To recruit via Oriel, and employ a foundation trainee pharmacist, employers must register each year during the registration window which runs from early January until 1 March. You will need to provide programme specific information and agree to meet the Terms of Participation.
Please read this information available below before signing up to the scheme via our online form. NOTE: The online registration form is only available during the registration window.
2025-26 Foundation Training Year
Employers have now been informed whether their programmes have been filled and should now get in touch with applicants to confirm employment contract information.
More information is available via the FAQs below to support you with accessing application forms.
2026-27 Foundation Training Year
Registration for employers opens each year in early January and closes on 1 March.
Once you have registered, regional leads review the programme information submitted to ensure it complies with NHS England's statutory responsibilities.
If any programme information requires amendment, a representative will be in touch, via email, with employers during March and April. However the quality and detail of the programme information (for example typos, information length etc) remains the responsibility of the employer. NHS England will not be reviewing this on behalf of employers.
Employer details and programme information will be available on the Oriel platform from early June for prospective applicants to view.
More information is available via the FAQs below to support you with finding your programme information
Frequently Asked Question
How do I view programme information on Oriel?
Following your registration onto the National Recruitment scheme, your programme information will be live on the Oriel system from early June for you to view.
Please access the document for the step by step guide.
How do I view programme information via an excel spreadsheet?
The Pharmacy Employers and Programme Information spreadsheet below list all the employer programmes which were advertised in 2024 for the 2025-26 intake. These include details on hours and salary stipulated to support drawing up employment contracts.
What happens if I miss the deadline for submitting my programme details?
Unfortunately we have to work to strict deadlines and are not able to accept late submissions. The process opens each year in early January and closes on the 1 March.
I cannot find the appropriate Location (sector) within the options given, what can I do?
The location (sectors) listed are agreed nationally and are fixed. Please select the location (sector) that best fits your location.
What happens if I am unable to facilitate the foundation training year places due to branch closure/loss of an designated supervisor?
In this instance you would need to inform your Regional Pharmacy Leads as soon as possible, contact details can be found below.
How do I log into Oriel to review my applications?
The Oriel system is an open access website which means that anyone can view what is on there. However when you need to access applicant information, you will need to use the secure site which is https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/ and will require your log in details. If you do not have log in details please get in touch with the Recruitment Team directly.
Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship
As an employer you can choose to offer a programme that provides Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship which is subject to the correct licence being in place and a salary and weekly working hours meeting the required threshold.
For visa related information please visit the Home Office website via the link below.
Most applicants requiring Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship will have a Tier 4 student visa and be looking to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa for their foundation training year.
What are the changes required for the 2025-26 training year?
We have prepared resources for employers to get ready for the changes which will be implemented for the foundation training year 2025-26. The main presentation and summary will provide you with the key information you need to prepare now.
You can also watch a narrated presentation and narrated summary on YouTube channel.
Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists (IETP) Reform Programme Update.
You will find links below to webpages to NHS England activity related to the reforms of the IETP. We recommend that you read the information provided and bookmark these pages for future viewing as information on them will be periodically updated. From these pages you can navigate to others that are related to foundation pharmacist training. We also recommend you sign up to Pharmacy News to receive updates on the IETP reforms.
Employer Contact Us
Region
East of England
North East & Yorkshire
North West
South East
South West