F1 Shadowing and Induction (Mandatory)

All Foundation Doctors are required to attend Shadowing week as part of their induction to training and the workforce.

This time is paid, and attendance is mandatory. The Shadowing period is just prior to the start of your Foundation training and the time ranges from 4-6 days. (see the region list below for 2025 shadowing and induction dates 

What is Shadowing?

• Shadowing is a mandatory time in the hospital/ward/health care setting where you will start your Foundation Year 1 post. You will attend the ward at the time designated by your employing Health Board and will shadow the current F1s. This will allow you to understand the ward processes and learn about the patients.

• The objectives of shadowing are:
  • Learn the ward layout, where you will find cannulas, blood bottles etc
  • Receive training and logins for the IT systems for referrals, note keeping, prescribing, radiology, test ordering etc
  • Undertake mandatory Health Board employee training
  • Learn about the ward rounds, the structure and timings and how the 'to do list' is generated and maintained
  • Understand the handover processes
  • Find the catering facilities, coffee rooms, toilets etc
  • Meet the nursing and AHP teams
  • Meet the current inpatients for a smooth handover on the start date
  • Meet your new F1 colleagues and senior medical colleagues

• Your shadowing activity period may include day shift/late shift/night shift

Is Shadowing Mandatory?

• YES - Shadowing is mandatory
• Please do not make any arrangements to take leave during this time as you will require IT training and mandatory Health Board induction
• If you are going to be absent for any reason you MUST inform your employer and request leave
• Please note this will be disadvantageous to your start and is not acceptable unless for unavoidable situations

Will I be paid?

• YES - You will be paid for attending mandatory Shadowing and induction 

What happens if I am unwell?

• You must contact your supervisor/Medical Education Department/Employing Health Board HR Department
• If you have any questions about Shadowing, please contact your Employing Health Board HR Department and your supervisor

Regional Mandatory Shadowing and Induction dates can be found below. Your local NHS Employer and the Medical Education team will inform you of the dates, location and content.  

There are 3 elements to mandatory shadowing and Induction:

1. NHS Board employee induction
2. NES Foundation Training Programme Induction  - delivered regionally
3. Induction to your first post local workplace environment e.g. wards 

The F1 training year starts on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.  Foundation Doctors must hold provisional GMC registration, completed all onboarding paperwork, hold a visa if required and have a valid PVG at the start of the mandatory Shadowing and Induction period.

For pre employment information please see the Turas Hub

• East
• North
• South East
• West

This page was last updated on: 14.05.2025 at 10.59