Disputing the supervision levels
The GMC is responsible for the quality of the data it collates and reports. Where a trust disputes the accuracy of the data used to determine its level of supervision, it is welcome to report this to the GMC.
Following the trust’s receipt of their NHSLA level the trust has 60 calendar days from the date of receipt to request a review of the decision on its supervision level if it feels that the level assigned is not reflective of their performance.
The supervision levels are directly linked to the level of risk assessment undertaken by NHSLA. Therefore to ensure that a trust is assessed by NHSLA at the appropriate level any reviews of the level of supervision must be completed prior to the assessment irrespective of the 60 calendar day window. NHSLA follows the financial year for their assessments and therefore the levels are valid for a one-year period running from 1 April to 31 March.
A pro-forma has been designed to assist trusts with submitting a request for review (word). For more information on how to submit the pro-forma please see our frequently asked questions.
This review by the GMC may be informed by additional evidence supplied by the trust and/or relevant deanery demonstrating that improvements within certain areas have been satisfactorily undertaken. The supporting information must be in relation to the same period that was used to calculate the levels (1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012). Any evidence after this period will only be taken into consideration in exceptional circumstances.
Examples of additional evidence include deanery led visit or school visit reports. Action plans are acceptable only if there is additional supporting evidence to illustrate that the actions taken have been effective and improvements are sustained. Evidence must be related to the following areas:
- Clinical Supervision
- Education Supervision
- Handover
- Workload
- Induction
- Any evidence illustrating preventative methods in place against bullying and undermining (indicator groups Undermining by the consultant & Undermining by other staff)
In addition to this, evidence of good practice or other information related to these areas can be submitted in support of any request for review for a given trust.
Other areas of quality control cannot be taken into consideration as this will be assessed by NHSLA under their other risk management standards.
The GMC will review its own evidence, along with the newly supplied evidence to determine if the trust has adequately addressed concerns relating to supervision of trainees. The level issued to the trust change or may remain the same, based on the evidence that has been presented. The GMC will inform NHSLA of any changes in levels at the same time the trust is informed of its review outcome.
The GMC is committed to scrutinising its data sources and accuracy of reporting, and will respond to requests for reviews within 10 working days of receipt. Requests for reviews should be submitted by email to the Evidence Team
The GMC is not responsible for NHSLA's use of the supervision levels.