Finding an appraiser

Appraisals for doctors without a responsible officer or suitable person must be robust, consistent, and focus on the requirements for safe and effective practice in the UK.

The person who conducts your appraisal must:

• hold GMC registration with a licence to practise (check the registration status of your appraiser on the medical register)
• have a prescribed connection to a designated body (or a suitable person that we have approved)
• have been recently trained in the knowledge and skills to carry out appraisals for revalidation
• carry out appraisals for a designated body or suitable person
• have carried out at least five appraisals in the 12 months immediately before your appraisal
• confirm with us that they are discussing and reflecting on their role as an appraiser as part of their scope of practice at their own appraisal
• understand the professional obligations placed on doctors by our guidance Good medical practice
• not have a conflict of interest with you and avoid any appearance of bias in the appraisal
• understand the context, scope and nature of work you do
• see and verify the fitness for purpose of the supporting information you take to your appraisal
• refer doctors to us if they have concerns about fitness to practise
• not carry out appraisals for doctors without a connection if they (the appraiser) are in a licence withdrawal process
• be able to give evidence, when we ask, that they meet all the above criteria.

You need to provide a report on your appraisal, wholly completed and signed by your appraiser, as part of your annual return. We'll verify the information in this report and may contact your appraiser directly.