GMC revalidation for GPs in Scotland

What is GMC revalidation?

Revalidation is the process you’ll use to show you meet general practice professional standards. It gives patients confidence that your medical skills and knowledge are up to date. The GMC requires all licensed doctors in the UK to complete this process.

The 5-year revalidation cycle

Your revalidation is due every 5 years. The cycle starts from the date you first get your full licence to practise.

What you’ll need to revalidate

To revalidate, you need to meet 2 key requirements.

Connecting to a designated body

Throughout your 5-year cycle, you must stay connected to a 'designated body'. For most GPs in Scotland, this is your local NHS Scotland Health Board.

Collecting supporting information

You must also collect a portfolio of supporting information. This is to show you meet the standards in the GMC's Good Medical Practice.

The main types of evidence you need are:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• a quality improvement activity (QIA)
• analysis of any significant events
• feedback from your patients
• feedback from your colleagues

You will discuss this evidence each year at your annual appraisal.

The annual appraisal for GPs in Scotland

The annual appraisal is the main way you gather evidence for your revalidation. It is a structured meeting with a specially trained GP known as your appraiser.

In Scotland, you will use the SOAR (Scottish Online Appraisal Resource) platform. This is where you upload your supporting information before your meeting. Following the meeting, you and your appraiser agree a summary and a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

The role of your responsible officer

Your responsible officer is a senior doctor. They’ll make a recommendation to the GMC about your revalidation every 5 years. For most GPs in Scotland, your responsible officer is the medical director of your NHS Scotland Health Board.

The RO reviews your annual appraisal summaries. This helps them to make an informed recommendation to the GMC on your behalf.

Where to find revalidation help and support

There are lots of sources for help and support for appraisal and revalidation in Scotland:

• RCGP—View the RCGP’s guide to your appraisal.
• RCGP—View educational resources to support your CPD and learning.
• BMA—Read the BMA’s overview of the revalidation process for doctors.
• SOAR (Scottish Online Appraisal Resource)—For guidance on using the appraisal platform. Visit the SOAR website.

All of these organisations can help you navigate the revalidation process.