GMC revalidation is the process by which all licensed doctors in the UK demonstrate on a regular cycle that they are up to date, fit to practise, and meeting the professional standards expected in their specialty. For GPs in salaried or partnership roles, the process is largely managed through their employer. For locum GPs without a fixed employer, understanding and actively managing the process is an individual responsibility that — if neglected — can result in the loss of the licence to practise. This guide gives you everything you need to stay on track.
What Is Revalidation and Why Does It Exist?
Revalidation is a five-yearly cycle in which every licensed doctor must demonstrate to the GMC that they continue to meet the standards described in Good Medical Practice. The process relies on annual appraisals with a trained and approved appraiser, during which a portfolio of supporting information is reviewed and discussed. After five satisfactory annual appraisals, your responsible officer (RO) recommends revalidation to the GMC, who then grant a further five-year licence.
The revalidation system was introduced in 2012 following a series of high-profile failures in medical practice — most notably the Shipman inquiry — and replaced the previous, largely administrative licence renewal process with a more substantive ongoing demonstration of professional standards.
The Five-Year Revalidation Cycle
- Year 1
Annual Appraisal
Collect supporting information throughout the year. Attend appraisal with completed portfolio
- Year 2
Annual Appraisal
Continue collecting. Conduct colleague MSF this year if not done in Year 1
- Year 3
Annual Appraisal
Conduct patient feedback if not yet completed. Complete clinical audit cycle
- Year 4
Annual Appraisal
Review portfolio completeness. Address any gaps well before Year 5
- Year 5
Revalidation
RO recommendation submitted to GMC. GMC grants revalidation and renews licence
What Supporting Information Do You Need?
Each annual appraisal must include supporting information drawn from all aspects of your medical practice. Across the five-year revalidation cycle, the GMC specifies minimum inputs across four domains of Good Medical Practice:
Knowledge, Skills & Performance
At least 50 hours CPD across the cycle, including internal and external learning. At least one completed clinical audit or quality improvement exercise with a full cycle.
Safety & Quality
Significant event analyses — a reasonable number relative to your clinical activity. Review of compliments and complaints received during the year.
Communication, Partnership & Teamwork
Colleague multi-source feedback (MSF) — at least once during the five-year cycle. Patient feedback — at least once during the five-year cycle.
Maintaining Trust
Annual health declaration and probity statement. Any significant changes to your health status, criminal matters, or regulatory matters that may affect your practice.
Designated Body: Critical for Locum GPs
Every licensed doctor must be connected to a designated body — an organisation responsible for overseeing their appraisals and making the revalidation recommendation to the GMC. For salaried GPs and partners, this is typically their employing practice, PCN, or ICB. For locum GPs, the arrangements are more complex.
If you are a locum GP without a fixed employer, your designated body options are:
- NHS England as prescribed body of connection — for GPs who cannot identify another suitable designated body. You must be on the NHS Performers List to connect in this way.
- A GP chamber — some local GP chambers act as designated bodies for their member locum GPs, providing both appraisal management and pastoral support.
- Your ICB — in some areas, ICBs act as designated bodies for locum GPs on their performers list.
You can check and update your designated body through GMC Online at any time. If you change your working arrangements significantly — moving from salaried to locum, for example, or returning from a career break — update your designated body promptly. Failure to be connected to a designated body will delay your revalidation and can result in a licence issue.
Grounds for Deferral
The GMC may grant a deferral of your revalidation date if you have been unable to complete your normal appraisal cycle due to:
- Extended sick leave or ill health
- Maternity, paternity, or adoption leave
- Career breaks of 12 months or more
- Exceptional personal circumstances that prevented engagement with appraisal
Deferral must be applied for through your responsible officer and agreed before your revalidation date passes. The GMC does not grant retroactive deferrals. Contact the GMC and your designated body as soon as you identify a risk — do not wait until the date has passed.
