Mandatory rotations during the 2026/27 foundation pharmacist training programme are being delayed, with full implementation of the scheme now not anticipated until 2027/28. 

Multi-sector rotations involve at least 13 weeks of training in a different area of pharmacy practice to the one the trainee is based in.

Following publication of the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Standards for Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists (2021), NHS England mandated that multi-sector rotations would be required for all trainees starting in the 2026/27 training year.

However, finding sufficient places to satisfy the requirements of such training schemes has proved challenging, which is tacitly acknowledged in a letter from England’s chief pharmacist David Webb and Samantha Illingworth, director of education quality and reform, sent out earlier this month.

“We acknowledge the work pharmacy employers have invested in developing their training programmes for 2025/26, including securing access to prescribing learning environments and designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs). In 2025/26, multi-sector rotational programmes developed by employers will be available for approximately 50 per cent of trainees entering training,” the letter says.

It goes on to mention feedback from employers and workforce leads and “insights into the barriers and challenges” they have encountered.

“We are also mindful of the current pressures faced by pharmacy teams and the broader healthcare sector. To support pharmacy teams in continuing to deliver high quality training, mandatory rotations will be delayed, and a phased approach will be implemented,” the letter continues.

Employers intending to host a trainee pharmacist in 2026/27 must still register their programme(s) in the National Recruitment Scheme (Oriel) by early March 2025. Currently, all programmes are expected to include a multi-sector rotation.

Although NHS England says it remains “fully committed” to implementing multi-sector rotations for all trainees, “some areas may require a phased approach, with full implementation anticipated by the 2027/28 cohort”.

The goal remains that by March 2025, the employer national recruitment deadline, most programmes will be developed to include multi-sector rotations, the letter continues.

However, single sector programmes submitted to the National Recruitment Scheme will still be eligible for the 2026/27 recruitment cycle. Only from March 2026 onwards will single-sector programmes no longer be accepted for training programmes starting in 2027.