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Appraisals & Revalidation
Overview
Once you start working in the NHS, you will hear two terms repeatedly:
- Appraisal
- Revalidation
They sound intimidating, but in reality they are about one thing:
Showing that you are a safe, reflective, and developing doctor.
This page explains what they really mean in practice.
What is Appraisal?
An appraisal is a formal review of your work and development, usually done once per year.
It is a structured meeting between you and your appraiser (often a consultant) to discuss:
- Your clinical work
- Your professional development
- Your portfolio evidence
- Your reflections
- Your wellbeing
- Any concerns or difficulties
It is supportive, not disciplinary.
Who Needs Appraisal?
Almost all doctors working in the UK need regular appraisal, including:
- Doctors in training
- Trust-grade doctors
- SAS doctors
- Locum doctors
- Part-time doctors
The format may vary, but the principle is the same.
What is Revalidation?
Revalidation is the process that allows you to keep your GMC licence to practise.
Every doctor must revalidate with the GMC usually every 5 years.
Revalidation is based on:
- Evidence from your annual appraisals
- Feedback from colleagues and patients
- Demonstrating continued professional development (CPD)
- Showing you are safe and up to date
It is not an exam.
It is an evidence-based process.
What Evidence Is Usually Required?
Over time, you will collect:
- CPD activities (courses, learning, teaching)
- Reflections
- Quality improvement activities
- Significant event reflections
- Colleague feedback (MSF)
- Patient feedback (sometimes)
- Complaints or compliments (if any)
This evidence usually lives in your portfolio.
The Role of the Responsible Officer (RO)
Each trust has a Responsible Officer who oversees revalidation.
They:
- Review appraisal outcomes
- Ensure concerns are addressed
- Recommend to the GMC whether you should be revalidated
You rarely interact with them directly unless there is a problem.
Common Fears (and the Reality)
- “What if I fail appraisal?”
Appraisal is developmental. Problems are usually fixable. - “What if I have complaints?”
Honest reflection matters more than pretending nothing happened. - “What if I am a trust-grade doctor?”
You are still supported through the same systems.
Revalidation is about safety, not punishment.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring appraisal emails
- Leaving evidence collection until the last minute
- Treating appraisal as a tick-box exercise
- Avoiding reflection on difficult cases
- Not engaging with supervisors
The process works best when you engage with it regularly.
Reality Check
The system is bureaucratic.
Some of it feels like paperwork.
But doctors who understand appraisal early find it far less stressful than those who avoid it.
Reassurance
You do not need to be exceptional to pass appraisal and revalidation.
You need to be honest, reflective, and engaged with your development.
That is achievable for any conscientious doctor.