Response to Concerns process: full text

Identifying the Concern

There are two main sources of concerns: those reported to the GMC from an external source, and those raised based on existing GMC evidence.

Concerns based on existing GMC evidence

The Response to Concerns process may be initiated if the evidence that we hold internally indicates that there are serious issues.

Concerns reported from an external source

For concerns reported from an external source, there are two criteria that it must meet in order for the Response to Concern process to be initiated: does the issue relate to GMC standards, and have local processes already been utilised? If the answer to both of these questions is ‘yes’, then the Response to Concerns process may be initiated.

If the issue does not relate to GMC standards, the concern will be referred appropriately. If the local processes have not already been utilised, we may recommend that this happens before we do any further investigation.

Response to Concerns process

Stage 1

The first stage of the Response to Concerns process involves the GMC liaising with the Medical School or Deanery to determine the extent of the problem and action already taken.

Possible outcome

If appropriate action is already being taken by the Medical School or Deanery, the concern is monitored via agreed timelines and via annual reporting.

Stage 2

If appropriate action is not being taken there are three possible next steps:

1. 1. The GMC initiates written action planning and ongoing monitoring
2. 2. Urgent GMC meeting with key stakeholders
3. 3. GMC undertakes Triggered Visit

Possible outcomes

For Steps 1 and 2, if the concern is now being appropriately addressed, it is then monitored within agreed timelines and via annual reporting. If not, they may progress to Step 3 (Triggered Visit).

The outcome of a Triggered Visit is a report, which outlines requirements which must be met.  These requirements are monitored within agreed timelines and via annual reporting.

If a Triggered Visit does not result in improvement, the Withdrawal of Approval process may be initiated.