1. GP training

1.1 The deanery

• To deliver and manage postgraduate general practice specialty training programmes in accordance with the GMC approved GP Curriculum.
• To manage and supervise a GP registrar's educational progress and the Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP) process.

1.2 The GP registrar

• To act with honesty and integrity as per the Trust and Professionalism domain of the GMC's 'Good Medical Practice'
• To ensure all details of training are correct and accurate on the Portfolio and on ARCP forms throughout training.

1.3 The RCGP

• To develop and publish the GP Curriculum and ensure that it has been completed satisfactorily in reviewing applications and making assured recommendations for CCT to the GMC.
• To support quality management of GP specialty training programmes and the ARCP process.
• To maintain ARCP forms as a lasting and permanent accurate record of training.
• To produce specialty specific guidance within more generically agreed frameworks.

1.4 The GMC

• To approve the GP curriculum.
• To grant GP registration based on the recommendation for CCT by the RCGP.
• To review recommendation for CCT as part of its quality assurance processes.

1.5. Programmes will start after successful completion of the UK Foundation Programme or confirmation of equivalent competence, and subsequent recruitment into a GP specialty training programme. Training in the UK Foundation programme or any equivalent will not contribute to GP specialty training.

1.6. Applications to general practice specialty training must be made in open competition through the nationally approved recruitment process. Entry points are usually in August and February each year.

1.7. Entry to GP training programmes will be at ST1 level for all programmes, except for Broad Based Training where entry is at the start of ST2. GP registrars who wish to apply for Combined Training, must first apply for a place on a general practice specialty training programme. They will enter training at ST1.

1.8. Training duration for a CCT in general practice is three years. Although minimum training time is no longer dictated by legislation, (confirmed by the General Medical Council (GMC) following the UK’s departure from the EU) the programme remains at three years based on the GMC approved curriculum for general practice training (the GP Curriculum).

1.8.1. The Swiss Citizens Rights Agreement (SCRA) was a timebound agreement which came to an end on 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025 GMC has confirmed that they will no longer need to be notified of GP registrars who have not met the EU legislation minimum training duration requirements.

1.9. Programmes should comply with the GMC’s Standards for Medical Education and Training – “Promoting Excellence” and associated guidance and standards on training environments and trainers, as well as the Gold Guide overseen by COPMeD. “Promoting Excellence for General Practice: Application of GMC standards to GP Specialty Training” should also be referenced.

1.10. The GP Curriculum acts as the educational framework for the three-year specialty training programme for doctors who wish to work as GPs in the UK and describes the capabilities and assessments that must be delivered to successfully achieve a CCT.

1.11. Programmes should deliver the learning outcomes of the current training GP curriculum published by the RCGP and approved by the GMC.

1.12. All training leading to a CCT must be approved by the GMC which requires Deaneries to make applications for programme approval and to provide information on how programmes will, in general terms, deliver the GP Curriculum and be compliant with the GMC’s Standards for Medical Education and Training. The RCGP will be asked to endorse any new programme that is proposed by a Deanery.

1.13. Applications for programme approval should come from the Postgraduate Dean and be based on the recommendations of the General Practice Specialist Training Committee (STC) or its equivalent in the Deanery. The GP STC, in common with STCs in other specialties, should be responsible for the identification and development of new programmes and posts in the Deanery.

1.14. Where more than two sessions or one day per week are spent at a training location, that site must have GMC approval if it is to count towards the award of a CCT. This is to ensure that the location meets GMC standards for training. Therefore, if a new post is developed (such as an ITP), and the locations for each element already have approval, no further approval is required.

1.15. Any time spent working remotely as part of an approved structured GP training programme which is linked to an approved learning environment and an associated supervisor, (usually as part of an ITP or BLP) is considered approved training towards a GP training programme.

1.16. If a new location or organisation (for two or more sessions per week), is to be included in a programme, the Deanery should complete the automated process via GMC Connect. The College has no role in this process but may also be asked for support in assessing whether a new training location is in a setting which can provide appropriate supervision and opportunities to meet GP Curriculum requirements.

1.17. Programmes and posts will be in Local Education Providers, quality managed by the Deanery as the Education Organiser. The employer may be different to the post provider, for example where there is a Lead Employer.

1.18. Educational supervision throughout the programme should be provided from general practice. The Educational Supervisor is responsible for producing regular reports on GP registrar progression.

1.19. Each placement within a programme where the GP registrar is not directly supervised by their Educational Supervisor should be overseen by a named and GMC approved Clinical Supervisor.

1.20. Programmes should be managed by a GP Training Programme Director, appointed by the Deanery, working within an educational governance framework as set out by a Postgraduate Dean.