Independent appraisal • Revalidation support • Suitable Person oversight

Independent Medical Revalidation and Appraisal Services

Independent medical appraisal and revalidation support for doctors who do not have a Responsible Officer (RO) or designated body.

Delivered remotely to UK and overseas doctors, with a UK representative office. All enquiries are subject to suitability screening.

This service supports doctors in good standing who require structured appraisal and revalidation readiness outside NHS designated body appraisal schemes. Final revalidation decisions remain the responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC).

Start enquiry (screening) Services & pricing
Private practice Overseas practice Portfolio roles Including General Practice (case-by-case)

What we provide

  • Professional appraisal aligned to GMC Good Medical Practice
  • Assessment and evaluation of professional competence and portfolio readiness
  • Revalidation support for doctors without an RO/designated body
  • Suitable Person oversight where appropriate, to support revalidation submissions

Services are available to doctors across a range of specialties, including general practice, where appropriate and subject to suitability screening.

Who this is for

  • Doctors in private practice without an RO/designated body
  • Overseas-based doctors maintaining a GMC licence
  • Portfolio doctors and doctors between posts
  • Doctors requiring independent appraisal and structured revalidation readiness

Explore by context: Revalidation without an RO, Private practice, Overseas doctors.

Can doctors revalidate without a Responsible Officer?

Yes. Doctors who do not have a Responsible Officer or designated body may revalidate directly with the GMC. Appraisal remains annual, and supporting information must be appropriate to the doctor’s scope of practice. Where applicable, a Suitable Person can provide professional oversight to support the process.

Read more: How revalidation works without an RO.

Is overseas clinical or professional work included in appraisal?

Yes. Work undertaken outside the UK can be included within appraisal and revalidation when it falls within the doctor’s declared scope of practice and is supported by appropriate evidence. Appraisal focuses on professional standards and reflection rather than the specific healthcare system.

Read more: Overseas doctors.

What this service does not provide

  • Responsible Officer functions or statutory decision-making roles
  • NHS contractual GP appraisal within NHS designated body appraisal schemes
  • Medical treatment, clinical care, prescribing, or clinical second opinions
  • Coaching, mentoring, remediation, or performance management services
  • Advocacy in active GMC fitness-to-practise investigations
Important: All enquiries are subject to suitability screening. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC. See Terms.

How it works

  1. Screening enquiry: complete a short questionnaire (Contact).
  2. Portfolio review: scope of work, supporting information, and declarations.
  3. Appraisal meeting: structured discussion and written outputs (summary, PDP, actions).
  4. Revalidation readiness: where contracted, ongoing support and submission preparation.

Professional background and prior NHS appraisal experience are summarised on Credentials.

Next step

If you believe this service may be suitable for you, start with the suitability screening questionnaire. We will confirm whether we can accept your case and outline the next steps.

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