Observation Placement

Observation placements provide an opportunity for applicants to experience general practice before undertaking any assessments or commencing the programme pathways.

They can help applicants prepare for any assessments, or assist with decisions about whether to pursue a career in general practice in England.

Applicants may request an observation placement at any point before commencing a supervised clinical placement on the programme. 

Applicants must be fully registered for the programme before an observation placement can be arranged.

Observation placements can be for a maximum of four weeks. There is no minimum length. 

GPs undertaking an observation placement can claim expenses of up £160 per day to cover accommodation, subsistence and local travel.

If you would like to request the opportunity to undertake an observation placement, please contact us via [email protected] or your local NHS England team.

Supporting information 

Host Practices receive a small payment of £500 to support the cost of their time, up to a maximum of £2,000 for four weeks. To claim, download the invoice template and fill out the necessary information. Then return the form to your local GP Return to Practice (RtP) or International Induction Programme (IIP) team.