The primary aim of NHS appraisal is to identify personal and professional development needs. This exercise is different for consultants, non-consultant career grade doctors, and GPs.
Appraisal is based on the GMC's document Good Medical Practice (General Medical Council, 2001), which describes the principles of good medical practice, and standards of competence, care and conduct expected of doctors in all aspects of their professional work.
Appraisal for GPs was has been in place since April 2002. The guidance and forms available on this page are still current, but will be subject to revision following the Chief Officers’ Review of validation.
This guidance enables a systematic approach to the collection and presentation of information for appraisal. It is to be used in annual appraisals and is also a tool for GMC revalidation.
Joint appraisal for academic clinical consultants began in the round for 2002-2003. The process aims to ensure that they are appraised for both clinical and teaching activities, and that the two areas are considered together. This allows professional development plans to be made in the most efficient way.
All doctors should be appraised in accordance with clinical governance. Employers must ensure that this appraisal process is completed as a contractual requirement by all Consultants in Public Health Medicine and doctors employed on local terms and conditions of service.
Information, letters and documents on the appraisal framework for non-consultant career grade doctors (NCCGs).
All doctors are required to undergo regular appraisal. Appraisal for doctors in training is conducted through the framework document.
Following discussions between the UK Health Departments, the BMA, GMC and the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service, an appraisal scheme for NHS doctors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with practising privileges at independent hospitals is now available.
This section contains a series of articles written by doctors for doctors, providing practical advice on undertaking appraisal.
On-line appraisal toolkits are available for use by GPs, consultants and staff and associate specialist grade doctors in the NHS.
Information and guidance (in many instances more specific to the different clinical specialties) on appraisal and revalidation are available from the Medical Royal Colleges, the BMA and other medical faculties and organisations. This section provides you with the necessary links for quick and easy access to the information provided by these groups.