The Foundation Programme Reference Guide - Academy of Medical ...

1. Introduction1.1 This document (formerly known as the Foundation Programme OperationalFramework) provides guidance to deaneries and foundation schools about thestructures and systems required to support the delivery of the third edition of theFoundation Programme Curriculum (the Curriculum). First published in 2005, theOperational Framework was revised in 2007 and 2009. The second edition (2010) takesaccount of the changes to the Curriculum and has been renamed the FoundationProgramme Reference Guide (the Reference Guide).1.2 There are four key objectives underpinning the second edition of the Reference Guide:• it applies across the UK;• it sets out what is required to deliver the Curriculum;• it provides guidance for deanery/foundation school quality management; and• where appropriate, it is aligned to the Reference Guide for Postgraduate SpecialtyTraining in the UK (Gold Guide).1.3 Within the Reference Guide, descriptions of the structures and systems required forfoundation training are provided under the most relevant section heading. This meansthat readers may have to consult different sections when considering specific aspects offoundation training.1.4 If deaneries/foundation schools derogate from this guidance; they should justify andpublish their reasons for derogating together with the revised processes.1.5 Ownership of the Reference Guide rests with the four UK health departments.1.6 The next review of the Curriculum and Reference Guide is proposed for 2014/15.1.7 If you would like to comment on the Reference Guide, please write to the UKFoundation Programme Office at enquiries@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk or:UK Foundation Programme OfficeRegus HouseFalcon DriveCardiffCF10 4RUThe UK Foundation Programme: Reference Guide2