What is a responsible officer?

We will revalidate you, usually every five years, based on a recommendation that we receive from the responsible officer in the organisation that is supporting you with your appraisal and revalidation. This organisation is called your 'designated body'.

Your responsible officer will be a licensed doctor who will usually be the medical director of that organisation, or their deputy.

Your responsible officer will base their recommendation on your appraisals over the revalidation cycle and other information drawn from the clinical governance systems of their organisations.

Your connection for revalidation is with your designated body, not your responsible officer. Your responsible officer may change from time to time if they move to another role, for example. But the designated body you have a connection with won’t change unless you move to another organisation.

You can’t choose your responsible officer. They are appointed by your designated body.