Private practice

Independent medical appraisal and revalidation support for doctors working in UK private practice who do not have a Responsible Officer (RO) or designated body. Services are delivered remotely. Suitability screening applies. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

Private practice can involve multiple settings and variable governance arrangements. The key is a clear scope of practice, appropriate supporting information, and a structured annual appraisal process. Suitable Person oversight may apply in some routes. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

Start enquiry (screening) Revalidation without RO
UK private practice Remote delivery Portfolio readiness No guarantees

Who this is for

This page is for doctors who are primarily in UK private practice and require structured appraisal and revalidation readiness outside NHS designated body appraisal schemes.

  • Doctors working in private hospitals or clinics
  • Doctors with portfolio roles and multiple organisations
  • Doctors who previously had an NHS designated body and now do not
  • Doctors who want a clear annual cycle and documented appraisal outputs

Common challenges in private practice

  • Evidence spread across multiple settings and systems
  • Unclear governance routes for incidents, complaints, and feedback
  • Difficulty demonstrating quality improvement that is proportionate to practice
  • Changes in scope of practice over time
  • Periods of reduced activity that require clear explanation
Important: This is not an RO or designated body service. IMRAS does not provide statutory decision making. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

Step by step approach for private practice

A strong revalidation position in private practice is built through clarity, documentation quality, and a consistent annual cycle.

  1. Define scope of practice: include all roles, organisations, procedures, and non-clinical work.
  2. Map your evidence: organise supporting information by scope and professional standards.
  3. Quality improvement: plan proportionate QI activities suitable for your setting.
  4. Feedback: collect and summarise patient and colleague feedback in a practical way.
  5. Governance events: document significant events, complaints, and learning where applicable.
  6. Annual appraisal: complete a structured appraisal with documented outputs and a PDP.

IMRAS can support these steps through independent appraisal, portfolio readiness reviews, and structured pathway planning. Outcomes are not guaranteed. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

Supporting information in private practice

Supporting information should be relevant to your scope of practice and proportionate to the setting. The aim is to demonstrate that you remain up to date, reflective, and safe.

  • CPD relevant to your scope
  • Quality improvement activity appropriate to private practice
  • Significant events and learning where applicable
  • Patient and colleague feedback and reflection
  • Complaints, concerns, and actions taken if applicable

Evidence quality checklist

  • Is evidence dated and attributable to you?
  • Is it relevant to your declared scope of practice?
  • Is it proportionate to your practice setting?
  • Does it show reflection and improvement?
  • Are any gaps or reduced activity explained clearly?

IMRAS helps doctors organise and present evidence clearly. It does not create evidence or provide clinical care.

How IMRAS supports private practice doctors

Support is structured and focused on appraisal quality, portfolio readiness, and pathway planning for doctors who do not have a designated body or RO. Services are provided across all medical specialties, including general practice, and are based on professional standards rather than specialty-specific clinical expertise.

  • Suitability screening and pathway clarification
  • Scope of practice statement review and refinement
  • Portfolio readiness review with a prioritised gap list
  • Independent annual appraisal with documented outputs
  • Submission readiness planning where contracted
Start enquiry (screening) Services and pricing

General practice enquiries

GP enquiries are accepted on a case by case basis and subject to suitability screening. This service does not provide NHS contractual GP appraisal within NHS designated body appraisal schemes.

  • Independent appraisal support may be appropriate for some GP circumstances
  • Scope and governance arrangements must be clearly defined
  • IMRAS will confirm suitability prior to acceptance

Frequently asked questions

Can private practice doctors revalidate without an RO or designated body?

Yes. Doctors in private practice can revalidate without a designated body or Responsible Officer. You will need appropriate supporting information and an appraisal process suitable for your circumstances. Suitable Person oversight may apply in some routes. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

What supporting information is expected for private practice?

Supporting information should be relevant to your scope of practice and proportionate to your setting. It often includes CPD, quality improvement activity, reflection on significant events where applicable, feedback, and documentation of complaints or concerns if applicable.

Does this service provide clinical advice or supervision?

No. The service provides professional appraisal and revalidation support only. It does not provide medical treatment, prescribing, clinical second opinions, or specialty clinical supervision. Final revalidation decisions remain with the GMC.

Start enquiry (screening) Services and pricing