What happens at a GMC appraisal meeting

An appraisal is a discussion about your whole practice, not an exam. This guide sets out what the GMC says happens, and what happens afterwards.

For doctors without a designated body, the GMC says the appraisal must be a face-to-face discussion, in person or by video link, and not by telephone only. It focuses on Good medical practice, covers your whole scope of practice, and is based on a structured appraisal form on which you and your appraiser provide a summary of the discussion.

• Checks your supporting information. The GMC says your appraiser must see and verify that your supporting information is fit for purpose, and confirm if and why any is missing.
• Discusses it with you. You discuss and reflect on your six types of supporting information. For events and complaints, the GMC says the discussion should focus on those that show your insight and learning or led to a change.
• Understands your work. The appraiser must understand the context, scope and nature of your work.
• Stays independent. The appraiser must not have a conflict of interest with you.
• Refers concerns. The GMC says appraisers must refer doctors to the GMC if they have fitness to practise concerns.

• Describe the whole scope of your practice.
• Discuss your reflections and what you learned or changed.
• Review last year’s PDP and agree the next one. See personal development plan for appraisal.
• Discuss your probity and health statements. See scope of practice, probity and health statements.

The GMC says you and your appraiser agree, and jointly sign, a summary of the appraisal discussion. You agree a new PDP, and your appraiser records any actions arising from your supporting information.

• If you have a responsible officer, your designated body uses your appraisals when your RO makes a revalidation recommendation, usually every five years.
• If you have no responsible officer or suitable person, your appraiser completes the REV12 form, which you upload with your annual return. See REV12 form explained.

The GMC says your appraiser must say which declarations they couldn’t confirm and why, and what was discussed with you. The GMC may then ask for further information.

1. Gather the six types of supporting information. See the revalidation checklist.
2. Write your reflections. See writing reflections for appraisal.
3. Bring last year’s PDP.
4. For an online meeting, check your camera, microphone and connection, and choose a private room. See how online appraisals work.

If it is your first appraisal, see your first GMC appraisal.

GMC, Revalidation requirements for doctors; Guidance on supporting information for revalidation; Guide for appraisers: the appraiser report form (REV12); Appraiser report form (REV12).