Understanding IDT offers and vacancies

What this article is about
This article explains how vacancies and conditional offers work in the IDT process.

Who this is for
Doctors in training who have applied for an IDT or are waiting to hear whether a transfer can be offered.

What you need to know

• IDT offers depend on the availability of a suitable funded training post in the receiving region.
• A funded post and training number do not automatically move with the trainee.
• Regional teams declare whether suitable vacancies are available.
• A conditional offer is not the same as a final confirmed placement.
• If you receive a conditional offer, you must respond within the deadline stated in the offer.
• After accepted conditional offers are processed, transfer information is shared with the relevant regional teams.
• Local teams should not confirm placement details until the appropriate transfer information has been received.

What to do

1. Wait for the national IDT team to contact you about the outcome.
2. If you receive a conditional offer, read it carefully.
3. Accept or decline within the deadline provided.
4. Wait for the receiving region to contact you after transfer information is issued.
5. Discuss start date and placement details with the receiving region once contacted.

If this does not work
If there is no suitable vacancy, you may not receive an offer even if you are eligible. You may be placed on a waiting list if this applies within that application window.

Who to contact
Use the IDT query route on the PGMDE Support Portal for questions about the national offer process.

What HET can and cannot help with
HET can help with

• Confirming local placement details after transfer information is received.
• Contacting incoming trainees within the local process.
• Liaising with specialty teams and training programme contacts.

HET cannot help with

• Guaranteeing a vacancy.
• Making an offer outside the national process.
• Confirming a placement before transfer information has been issued.
• Allowing a trainee to defer an agreed transfer date outside the process.

Related articles

• IDT timelines: windows, deadlines and when you will hear back
• What happens after an IDT is approved
• Reasons an IDT application may be declined

Last reviewed
 Last reviewed: 19 June 2026