ARCP
Prior to the ARCP
The ARCP Panel
Post ARCP-Feedback
Reviews and Appeals
Each doctor/dentist in a training programme (referred to as Postgraduate Doctors in Training PGDiTs) is subject to an annual review of competence progression (ARCP), as outlined in the The Gold Guide, 10th Edition (2024) A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK or The Dental Gold Guide (2025) A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Dental Foundation, Core and Specialty Training in the UK.
The 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.
For information about the ARCP process, please familiarise yourself with this video.
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.
To prepare for your ARCP, please refer to the College decision aid(s) and curriculum requirements for your Specialty Programme, which can normally be found on the relevant School’s webpage or your college website. The ARCP panel can only make a decision based on the evidence provided in your portfolio. You should discuss your portfolio with your Educational Supervisor prior to the ARCP taking place. If there are any matters that you do not feel comfortable discussing with your Educational Supervisor, which may have a direct impact on your training, please ensure you approach your Training Programme Director in advance of the ARCP.
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. Evidence uploaded after this date will not be considered by the ARCP panel.
Form R (Part B)
Before your ARCP, all Post Graduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) must submit a Form R (Part B), as part of the revalidation process. The Form R (Part B) should be submitted using TIS Self-Service.
You should complete the Form R by the submission of evidence deadline, ensuring you save a copy of the completed form (downloadable as a PDF file) to your ePortfolio.
If for any reason your situation or any of the information reported on your Form R changes between the time of submission and your ARCP taking place, you must submit a new form. We do not require an emailed copy of the form once completed via TIS Self-Service.
Statutory Leave
If you will be on statutory leave (e.g. sick, parental or adoption leave) at the time of the ARCP your evidence will not be reviewed by an ARCP Panel and you will be issued an 'N' (Not Assessed) outcome. A full ARCP will normally be arranged after your return. However, please ensure that all your statutory leave up to the ARCP date is recorded accurately on your ePortfolio as part of your placement history and on your Form R (Part B).
Trainees on statutory leave are still required to submit a Form R (Part B). This is to ensure that there are no gaps in your revalidation history and to inform the Revalidation Team of any incidents which may have taken place or been resolved since your last ARCP and prior to commencement of your leave.
If you haven't already done so, please inform the Programme Support Team and your TPD of your statutory leave, including start and return dates (if known).
Progression and CCT calculation
Please ensure you include an up-to-date CCT calculator on your portfolio before your ARCP and share it with your Training Program Director (TPD). This will help determine an accurate training progression and completion date. Failure to complete and update the calculator may result in an ARCP Outcome 5.
Additionally, list all your training placements from the start of your specialty training, including any placements in other Deanery regions. You can find a CCT calculator available at the bottom of this page to download, or alternatively on your Royal College's website.
Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) will not be invited to attend the ARCP panel. The ARCP panel will gather remotely to consider all of the evidence submitted and award a numbered outcome.
|
1 - Satisfactory progress – Achieving progress and the development of competences at the expected rate |
|
2 - Development of specific competences required |
|
3 - Inadequate progress – Additional training time required |
|
4 - Released from training programme – With or without specified competences |
|
5 - Incomplete evidence presented so panel unable to make a decision |
|
6 - Gained all required competences to complete training programme |
|
7 - Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs) in post-CCST Training Posts |
|
8 - Out of programme for clinical experience, research or a career break |
The 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.
The ARCP outcome form will be released on the day of the ARCP, and we strongly encourage you to check the form for accuracy. If there are any discrepancies, please let us know. You should familiarise yourself with the comments and actions (where appropriate) and acknowledge the form on your ePortfolio.
You will receive notification of your ARCP outcome via email by default. The email will summarise any key points and advise you on next steps. Notification of your outcome should trigger you to arrange a meeting with your Educational Supervisor to discuss what steps need to be taken next, to formulate a plan for your upcoming 12-months in training, and agree your personal development and education plan.
For outcomes 3 or 4, you must arrange a more comprehensive feedback meeting with a member of the ARCP panel or Training Progrmme Director, to discuss your outcome and learning objectives. This will normally take place within 10 working days of your ARCP. If you would prefer to receive notification of your ARCP outcome via telephone call on the day of the panel, please email england.stp-arcp.yh@nhs.net and provide your contact details. A member of the ARCP panel will call you at the end of the day. Please only choose this option if you know you will be available to take the call.
PGDiTs in receipt of an ARCP outcome 2, 3,4, 10.1 or 10.2 will have discussed their outcome with a member of the ARCP Panel during their post-ARCP feedback process. If the PGDiT disagrees with the decision, they have a right to ask for it to be reviewed.
Reviews and appeals are organised in accordance with The Gold Guide, 10th Edition (2024) A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Specialty Training in the UK or The Dental Gold Guide (2025) A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Dental Foundation, Core and Specialty Training in the UK and follow the NHS England ARCP Reviews and Appeals Guidance.
The process normally consists of two stages:
Review: The original ARCP panel revisit the outcome, this is generally conducted remotely and trainees do not attend (available for outcomes 2, 3, or 4)
Appeal: A new, independent panel is convened in a formal setting. Trainees are expected to attend (available for outcomes 3, or 4)
How to Request a Review or Appeal of the ARCP Outcome
Following your ARCP you will need to complete the Trainee’s Statement of ARCP Review/Appeal form and submit this to the contact included in the ARCP outcome letter within 10 working days from the date of your ARCP outcome letter. This letter will include the required details and the deadline by which your request to appeal should be received.
Foundation trainees: FY1 doctors in receipt of an outcome 4 who have graduated from a UK-based Medical School/University and wish to appeal the outcome, should submit their appeal request to NHS England who will liaise with the Medical School/University accordingly. The Medical School/University will normally conduct the appeal process (in accordance with GMC policy [Foundation Reference Guide 4.118]). FY1 non-UK graduates and all FY2 trainees should follow the NHS England appeal process as detailed on this page.
The review and appeal process:
Further information on the process is available in the ARCP Review and Appeal Operational Guidance.
If you have been awarded an Outcome 4, it is understandably a difficult time, and you may have queries about your employment. It is advisable to speak with Medical Staffing in your employing Trust early in the appeal process so that you get useful advice to support you.
There are many support mechanisms available within NHS England, including career advice, counselling and coaching. Further details are available on our Professional Support pages.