Aim This study explored formal leadership and management (LM) training available to new Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STEES) and compared it nationally. LM training is a topical field: FY1s feel unprepared for the LM challenges of practice; this contributes to anxiety and burnout, and increased patient safety incidents; and poor LM skills lead to poor patient outcomes. Patient safety, therefore, is at the core of this study.

Methods Since 2016 STEES has incorporated LM training within FY1 Induction/Shadowing. Instigated by a STEES FY2, and in a partnership between STEES’ Education Directorate and a Registered Apprenticeship Training provider, a FY1 LM apprenticeship programme, Foundation Leadership and Management (FLM), was piloted from December 2017. FY1s were surveyed anonymously, but individually tracked, during FLM. Further work is underway, including an additional 5 trusts being surveyed, to ascertain what other FY1 LM programmes are available, and the potential for dissemination and adoption.

Results With regards to self-rated preparedness for LM challenges, the results (n=164) show that: 40% feel prepared; 27% feel their undergraduate curriculum adequately prepared them; and 21% feel confident as a leader and manager. Those enrolled on FLM have shown significant increases in their self-rated scores. Additionally, research so far reveals local initiatives of varying content, delivery, and reach. There is yet to be a standardised, regional or national FY1 LM programme.

Conclusions Our research shows the feasibility of a FY1 leadership apprenticeship as a sustainable programme with positive impact on FY1s’ LM preparedness. LM apprenticeships can be disseminated; two additional trusts adopted FLM in August 2019. Research into FY1 LM programme availability in the UK will offer the potential to change how FY1 LM training is delivered at a national level through the identification and promotion of best practice.