NHS England has announced a phased implementation for mandatory multi-sector rotations in the Foundation Pharmacist Training Programme, delaying the full rollout to the 2027/28 training year.
Under the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Standards for Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists (2021), multi-sector rotations - where trainees spend at least 13 weeks in a different pharmacy setting- were initially planned for all trainees starting in 2026/27. These rotations are designed to enhance pharmacists’ adaptability, multi-professional collaboration, and ability to deliver person-centred care across healthcare systems.
Acknowledging significant progress from pharmacy employers in developing these programmes, NHS England cited current workforce pressures as a key reason for introducing a phased approach.
“We are mindful of the current pressures faced by pharmacy teams and the broader healthcare sector and greatly appreciate your continued commitment to delivering high-quality training. To support pharmacy teams in continuing to deliver high quality training, mandatory rotations will be delayed, and a phased approach will be implemented,” David Webb, chief pharmaceutical officer for England and Samantha Illingworth, director of education quality and reform at NHS England, wrote in a letter to training programme providers.
For the 2026/27 recruitment cycle, programmes featuring single-sector rotations will remain eligible, though employers must submit these by March 2025 via the National Recruitment Scheme (Oriel). From March 2026, only multi-sector programmes will be accepted for the 2027/28 cohort.
Currently, approximately 50 per cent of trainees entering the 2025/26 training year will have access to multi-sector rotations.
Webb and Illingworth said NHS England remains committed to achieving full implementation and has encouraged training providers to seek regional support in developing programmes.
For more information, pharmacy employers are advised to consult their pharmacy workforce lead or their NHS England Workforce, Training and Education pharmacy team.
Sukhi Basra