | 52 weeks | 52 weeks |
Both pathways are equally valid and lead to successful completion of the Foundation Training Year. Your choice is determined by your pre-registration training pathway, not by preference.
E-Portfolio Requirements
Your e-portfolio is the central tool for documenting and demonstrating your learning throughout the Foundation Training Year. It serves as evidence of your professional development and competency achievement.
What to Include in Your E-Portfolio
Learning Outcomes Evidence
Document achievement of all required learning outcomes with concrete examples from practice.
Example: Patient counseling sessions, clinical interventions, prescribing decisions
Reflective Practice Entries
Regular structured reflections using models like Gibbs or Kolb.
Minimum: 1-2 reflections per month documenting learning and development
Case Studies and Clinical Examples
Detailed case studies demonstrating clinical reasoning and decision-making.
Include patient presentations, your interventions, and outcomes
CPD Records
Document all continuing professional development activities.
Training courses, reading, webinars, conferences, peer learning
Supervisor Meeting Records
Minutes and action points from regular supervision meetings.
Minimum: Monthly meetings with DS, regular check-ins with DPP if applicable
Feedback and Assessments
Collect feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and patients.
360-degree feedback, peer observations, patient satisfaction
Pro Tip: Update your e-portfolio weekly rather than monthly. It's much easier to document experiences while they're fresh, and you won't forget important learning moments.
Supervisor Requirements (DS and DPP)
Your supervision structure depends on your pathway. Understanding the roles of your supervisors helps you make the most of their support.
Designated Supervisor (DS)
All trainees have a Designated Supervisor who oversees your overall FTY progress:
- Must be a registered pharmacist with at least 2 years post-registration experience
- Conducts monthly supervision meetings to review progress
- Reviews and approves e-portfolio entries
- Provides guidance on professional development and career planning
- Signs off learning outcome achievement
- Supports you through challenges and setbacks
Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP)
If you're on the Full Learning Outcomes pathway, you'll also have a DPP:
- Must be an independent prescriber (pharmacist or other healthcare professional)
- Supervises your prescribing practice and decision-making
- Reviews prescriptions and provides feedback on prescribing rationale
- Supports development of consultation and clinical assessment skills
- May be the same person as your DS if they're an independent prescriber
Making the Most of Supervision
- Come prepared to meetings with specific questions and examples
- Be honest about challenges and areas where you need support
- Take notes during supervision sessions and follow up on action points
- Seek feedback proactively rather than waiting for scheduled reviews
Multi-Sector Rotations
Multi-sector experience is a key component of modern pharmacy training, exposing you to different practice settings and patient populations.
Important: From 2026/27 onwards, all Foundation Training Year trainees must complete at least 13 weeks in a different sector from their main placement. For the 2025/26 cohort, multi-sector experience is strongly encouraged but not yet mandatory.
Benefits of Multi-Sector Experience
- Develop a broader understanding of patient care pathways
- Build transferable skills applicable across settings
- Network with pharmacists in different sectors
- Discover career options and specialties you might pursue
- Strengthen your CV and professional portfolio
Common Rotation Combinations
Community + Hospital
Main placement in community pharmacy with 13-week rotation to hospital setting
Hospital + Primary Care
Hospital-based with rotation to GP practice or PCN
Hospital + Industry
Clinical practice combined with pharmaceutical industry experience
Mixed Rotations
Experience across 3+ sectors during the 52-week programme
Even if multi-sector rotations aren't mandatory for your cohort, consider arranging short placements or shadowing opportunities to broaden your experience.
Timeline & Key Dates
Your Foundation Training Year follows a structured timeline with key checkpoints:
| Timepoint | Activity | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-4 | Induction & Setup | Meet supervisors, access e-portfolio, complete induction |
| Week 4-13 | First Quarter | Initial learning outcomes, regular reflections, first review meeting |
| Week 13 | First Formal Review | Progress review with DS, identify development areas |
| Week 14-26 | Second Quarter | Build on foundations, expand clinical experience |
| Week 26 | Mid-Year Review | Comprehensive progress review, adjust learning plan if needed |
| Week 27-39 | Third Quarter | Advanced practice, increase autonomy, multi-sector rotation |
| Week 39 | Third Review | Assess readiness for completion and GPhC Assessment |
| Week 40-52 | Final Quarter | Complete remaining LOs, finalize portfolio, GPhC Assessment prep |
| Week 52 | Final Sign-Off | DS confirms completion, submit final portfolio for quality assurance |
These checkpoints ensure consistent progress throughout your training year and provide opportunities to address any concerns early.