Your GMC revalidation is approaching and your supporting information isn't where it needs to be
CPD gaps, incomplete appraisal documentation, and patient feedback requirements that haven't been met. Revalidation problems don't solve themselves, and last-minute preparation rarely works.
- steps
- 6
- steps
- to start
- 15 minutes
- to start
The short answer
Revalidation runs on a five-year cycle and is built from annual appraisals covering your whole scope of practice, private work included. If you are behind, check your date on GMC Online, tell your responsible officer early, and fill the gaps in the order that takes longest: colleague and patient feedback first.
6 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 6 done
Log in to GMC Online and note your revalidation submission date and your designated body. If your private hospital is your main place of work, it may be your designated body
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Typical cost
- Free
- Who does it
- You
Done when: You know your date and who your responsible officer is
This problem is Solvable.
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Revalidation catch-up tracker
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Revalidation catch-up tracker
Name: [Your name] GMC number: [Number] Revalidation date: [Date] Designated body: [Name] Responsible officer: [Name, email]
| Supporting information | What I need | NHS evidence | Private evidence | Status | Action and date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing professional development | CPD covering my whole scope of practice, with reflection | ||||
| Quality improvement activity | Audit, outcome review or QI project with reflection | ||||
| Significant events | Any incidents I was involved in, with reflection | ||||
| Feedback from patients | At least once in the cycle, covering private work too | ||||
| Feedback from colleagues | At least once in the cycle | ||||
| Compliments and complaints | All received, with reflection |
Scope of practice
List every place you work:
- [NHS Trust]
- [Private hospital 1]
- [Private hospital 2]
- [Medicolegal or other work]
Requests to private hospitals
- Activity and outcomes data requested from [hospital]
- Incidents and complaints involving me requested from [hospital]
Key dates
- Feedback tool launched: [ ]
- Evidence uploaded: [ ]
- Appraisal date: [ ]
- Responsible officer recommendation due: [ ]
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Leaving private practice out of the appraisal and presenting only NHS work.
- Starting patient and colleague feedback a month before the deadline.
- Not telling the responsible officer until the recommendation is due.
- Assuming the private hospital will send governance data without being asked.
- Treating reflection as optional when it is what the appraiser looks for.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll check where your revalidation stands and tell you what to start first
What I need from you
- Your answers to 8 quick questions
- Your revalidation date, if you know it
What you get
- The gaps that will take longest to fill
- The order to tackle them
- Who to tell and when
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Benchmarks
GMC supporting information for appraisal and revalidation covers six types: CPD, quality improvement activity, significant events, feedback from patients, feedback from colleagues, and compliments and complaints, across your whole practice
Applies to NHS and private work alike
Source: GMC
Revalidation runs over a five-year cycle
BMA guidance on revalidation
Source: BMA
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I solve this one for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is my designated body if I work in the NHS and privately?
Usually where you do most of your work. GMC Online shows your current connection.
Do I need to include private work?
Yes. Appraisal covers your whole scope of practice.
Can my revalidation be deferred?
Your responsible officer can ask the GMC to defer if you need more time. Engage early.
What if I have no designated body?
You may be able to connect to a suitable person. If not, the GMC requires an annual appraisal with an appraiser who meets its criteria, an annual return, and a revalidation assessment. Act early as this route takes longer.
How many feedback responses do I need?
It depends on the tool. Check the tool's minimum and allow several weeks.
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