FAQs - supporting information for revalidation
Questions on this page
- 1. What supporting information do I need to collect for revalidation?
- 2. What format do I need to keep my supporting information in?
- 3. Can I bring other pieces of supporting information instead of or in addition to those listed?
- 4. What happens if I can not collect all the pieces of supporting information specified?
1. What supporting information do I need to collect for revalidation?
All licensed doctors will be expected to provide the following types of supporting information at appraisal over the course of their revalidation cycle:
1. Continuing professional development
2. Quality improvement activity
3. Significant events
4. Feedback from colleagues
5. Feedback from patients (where applicable)
6. Review of complaints and compliments
For more information, please see our guidance on supporting information for appraisal and revalidation.
2. What format do I need to keep my supporting information in?
The GMC does not have any particular requirements. If you are unsure about the format to keep your supporting information, you should check with your appraiser.
3. Can I bring other pieces of supporting information instead of or in addition to those listed?
You can bring additional pieces of information where you think that they help to demonstrate the way that you practise. Your appraiser may also expect you to be able to bring certain pieces of information from your practice depending on your specialty, but this is not essential for the purposes of revalidation. You should liaise with your appraiser to determine what additional information they may expect you to be able to bring.
4. What happens if I can not collect all the pieces of supporting information specified?
All doctors, regardless of the nature of their practice, should be able to provide the types of supporting information specified although the specific information may differ in certain categories depending on your practice and the context in which you work. If you feel that you are unable to collect all pieces of supporting information you should discuss the matter with your appraiser.
Doctors who do not see patients will not have to collect patient feedback. However, we would recommend that you think broadly about what constitutes a patient in your practice. Depending on your practice, you might want to collect feedback from a number of other sources, such as families and carers, students, suppliers or customers. We recognise that, due to the nature of particular types of practice, it may not be appropriate for some doctors to collect feedback from their patients. We recommend that you discuss what would be most appropriate for you with your appraiser.
Many Colleges, Faculties, Specialist Associations and other professional bodies will be providing further guidance on revalidation.