Doctor Revalidation & Appraisal Support
All Doctors practicing in Northern Ireland must participate in an annual appraisal and five-yearly revalidation in order to maintain their GMC registration and licence to practise.
What Is Appraisal?
An appraisal is an annual structured and professional review that covers Clinical Practice, governance, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), significant events, reflection, and feedback.
How Leadcare Supports You:
Appraisal & Revalidation Tracking
Never miss a deadline. We track all your key dates and send you timely reminders.
Structured Compliance File
Your file is always audit-ready. We help you maintain a complete and organised record of your practice.
Appraisal Cost Contribution
We contribute to your appraisal costs. One less thing for you to worry about (eligibility applies).
Expert Guidance
No more uncertainty. Our team provides clear guidance on GMC requirements.
Responsible Officer Recording
Clarity and governance. We ensure your designated body and RO details are always up to date.
How Leadcare Supports You:
Feature | Your Benefit |
Appraisal & Revalidation Tracking | Never miss a deadline. We track all your key dates and send you timely reminders. |
Structured Compliance File | Your file is always audit-ready. We help you maintain a complete and organised record of your practice. |
Appraisal Cost Contribution | We contribute to your appraisal costs. One less thing for you to worry about (eligibility applies). |
Expert Guidance | No more uncertainty. Our team provides clear guidance on GMC requirements. |
Responsible Officer Recording | Clarity and governance. We ensure your designated body and RO details are always up to date. |
Revalidation & Appraisal FAQs
For Locum Doctors in Northern Ireland, maintaining your GMC licence to practise requires participation in annual appraisal and five-yearly revalidation. Below are answers to common questions:
What is appraisal for Doctors?
Appraisal is an annual professional development review required for all doctors holding a GMC licence to practise in the UK. It is a structured discussion with a trained appraiser that covers Clinical Practice, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), significant events, reflection, and multi-source feedback.
What is revalidation?
Revalidation is the formal five-yearly process by which the General Medical Council (GMC) confirms that a doctor remains fit to practice. Your Responsible Officer (RO) reviews your annual appraisals and supporting documentation before making a recommendation to the GMC. Revalidation is mandatory for all licensed doctors practising in the UK.
How often do I need to complete an appraisal?
Doctors are required to complete an appraisal every year. Five satisfactory annual appraisals typically support one revalidation recommendation within a five-year cycle. Failure to participate annually may delay revalidation.
Who is my Responsible Officer as a Locum Doctor?
Your Responsible Officer depends on your Designated Body. If you hold a substantive NHS post, your NHS employer is typically your Designated Body. If you work primarily as a Locum Doctor, your Designated Body may vary depending on your contractual arrangements and primary place of work. Leadcare records your Responsible Officer details within your compliance profile to ensure governance clarity.
Does working as a Locum Doctor affect revalidation?
No. Locum Doctors are required to meet the same appraisal and revalidation standards as Doctors in substantive posts. However, Locum Doctors must ensure they maintain accurate records of CPD activity, clinical sessions worked, governance, significant events, and feedback from colleagues and patients (where applicable). Working across multiple placements makes structured documentation particularly important.
Does Leadcare act as my Designated Body?
Leadcare supports documentation and governance awareness. Revalidation recommendations are made by your Designated Body and Responsible Officer in line with GMC regulations. If you require clarification regarding your prescribed connection, our team can guide you toward the appropriate information.
Do I need multi-source feedback for revalidation?
Yes. During your five-year revalidation cycle, you are expected to collect colleague feedback and patient feedback (where appropriate to your role). This forms part of the evidence reviewed during appraisal and revalidation.
What supporting information is required for revalidation?
The GMC requires Doctors to collect and reflect on supporting information across six categories: CPD, quality improvement activity, significant events, feedback from colleagues, feedback from patients (where appropriate), and information relating to any complaints or compliments. This information is reviewed annually during appraisal.
What happens if I miss an appraisal?
Failure to complete an annual appraisal may delay your revalidation recommendation and could place your licence at risk. It is essential to maintain regular participation in appraisal. Leadcare encourages early planning to avoid last-minute compliance concerns.
How does Leadcare support appraisal and revalidation?
Leadcare supports Locum Doctors by recording appraisal and revalidation due dates, capturing Responsible Officer and Designated Body details, maintaining structured compliance records, providing guidance on documentation expectations, and contributing toward appraisal and revalidation costs (eligibility applies). Our approach is structured, governance-led, and aligned to HSCNI expectations.
How often does revalidation occur?
Revalidation typically occurs every five years. This recommendation is based on your cumulative annual appraisals and supporting documentation.
Does appraisal differ for Consultants, SAS, or Junior Doctors?
The appraisal structure remains broadly consistent across grades, although the scope of supporting information may vary depending on your role and responsibilities. All licensed doctors must participate in annual appraisal and five-year revalidation regardless of grade.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my revalidation status?
If you are unsure about your Designated Body, Responsible Officer, or revalidation timeline, you should contact your Responsible Officer directly. For documentation tracking and compliance support, you may contact Leadcare’s Compliance Team.
Professional Governance Matters
Appraisal and revalidation are not administrative formalities, they are essential safeguards that support patient safety and professional standards. Leadcare’s structured approach ensures our Locum Doctors working across Northern Ireland are informed and professionally supported throughout their revalidation cycle.
Ready to Start Your Locum Journey?
Join a trusted, HSCNI Approved healthcare recruitment agency supporting Locum Doctors across NI. Complete our Doctor Online Application, or contact us to speak with a member of our team in confidence.