We congratulate Kennedy & Belgamwar ^{Reference Hopson1} for adding to the evidence base for the beneficial effects of work experience placements (WEPs) for secondary school pupils on stigma and recruitment, the two major problems facing psychiatry.

We searched the websites of all 54 mental health trusts (MHTs) in England and Wales for information regarding WEPs in clinical settings for 16- to 18-year-olds; only 11 mentioned WEPs. Of those, two confirmed that WEP was not available and one offered WEPs only in non-clinical areas. We then contacted all the 54 MHTs under the Freedom of Information Act and inquired whether they offered WEPs in clinical settings to 16- to 18-year-olds. (The National Research Ethics Service confirmed that this study did not need ethical approval.) Twenty-five MHTs either did not respond to our inquiry or did not offer WEPs. Among the 29 MHTs that offer WEPs, 9 offer placements only in non-clinical areas. Responses of 12 MHTs were ambiguous, for example they would offer WEPs on an ad hoc basis, on a limited basis, possibly not frontline, in low-risk areas, etc. Only 8 MHTs offer WEPs in clinical areas for sixth-form pupils aged 16-18 years.

Our findings suggest that the WEPs in psychiatry, the key initiative to solve the twin problems of stigma and recruitment, are not working. Sixth-formers often struggle to get WEPs in psychiatry. Most MHTs websites often offer little or no information on WEPs. On the other hand, many mental health professionals state that they are keen to offer WEPs, but have no guidance. The few students who do manage to get WEPs in psychiatry do so because ‘they know someone who knows someone’. Many consultants offer informal WEPs on their own initiative and at their own risk because their employer MHTs does not have the relevant policies.

We urge the College to develop a policy template for MHTs for WEPs for pupils, and to support MHTs to improve access to clinical WEPs, ensuring that information is readily available online.