🩺 Medical Appraisal & Revalidation

Medical Appraisal & Revalidation:
The Ultimate Guide for UK Doctors

Ensure your medical career remains on track with a seamless annual appraisal and successful GMC revalidation.

What is a Medical Appraisal?

A medical appraisal is a protected, annual meeting between a doctor and a trained appraiser. It is a process of facilitated self-review designed to help you reflect on your practice, identify learning needs, and demonstrate that you are up to date and fit to practice. Beyond a regulatory requirement, it is a powerful tool for professional development and career progression.


Why Medical Appraisal Matters for Your Revalidation

Medical revalidation is the process by which the GMC confirms that you are fit to practice medicine in the UK. It typically occurs every five years. The outcome of your annual appraisals is the primary evidence used by your Responsible Officer (RO) to make a revalidation recommendation to the GMC.

Key Objectives

  • Reflect on individual performance and clinical skills.
  • Identify learning opportunities and new aspirations.
  • Ensure compliance with the GMC's Good Medical Practice.
  • Enhance patient safety and high-quality care.

The Three Stages of the Appraisal Process

1

Inputs into Appraisal

You compile a portfolio of supporting information covering your full scope of work. This includes personal details, a record of your roles, and mandatory supporting evidence.

2

The Confidential Discussion

A one-to-one meeting (usually 1.5 to 2 hours) with a trained appraiser. This is a supportive, non-judgmental dialogue where your evidence is reviewed, and your performance is discussed.

3

Outputs of Appraisal

The meeting concludes with an agreed Personal Development Plan (PDP), a written summary of the discussion, and the appraiser's statements to the RO.


The 6 Pillars of Supporting Information

To meet GMC requirements, your appraisal portfolio must include six specific types of supporting information:

PILLAR 1
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Evidence of learning, such as conferences, training, or research.
PILLAR 2
Quality Improvement Activity (QIA)
Clinical audits, case reviews, or service evaluations.
PILLAR 3
Significant Events
Reflections on serious incidents or significant events in your practice.
PILLAR 4
Feedback from Patients
Insights from those you provide services to.
PILLAR 5
Feedback from Colleagues
Multi-source feedback (MSF) or 360-degree surveys.
PILLAR 6
Compliments and Complaints
A record of all formal feedback received.

Specialised Support for Independent & Locum Doctors

Doctors working in the independent sector or as locums often face unique challenges in the appraisal process.

Independent Practitioners

Organisations like the Independent Doctors Federation (IDrF) offer dedicated appraisal services using the L2P platform and independent sector-specific training for appraisers.

Locum Doctors

For those not in substantive posts, appraisal ensures your standards align with NHS requirements and assists in re-licensing. Locums should collect End of Placement Assessment Reports (EoPAR) to provide feedback on their performance across different settings.


Appraisal Pricing

Quiet account holders get exclusive discounts on all appraisal services.

📋
Standalone Appraisal
Annual appraisal with a trained appraiser. Includes PDP and appraiser summary.
£599
Quiet Pro: £449 · Advanced: £299
🏛️
Designated Body Connection
Link to a Designated Body so your Responsible Officer can make a revalidation recommendation.
£2000
Quiet Pro: £1800 · Advanced: £1500
Save up to £800 with a Quiet account
Pro saves £150–£200. Advanced saves £300–£500. Free to join.
Create free account →

Why Join Quiet?

Free to join. Here's what you get on top of appraisal discounts:

📂
Compliance Vault
Store your GMC certificate, DBS, Right to Work and all compliance documents in one secure place.
🔗
One-click sharing
Share your full compliance pack with any agency in seconds — no more email attachments.
🏥
Agency matching
Get matched with top UK medical recruitment agencies actively looking for doctors in your specialty.
🔔
Instant alerts
Be notified the moment an agency requests to connect with you.
💰
Appraisal discounts
Pro members save up to £500. Advanced members save up to £800 on appraisal and designated body services.
🛡️
Verified profile
Get your GMC registration verified so agencies trust your credentials immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need an appraisal?
Appraisals are an annual requirement for all licensed doctors in the UK.
Can I choose my own appraiser?
Generally, you cannot choose your appraiser; they are assigned by your Responsible Officer to ensure impartiality. However, you may express a preference for someone with relevant specialty experience.
How do I prepare for my appraisal?
Start early by maintaining a continuous portfolio. Reflect on your achievements and challenges from the past year, review your previous PDP, and prepare your evidence across the four domains of Good Medical Practice.
What is a Designated Body?
A Designated Body (DB) is the organisation responsible for your revalidation. For locum and independent doctors who are not employed by an NHS trust, you need to be connected to an appropriate DB. We can help facilitate this connection.

Request Appraisal Support

Fill in your details below and our revalidation team will be in touch within 1 working day.

💡

Have a Quiet account? Sign in to apply your member discount and have your details pre-filled.

We'll contact you within 1 working day to confirm your appointment.

Doctor Appraisal FAQs

Everything UK doctors need to know about GMC appraisals and revalidation.

What is a doctor appraisal?+

A doctor appraisal is an annual structured conversation required by the GMC for revalidation. It allows doctors to reflect on their clinical practice, review their Supporting Information, and demonstrate they remain up to date and fit to practise. All licensed doctors in the UK must complete a GMC-compliant appraisal every year.

Who needs a doctor appraisal in the UK?+

All licensed doctors in the UK who hold a licence to practise with the GMC must complete an annual appraisal. This includes GPs, consultants, specialty registrars, locum doctors, and doctors working in private practice. Failure to appraise can lead to loss of revalidation.

Can locum doctors have an appraisal with Quiet Medical?+

Yes — Quiet Medical specialises in appraisals for locum doctors. Locum and portfolio doctors often find appraisal more complex as they may lack a single responsible officer. We help you gather your Supporting Information and connect you with the right appraiser for your situation.

How much does a doctor appraisal cost?+

Standard appraisals start at £599. Quiet Medical Pro members pay £449 and Advanced members pay only £299. Designated body support is also available from £1,500 for Advanced members. Join free to see your discounted rate.

Is the appraisal GMC compliant?+

Yes. Every appraisal conducted through Quiet Medical follows GMC revalidation guidelines. We use the full Supporting Information framework — including CPD, quality improvement, significant events, feedback, and colleague/patient feedback — as required for GMC revalidation.

How long does a doctor appraisal take?+

Preparation typically takes 3–5 hours and the appraisal meeting itself 2–3 hours. Quiet Medical's compliance passport helps you store and organise your Supporting Evidence throughout the year, so your next appraisal is much faster.

What is a designated body appraisal?+

A designated body is the organisation responsible for your revalidation recommendation to the GMC — typically your NHS trust, health board, or a designated body for locum and independent doctors. Quiet Medical can provide designated body support for doctors who do not have an employer-based responsible officer.

How do I book a doctor appraisal with Quiet Medical?+

Complete the booking form above with your name, GMC number, specialty, and grade. We will match you with an approved appraiser and confirm your appointment, usually within the same week.

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