Portfolio & ARCP

Overview

In the NHS, progression is not judged only by how hard you work clinically. It is judged by the evidence you collect.

Your portfolio and ARCP are how the system decides whether you are progressing safely as a doctor.

Understanding this early protects your career.

What is a Portfolio?

Your portfolio is your professional record of development. It shows that you are:

  • Learning
  • Reflecting
  • Improving
  • Engaging with feedback
  • Developing beyond service work

It usually lives on an online platform (e.g. Horus, Kaizen, Turas, ISCP, ePortfolio).

What Should Be in Your Portfolio?

Common evidence includes:

  • Supervised Learning Events (mini-CEX, CBD, DOPS)
  • Reflections on cases
  • Teaching sessions delivered
  • Audit / QIP projects
  • Courses and certificates
  • Feedback from colleagues (TAB / MSF)
  • Supervisor meeting notes
  • Exams passed

It is not about volume.
It is about relevance and consistency.

What is ARCP?

ARCP = Annual Review of Competence Progression

It is a formal review where a panel assesses whether you are:

  • Meeting expected competencies
  • Engaging with training
  • Developing appropriately
  • Safe to progress

Even trust-grade doctors increasingly need ARCP-style evidence when applying for training.

Common ARCP Outcomes (Simplified)

  • Outcome 1 – Progressing well
  • Outcome 2 – Minor issues, fixable
  • Outcome 3 – More evidence needed
  • Outcome 4 – Insufficient progress

The goal is not perfection.
The goal is demonstrable engagement.

What Consultants Actually Look For

Supervisors value:

  • Honest reflection
  • Willingness to learn
  • Responsiveness to feedback
  • Professionalism
  • Safe practice

They are far less impressed by:

  • Fake reflections
  • Portfolio “box-ticking”
  • Copy-paste evidence
  • Quantity without meaning

Authenticity is obvious.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving portfolio until the last minute
  • Uploading evidence with no reflection
  • Avoiding feedback when struggling
  • Not meeting supervisors
  • Treating portfolio as a burden instead of protection

Your portfolio is your career insurance.

Reality Check

The system is bureaucratic.
It can feel frustrating.
But once you understand how to work with it, it becomes manageable.

Doctors who struggle most are usually those who ignore it.

Reassurance

You do not need a perfect portfolio.
You need a consistent, honest, and engaged one.

That is achievable for any doctor, even with a busy rota.