Curricula and assessment systems FAQs
What is the purpose of the Annual Specialty Report from Colleges and Faculties?
The GMC needs the Annual Specialty Report because the information from deaneries via the Annual Deanery Report is from their regional perspective on the provision within their scope. The College/Faculty (via the SAC or equivalent) is the expert in the specialty and therefore best placed to take a national view on the specialty as of the quality-management/quality-control function of the Quality Improvement Framework.
This information will provide an essential specialty perspective and an overview, by specialty and commentary, as to the performance of national examinations. This will also ensure that the specialty-specific issues and context are fully considered by the GMC.
Back to top^
Why do Colleges and Faculties have to submit an annual college summary of minor changes?
Each College/Faculty must submit an annual summary of minor changes that have been made to a GMC-approved specialty including GP training curriculum and/or assessment system after the fact for the previous period. The changes are made against the definition of ‘minor change’ in order for continued GMC approval of the curriculum and the associated assessment system. The GMC also requests a plan of any major changes for the following year as far as Colleges/Faculties are aware.
Back to top^
What happens if a College or Faculty wishes to propose a change that falls outside the definition of minor change?
Where a change is proposed to the curriculum and/or assessment system which falls outside the definition of minor change, the GMC should be contacted before the proposed change is submitted for evaluation. The curriculum and/or assessment system will then move to the approvals process. The major change template should be used to provide the information that the GMC will need in order to evaluate the major change.
Back to top^
When can a major change proposal be submitted?
A College/Faculty may submit its application for major change at any time. The College/Faculty will need to provide information and supporting documentation to the GMC using the major change template that can be found in the Quality Framework Operational Guide.
Back to top^
What happens if a specialty, sub-specialty or core element is shared by more then one College or Faculty?
Where a specialty, sub-specialty or core element is shared by more than one College or Faculty, all parties must be in agreement prior to submission of the annual college summary to the GMC. The annual college summary pro-forma will need to be signed by the nominated representatives of all parties concerned.
Back to top^
When will the College/Faculty be notified of the outcome in relation to continued GMC approval?
In relation to the annual college summary, the GMC would aim to inform the College/Faculty within 21 working days of the Curriculum and Assessment Approval Panel meeting.
Back to top^
Who is responsible for notifying stakeholders about minor changes made to the curriculum and/or assessment system?
It is the responsibility of the College/Faculty to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the GMC-approved minor changes.
Back to top^
Who can institute a change to a curriculum or/and assessment system?
The following constituents may institute a curriculum or/and assessment system change:
- A College/Faculty with evidence that the COPMeD Lead Dean for the specialty is aware of any proposed changes or amendments;
- The deaneries may wish to propose and discuss changes with the College/Faculty of the specialty or sub-specialty concerned;
- The COPMeD Lead Dean can propose and discuss changes with the College/Faculty;
- The Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) or equivalent through the College/Faculty of the specialty or sub-specialty concerned.
Back to top^