RCGP guide to your appraisal - Introduction

Appraisers confirm an appraisal has been completed satisfactorily in different ways across the four nations. This confirmation either takes a narrative form, or the appraiser will confirm a series of statements.  However, typically the appraiser will confirm that: 

1. An appraisal has taken place that reflects the whole of a doctor’s scope of work and addresses the principles and values set out in Good medical practice (2024). 
2. Appropriate supporting information has been presented in accordance with the GMC’s Supporting information for appraisal and revalidation document and this reflects the nature and scope of the doctor’s work. 
3. A review that demonstrates appropriate progress against the previous personal development plan has taken place. 
4. An agreement has been reached with the doctor about a new personal development plan and any associated actions for the coming appraisal period. 
5. No information has been presented or discussed in the appraisal that raises a concern about the doctor’s fitness to practise. 

Medical appraisal is designed to ensure our annual performance meets the behaviours and standards described in Good Medical Practice (GMP), published by the GMC. An update to GMP came into effect on 30 January 2024. Broadly, there is more emphasis on creating a positive culture of mutual support and an openness to acknowledging and learning from mistakes than there was previously. You may be asked about some new themes such as whether you manage resources sustainably and whether you provide remote consultations.

The emphasis on support remains unchanged. This may be apparent to you in the revised Domain 3, “Colleagues, culture and safety” which includes how you maintain your health and wellbeing as this is key to practising safely and effectively.

Additionally, if you are expected to supervise members of the primary care team you should be aware that GMP 2024 emphasises our duty to be sure that we delegate safely. Another new question you may be asked to reflect on is with regards whether you use social media and there is separate GMC guidance for you on doctors using social media.

We strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with GMP 2024 (external PDF), which describes the professional behaviours that you will be expected to demonstrate throughout your career - although you are not going to be tested on your knowledge of this. Your appraiser has been trained to facilitate your reflection on how you meet the updated standards. 

To retain your licence to practise you need to demonstrate your continued competence and professional behaviours through engagement in annual appraisal and the collation of a portfolio of supporting information, which shows that you remain up-to-date and fit to practise. Information from local and regional governance procedures feed into a periodic revalidation recommendation, usually once every five years, alongside the information you supply via your appraisal.

Engaging in appraisal simply provides additional assurance that you practise in a reflective way enabling your RO to make a revalidation recommendation to the GMC.