The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and maintaining high standards of medical practice in the United Kingdom. As a medical professional, you are required to undergo regular appraisal and revalidation processes in order to maintain your registration with the GMC. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of what you need to know about GMC appraisal and revalidation.
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is a formal process of assessment and feedback that helps you to reflect on your practice and identify areas for development. The purpose of an appraisal is to:
- Ensure that you are delivering safe and effective care to your patients
- Identify areas for improvement in your practice
- Encourage you to engage with ongoing professional development
- Facilitate the revalidation process by providing evidence of your fitness to practice
What is revalidation?
Revalidation is the process by which the GMC assesses your fitness to practice as a medical professional, based on your engagement in ongoing professional development and your ability to meet the standards set out in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice guidance. The revalidation process is designed to ensure that all registered medical professionals continue to meet the required standards throughout their careers.
What is the difference between appraisal and revalidation?
An appraisal is a formal process of assessment and feedback that helps you to reflect on your practice and identify areas for development. Revalidation is the process by which the GMC assesses your fitness to practice as a medical professional, based on your engagement in ongoing professional development and your ability to meet the standards set out in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice guidance. Appraisal is a key component of the revalidation process, as it provides evidence of your fitness to practice.
What is the process for appraisal and revalidation?
The process for appraisal and revalidation involves several steps, including:
- Appraisal: You will need to undergo a formal appraisal process each year, which will involve a discussion with your appraiser about your practice and ongoing professional development. Your appraiser will provide you with feedback and agree on a personal development plan (PDP) with you.
- Collection of supporting information: You will need to collect supporting information throughout the year to demonstrate that you are meeting the required standards of practice. This may include patient feedback, colleagues’ feedback, and evidence of your engagement in ongoing professional development.
- Submission of a reflective portfolio: You will need to submit a reflective portfolio at the end of each appraisal cycle, which should include your personal development plan, supporting information, and reflections on your practice.
- Revalidation: Every five years, you will need to undergo a formal revalidation process. This will involve an assessment of your fitness to practice based on your appraisal records and reflective portfolio.
