Scope of practice, probity and health statements for appraisal

Alongside the six types of supporting information, the GMC asks for further information for revalidation. This guide sets out what it says about describing your practice and making your probity and health statements.

In terms of supporting information, the GMC says you must:

• read, understand and meet its requirements for the sources, types and frequency of supporting information;
• make sure your supporting information and any other evidence for your whole practice appraisal is honest, accurate and comprehensive; and
• take part in annual appraisals that cover your whole practice, which means collecting, reflecting on and discussing supporting information.

You do not need to formally structure your appraisal around Good medical practice or map your information against it, though you or your appraiser may find it useful.

The GMC says your appraisal portfolio must include:

• your personal details, including your GMC reference number;
• details of the organisations and locations where you have worked since your last appraisal, and the roles or posts you held;
• a comprehensive description of the scope and nature of your practice;
• a record of your appraisals, including confirming whether you are in any revalidation non-engagement, licence withdrawal or appeal process; and
• your personal development plans and their reviews.

For locums and doctors with several roles, this is where you list every placement, setting and role, including private and non-clinical work. See locum doctor appraisal and revalidation for doctors in private practice.

You make a statement about probity as part of your revalidation. The GMC says your appraisal is an opportunity to review and reflect on any probity matters you want to discuss with your appraiser, including:

• your legal obligation to have appropriate and adequate insurance or indemnity; and
• your professional duty to declare and manage any conflicts of interest appropriately.

The GMC describes probity as being at the heart of medical professionalism: being honest and trustworthy and acting with integrity. It says that not providing honest and accurate information required for revalidation raises a question about your probity. Good medical practice says you must make sure any information you communicate is accurate, not false or misleading, you must not deliberately leave out relevant information, and you must not minimise or trivialise risks of harm.

You also make a health statement. The GMC says it is important to reflect on whether anything about your own health and wellbeing needs discussing with your appraiser, including whether you have appropriate support in place to protect yourself and your patients. Good medical practice gives guidance on managing your health and wellbeing.

1. List every organisation, location and role since your last appraisal.
2. Write a short, honest description of the scope and nature of your practice.
3. Check your indemnity or insurance is current and covers all your work.
4. Note any conflicts of interest you need to declare.
5. Think about whether there is anything about your health you want to discuss.

See our revalidation checklist and how online appraisals work.

GMC, Guidance on supporting information for revalidation.