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Appraisal questions and answers - NHS consultants

Who undertakes consultant appraisal?

In most cases, it will be the appropriate Clinical Director. The appraiser must be able to cover clinical aspects and matters relating to service delivery. In circumstances where the Clinical Director is not on the medical register, the Medical Director should conduct the appraisal or select a suitable lead consultant or other appropriate consultant to do so.

What if a consultant does not like his/her appraiser? Does the doctor have a choice in who appraises him or her?

Where there is recognised incompatibility between the proposed appraiser and appraisee, the Chief Executive will be responsible for nominating a suitable alternative.

How long does a consultant appraisal last?

The actual times are obviously likely to differ according to each individual taking part in appraisal. For appraisal to be effective, sufficient time should be set aside for preparation and the discussion.

Is appraisal in addition to what consultants already do for CPD?

Key development objectives for the following year and subsequent years should be set in the PDP. These objectives may cover any aspect of the appraisal such as personal development needs, training goals and organisational issues, CME and CPD. CPD activities are what will result from the appraisal discussion and resulting PDP. Thus, CPD will not be in addition to appraisal, it will be an outcome from it.