Trainee information
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)
There are 3 elements to mandatory shadowing and Induction:
The F1 training year starts on the first Wednesday in August of each year.
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
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.
NHS Tayside | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Grampian | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Highland for F1s starting in Raigmore Hospital |
Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Highland for F1s starting in Belford Hospital, Caithness General Hospital, Lorn & Island Hospital |
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
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NHS Orkney | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Shetland | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Western Isles | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Borders | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Fife | Tuesday, 29 July 2025 |
NHS Lothian | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Ayrshire and Arran | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Dumfries and Galloway | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Forth Valley | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
NHS Lanarkshire | Monday, 28 July 2025 |
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.
This page was last updated on: 28.08.2025 at 13.00