FoLSM: Religious observance on clinical or practice placements for PSRB Programmes

Clinical and practice placements take place in busy settings, so it’s important to discuss your religious commitments and any support you may need as early as possible.

Before or at the start of your placement:

• consider speaking to your Personal Tutor about your religious commitments and asking for initial advice

• tell your placement team about any religious commitments as early as possible, ideally at the start of the academic year or placement

• complete your programme’s Placement Support Form to outline your needs

• discuss any arrangements with your supervisor or Practice Educator during your induction.

Important to know: It may not be possible to accommodate every request in every placement setting. Discussing your needs early will help you and your placement team understand what arrangements may be possible.

If you need to pray during the day, discuss this with your supervisor early in your placement so you can agree how this will work.

Most placement sites have a multifaith prayer space. If your placement doesn’t have one, the local undergraduate team or your Practice Educator may be able to help you identify a suitable quiet space

You may need time away from your placement to observe a religious festival or holy day, for example to attend a religious service.

You can request a specific day or part of a day for religious observance. Give your placement team as much notice as possible so they can consider your request and plan accordingly

Important to know: Time away from your placement for travel, for example on the day before or after a religious festival or holy day, isn’t normally available.

If you’re fasting, you may feel more tired during the day or want to adjust your break times so you can break your fast at the appropriate time.

Where possible, discuss this with your placement team in advance.

You may have specific dietary requirements because of your religion or belief.

The food available to buy will vary between placement sites, including the availability of options such as halal or kosher food.

Your local undergraduate team or Practice Educator may be able to signpost you to suitable shops and restaurants. Ask them if you’re unsure what’s available.

You may need to plan ahead or bring your own food.

You may wear religious dress or follow modesty requirements. Some flexibility may be possible when you’re not providing direct patient care.

Where there are practical requirements relating to personal protective equipment (PPE) or fit testing, your placement may be able to provide alternative options.

Raise your requirements as early as possible so your placement team can discuss the available options with you.

Reasonable adjustments may include taking short breaks for prayer.

Where possible, agree any arrangements with your placement or teaching team at the start of your placement.

Important to know: You’ll still be expected to meet all clinical or practice learning requirements, including working with and examining a wide range of patients.

If your placement provider offers accommodation, you may want to ask about:

• single-gender accommodation

• shared kitchen arrangements.

Discuss your requirements with your placement provider in advance where possible.

Supporting religious observance on placement relies on early communication and open discussion between you and your placement team.

This includes:

• sharing your requirements as early as possible

• discussing what arrangements are workable in the clinical or practice setting

• making arrangements to catch up on any learning you miss, where needed.

If you experience difficulties, feel your needs aren’t being met, or experience or witness discriminatory, inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour, support is available.

You can:

• use Report + Support to report inappropriate behaviour and find information about support

• speak to your Personal Tutor, Educational Supervisor, Practice Educator or Link Tutor

• contact the FoLSM Student Support Team

• use the FoLSM Raising Concerns process on KEATS or find out more about raising concerns in the Faculty

• speak to the King’s Chaplaincy or Chaplaincy support available at your placement.

The King’s Chaplaincy supports students of all faiths and none. Support includes:

• pastoral support

• access to prayer and quiet spaces

• multifaith events and guidance.

For more information about the University’s approach to religion and belief, read the King’s Religion and Belief Policy.