Exception reporting resources

This section brings together resources we have developed to support employers to implement the reforms to exception reporting. Deadline 4 February 26.

Information on the exception reporting reforms for doctors and dentists on the 2016 Terms and Conditions of Service (England).

This letter was sent to the service (PDF) on 21 January requesting that the new exception reporting process is fully implemented by 4 February 2026.

Version 13 Doctors and dentists in training TCS of the doctors and dentists in training terms and conditions include the exception reporting reforms.

Role-specific guidance

Guidance

Lead employer guidance for exception reporting

Guidance for lead employers regarding exception reporting reforms.

19 December 2025

Guidance

Exception reporting guidance for directors of medical education

Guidance for DMEs on their roles and responsibilities in supporting the exception reporting processes for resident doctors.

18 December 2025

Guidance

Exception reporting guidance for HR and medical staffing

This guidance is for HR and medical staffing and covers their role and responsibilities in the exception reporting process.

18 December 2025

An office worker using multiple screens.

Guidance

HR clarification of additional hours worked exception reports

This guidance details what HR does when an exception report relating to additional hours worked has missing information and inconsistencies.

18 December 2025

ESR guidance for exception reporting

The 2016 TCS Schedule 5 paragraph 18 states that guardians of safe working hours (or their deputies) should cross-validate test exception reports. ESR has provided instructions for pulling a report of possible eligible residents, depending on what is agreed locally. Employers can use this resource to pull reports directly from ESR to capture new starters.

Guidance

Protections against experiencing detriment due to exception reporting

This guidance provides examples of what form detriment can take if it has a direct link to exception reporting.

18 December 2025

Guardian of safe working hours specific resources

Guidance

Exception reporting: key changes for guardians of safe working hours

This guidance provides an overview of the key changes in the new exception reporting process for guardians of safe working hours.

18 December 2025

Guidance

Handling, use and sharing of exception reporting data

This guidance outlines when identifiable and non-identifiable information may be used, staff access rights, and the required safeguards.

18 December 2025

Guidance

Fines guidance for exception reporting

Guidance outlining the changes to existing GOSWH fines in Version 13 of the 2016 TCS and includes two new fines introduced for exception reporting.

26 January 2026

Guidance

Management of TOIL related to exception reporting

This guidance supports employers to manage and process TOIL requests made as a compensation outcome for an exception report.

26 January 2026

Guidance

Protections against experiencing detriment due to exception reporting

This guidance provides examples of what form detriment can take if it has a direct link to exception reporting.

18 December 2025

Overview of roles and responsibilities for exception reporting

This resource provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities for those involved in delivering the exception reporting reforms and associated processes for the HR/medical staffing function.

Access the checklist

Software and e-rostering

Technical specification for software suppliers

This technical specification outlines the functional requirements for an
exception reporting system for eligible doctors and dentists in England.

Article

Exception reporting reform and live rostering solutions

How the exception reporting reforms should be implemented where live rostering solutions operate.

27 January 2026

2016 contract and resources

2016 TCS version 13

Terms and Conditions of Service for NHS Doctors and
Dentists in Training (England) 2016 Version 13. Effective 4 February 2026.

Exception reporting records of amends

Record of amends for pay circular 4/2025.

Pay and conditions circulars for medical and dental staff

The page has all the pay and condition circulars for medical and dental staff from 2005 to date.

Exception reporting reform FAQs

Answers to questions about changes to exception reporting arrangements from 4 February 2026. These changes apply to England only.

Case Study: NHS Humber Health Partnership

Read the steps this trust has taken in advance to prepare for the exception reporting reforms.

Read the case study