Doctors Appraisals

GMC aligned appraisals that are supportive, structured and straightforward

A common question we hear is: “What exactly does a good appraisal look like?”

A high quality GMC medical appraisal is a professional conversation, backed by supporting information, that helps a doctor demonstrate they are up to date and fit to practise. It should cover the doctor’s full scope of work, not just one role or setting. It should also produce a useful Personal Development Plan that links learning to patient care and professional growth.

Our role is to make that happen smoothly.

With ACI Training & Consultancy, you get:

• A structured annual, whole scope appraisal approach
• Experienced appraisers who understand modern clinical practice
• A streamlined online portfolio process that reduces admin pressure
• A responsive administration team that helps doctors stay on track

Whether you are arranging appraisals for connected doctors or booking an independent doctor appraisal, we keep the process clear and consistent.

Who we support

Designated Bodies and Responsible Officer teams

If you manage medical governance for a Designated Body, you will know how quickly appraisals can become time consuming. Tracking due dates, portfolio progress, exceptions and capacity can take significant effort, especially when doctors work across multiple sites.

We provide appraisal delivery and administration support that helps you:

• Maintain oversight of appraisal progress
• Keep doctors aligned to their due month
• Reduce chasing and last minute escalation
• Strengthen consistency across your appraisal programme

If you need outsourced medical appraisals because internal capacity is stretched, we can help you scale quickly while maintaining quality.

Healthcare agencies and complex care providers

Healthcare agencies often support doctors who work across different organisations, with changing rotas and variable access to local systems. That can make evidence gathering and timely completion harder.

We support agencies by providing a stable appraisal route, helping clinicians stay compliant, confident and ready for placements. If you need an appraisal partner who understands the operational pace of agency work, we make the process simpler for both the doctor and the organisation.

Private hospitals and independent healthcare organisations

Independent providers need governance systems that stand up to scrutiny and support safe care. If you employ or contract doctors, you need a medical appraisal service that is professional, well documented and reliably delivered.

We work with independent healthcare settings to provide appraisals that support quality assurance, safer practice and clear development planning.

Independent doctors, locums and portfolio clinicians

Not every doctor has an easy route to appraisal through an employer. If you are a locum, an independent practitioner, or you work a portfolio career, you may need an independent doctor appraisal to keep your revalidation cycle on track.

We provide a supportive, structured service that helps you organise your evidence, reflect on your practice and complete your appraisal with confidence.

What is included in our doctors revalidation appraisal service

Experienced appraisers

We use qualified, experienced doctors who are licensed to practise in the UK. Your appraisal is delivered professionally, with a focus on reflective learning, patient safety and development. The tone matters. Appraisal should feel constructive, not intimidating.

A streamlined online portfolio process

Good systems reduce stress. We use a modern, user friendly online approach to help doctors compile and manage appraisal information efficiently. This supports consistent documentation and makes it easier to keep everything in one place across the year.

Administration support that takes the pressure off

In many organisations, appraisal delays are caused by admin overload rather than clinical complexity. Our administration team supports doctors through the process with practical guidance and timely reminders.

Support can include:

• Help understanding what is needed and when
• Assistance with navigating the portfolio process
• Practical help with uploading documents where appropriate
• Clear communication by phone and email

We can provide as much or as little support as is required, depending on the doctor’s preference and experience.

Templates and guidance to evidence supporting information

Doctors often ask, “How do I show this properly?” We provide guidance and templates to help doctors evidence supporting information in a clear, structured way. That includes areas such as learning, quality improvement, significant events, feedback and reflection.

Clear oversight for organisations

For Designated Bodies and organisations managing multiple doctors, visibility matters. We can provide regular progress insight so you can see where things are on track and where additional support may be needed.

Appraisals for connected doctors, and independent doctor appraisals

Appraisals for doctors connected to Designated Bodies we support

If your doctors are connected through a Designated Body we represent, we run an organised process designed to support timely completion. We track due dates, support portfolio preparation and help doctors complete their annual whole scope appraisal in the appropriate month.

When circumstances require a delay, we can also provide guidance on deferral routes, so decisions are handled correctly and documented appropriately.

Independent doctor appraisal service

If you are not connected to a Designated Body, you may still need to complete an annual appraisal as part of your revalidation cycle. We offer independent doctor appraisal appointments using the same structured process, delivered by experienced appraisers.

Where appropriate, we can also support with annual submission requirements, including an option for an appraiser to complete the GMC REV 12 submission for you to send to the GMC.

If you are connected to a Designated Body that we do not currently support, we may still be able to help, subject to agreement from your Responsible Officer.

Outsourced medical appraisals for capacity, consistency and governance

If you are asking:

“Can we outsource medical appraisals without disrupting our doctors?”

or

• A healthcare focused team that understands the pressures of clinical work
• A structured process designed to support timely recommendations
• Clear communication with doctors, managers, and governance leads
• Support that fits the reality of agencies, private providers, and portfolio careers
• A consistent, auditable approach aligned to medical appraisal and revalidation expectations

“We have internal appraisers, but we need more capacity quickly”

This is a common scenario, and it is exactly where an outsourced appraisal partner can add value.

ACI Training & Consultancy supports organisations that:

• Need overflow appraisal capacity during busy periods
• Want to outsource part or all of their appraisal function
• Need a consistent process for doctors working across multiple settings
• Want stronger administrative support and reporting

We can work with your existing approach to make the transition smooth, keeping the experience simple for doctors and clear for governance teams.

Clear, Quick Answers About Doctors Revalidation Appraisals

What is a doctors revalidation appraisal?

A doctors revalidation appraisal is an annual, whole scope review where a doctor reflects on their work, reviews supporting information, and agrees a Personal Development Plan. It contributes to revalidation decisions across the revalidation cycle.

Do I need an appraisal every year for revalidation?

Most licensed doctors need an annual appraisal, unless a formal deferral is agreed. The best approach is to plan early, keep your evidence organised through the year, and avoid last minute pressure.

Can I get an appraisal if I am a locum or independent doctor?

Yes. If you do not have an employer led appraisal route, you can arrange an independent doctor appraisal so you can maintain your revalidation portfolio and stay compliant.

What should I prepare for my GMC medical appraisal?

Typically, you will need supporting information across your full scope of work, reflection on learning and practice, and a clear development plan. If you are unsure, our team can guide you so you know what to upload and how to structure it.

How long does the appraisal process take?

The appointment itself is only one part of the process. Preparation, portfolio completion and timely admin support are what make the biggest difference. With a structured approach and good reminders, the overall journey becomes much easier to manage.

Why choose ACI Training & Consultancy

Healthcare organisations choose ACI Training & Consultancy because we combine clinical understanding with strong operational delivery. We know what good governance looks like, and we know what doctors need to feel supported.

We also work across wider healthcare training and compliance, supporting sectors including healthcare agencies, complex care providers, care homes, domiciliary care, dental, doctors and GPs, private hospitals, aesthetics clinics, veterinary clinics, and education settings where compliance and safeguarding standards are critical.

If you want appraisals that are well run, professionally delivered and backed by a helpful team, contact ACI Training & Consultancy today and we will talk you through the best option for your organisation or your individual situation.