There have been a number of recent changes in training and education in psychiatry in the UK in the last decade. A new regulator has emerged called the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB), which is independent of government and has responsibility for the standards and quality assurance of all postgraduate education, training and assessment in medicine and dentistry. In April 2010 this body will merge with the General Medical Council, which has the regulatory powers for registration, keeping the specialist register and approving medical school curricula. There will be the addition of another year called Foundation year 2, where trainees learn more generic skills prior to choosing their specialty training. After completion of the Foundation Programme, trainees will enter a specialist training programme leading directly to the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Entry to the programme will be competitive, but subject to satisfactory progress, no other further competition will be needed before the completion of training. These changes have a serious impact on selection, recruitment and retention of trainees. Comparisons with other European countries will be discussed, along with the potential advantages of educational networks.