Appraisal & Assessment
Each doctor/dentist in a training programme (referred to as Postgraduate Doctors in Training PGDiTs) is subject to an annual assessment of their competence, as outlined in the following guidance documents:
The assessment, known as an RCP or ARCP, provides a formal process in which a panel reviews the evidence presented by the Postgraduate Doctor in Training (PGDiT) and their educational supervisor relating to the Postgraduate Doctor's in Training (PGDiT's) progress in the training programme. This may be via an ePortfolio.
It enables the Postgraduate Doctor in Training (PGDiT) the Postgraduate Dean and employers to document that the competences required are being gained at an appropriate rate and through appropriate experience.
The RCP/ARCP process is applicable to all Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) including:
Academic trainees
Out of programme trainees
Less than full time trainees
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will be required to submit evidence throughout their training year, which demonstrates that they are meeting the requirements set out in the curriculum of their training programme. Details of curriculum requirements can be found via the relevant Royal College’s website. Additional documents (e.g. decision aids, training post assessment forms) will be available on your relevant School’s webpage.
Academic Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will also need to submit a Report on Academic Progress.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will be notified in writing by NHS England of the deadline in which all of their evidence must be uploaded to their eportfolio or submitted via email if an eportfolio is not used by the training programme. Evidence uploaded after this date will not be considered by the RCP/ARCP panel.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) are required to submit a Form R Part B for each ARCP as part of their revalidation requirement.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will not be involved in the RCP/ARCP panel, which is why all evidence must be presented by the deadline. The RCP/ARCP panel will gather face-to-face, or remotely, to consider all of the evidence submitted and award a numbered outcome.
|
Outcome |
Medical Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) including foundation, core and general practice |
Dental Foundation Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) |
Dental Core Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) |
Dental Specialty Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) including post-CCST training |
|
1 - Satisfactory progress – Achieving progress and the development of competences at the expected rate |
X |
X (IRCP only) |
X (IRCP only) |
X |
|
2 - Development of specific competences required |
X |
X (IRCP only) |
X (IRCP only) |
X |
|
3 - Inadequate progress – Additional training time required |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
4 - Released from training programme – With or without specified competences |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
5 - Incomplete evidence presented so panel unable to make a decision |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
6 - Gained all required competences to complete training programme |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
7 - Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) in post-CCST Training Posts |
|
|
|
X (post CCST Trainees only) |
|
8 - Out of programme for clinical experience, research or a career break |
X |
|
|
X |
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, all RCP/ARCP panels will be held via telephone or digital technology.
The RCP/ARCP panel will complete an outcome form which details the outcome awarded and the reasons for this. This outcome form will be available to Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) via ePortfolio or via email if an eportfolio is not used by the training programme. Confirmation of the outcome will also be sent from NHSE via email within 10 working days for outcome 1s, and within 5 working days for all other ARCP outcomes. Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) should read the document carefully and discuss any queries with their Educational Supervisor, Training Programme Director or Panel Chair (where different).
Where the panel were unable to award an outcome, due to incomplete evidence being provided, an outcome 5 will be awarded. This is a temporary outcome and will contain a deadline in which the missing evidence must be provided.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will be offered the opportunity to discuss the contents of the outcome form, after it has been released, with a suitable person from their training programme, for example, an Educational Supervisor, a Training Programme Director or a Head of School. This is known as a Postgraduate Doctor in Training (PGDiT) post-ARCP feedback meeting.
If a Postgraduate Doctor in Training (PGDiT) has been awarded an outcome 2, 3 or 4 a feedback meeting will need to take place. A post-ARCP feedback meeting will be arranged for Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) awarded an outcome 3 or 4, with outcome 2s being discussed with the Educational Supervisor. This may take place face-to-face or via telephone or digital technology.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) awarded an outcome 5 will be offered a feedback meeting, if their temporary outcome has been replaced by an outcome 2, 3 or 4.
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, all feedback meetings will be held via telephone or digital technology.
Details on requesting a review or an appeal of an ARCP outcome are available here.