RoT information for appraisers

The role of the Appraiser is of critical importance to the delivery of the GMCrequirements on the Recognition of Trainers (RoT).

The Education Organisers (E.Os. - NES and the five medical schools), haveadopted a single-system approach to RoT which operates in conjunction with the Directors of Medical Education (DMEs) so that a trainer is recognisedonce in Scotland for all "named" roles requiring recognition by the GMC.

We have now recognised all existing trainers in Scotland and have an agreedprocess, whereby a detailed review of the evidence presented by trainers approaching revalidation, is carried out to support recognition

In Scotland, we are using the SOAR system to support RoT which requires thetrainer to complete a dedicated page (Form 3). Appraisers are then asked toreflect with the trainer during appraisal on whether they continue to meet the GMC's requirements and on issues relevant to the trainer's CPD.

In Scotland we have developed an approach to recognition whichencourages ongoing professional development in the trainer's education role.

Appraisers should consider discussing future development with thetrainers. As well as attending further training courses, trainers mayalso wish to consider reflective accounts of the teaching/trainingrole and the response to feedback on teaching/training.Other options may include ...

  • course evaluations
  • feedback received on teaching (from students, trainees andpatients)
  • critical analysis of relevant literature
  • 360° feedback to the trainer in the educational role
  • It is recognised that some of these options may be challenging toobtain for postgraduate roles.

If there are any role-specific requirements, usually in respect ofundergraduate roles, these should have been made clear to the trainer by the relevant EO. This would be in addition to the requirement to meet the minimum GMC requirements.

Criteria for Recognition

SOAR Form 3 - Domain 1: Recognition of Trainer

1. Section A: Educational Governance Requirements.

This section requires the trainer to self-declare the following:

  • I have a GMC Licence to Practice.
  • I have completed Equality and Diversity training as required bymy employer.
  • I am currently practising within the field(s) relevant to mytraining role(s).
  • I have appropriate time allocated within my role.
  • In practice this means the trainer should provide details of theirE&D training and tick the three boxes.

While it is good practice to provide evidence of E&D training inline with employer's requirements, we are happy to accept self-declaration that the training is up-to-date. It would be a probityissue if the trainer stated this and it wasn't the case, and ourdesire is not to put extra hurdles in the way.

Any outstanding issues regarding time for teaching in job plansshould be followed up by the trainer with the relevant Clinical Director or Service Lead.

2. Section B: Role-specific Requirements

This section requires the trainer to self-declare the following:

  • I understand the requirements of my role and how that rolefits with other educational and clinical roles.
  • I know how to get support if needed.
  • I understand the curriculum and career stage of mystudents/trainees.

If any of the boxes have not been completed this should beexplained in the narrative section of Form 3.

3. Section C: Generic Trainer Skills

This section requires trainers to confirm that they meet theappropriate GMC Framework areas (Clin Sups: 1-4 + 7; all others:1-7) and have provided the relevant supporting information. Theframework areas are:

  1. Ensuring safe and effective patient care through training
  2. Establishing and maintaining an environment for learning
  3. Teaching and facilitating learning
  4. Enhancing learning through assessment
  5. Supporting and monitoring educational process (not requiredfor clinical supervisors)
  6. Guiding personal and professional development (not requiredfor clinical supervisors)
  7. Continuing professional development (CPD) as an educator

For most trainers, this will involve submitting a portfolio ofevidence. However, completion of an accredited course orqualification in medical education such as a Master's degree, orfull Membership/Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Educators(AoME), or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), arealso sufficient to demonstrate full initial compliance.

If a portfolio of evidence is submitted this should cover all relevantframework areas. Ideally the evidence would be mapped to theframework areas but SOAR now provides flexibility for trainers tosubmit evidence without specifically mapping it to the areas. For example:

  • Member or Fellow of AoME or HEA
  • PG certificate/ Diploma / Masters in education
  • Faculty Development Alliance (FDA) Trainer Workshop
  • South East Faculty of Clinical Educators (SEFCE) - ClinicalEducators Programme. Level 2 for Educational Supervisors andUndergraduate named roles and Level 1 for Clinical Supervisors.
  • Other CPD provision approved by a Scottish medical school whichis mapped to the framework areas.
  • Royal Colleges or Faculties' courses which have been mapped tothe framework areas (this is more difficult to say if they have notbeen mapped). However, it is reasonable to assume that recent'College' training courses for educational/clinical supervisors havebeen mapped to the framework areas although this cannot beguaranteed.

The GMC requirements are clear that details of teaching undertakenalone is not sufficient to demonstrate eligibility for recognition.However, evidence of a range of teaching activity undertaken,especially if there is any reflection or feedback on the teaching mayform part of a portfolio of supporting information.

It is worth noting, that the Form 7 is the only part of the appraisalpaperwork the Director of Medical Education (DME) will see andtherefore, if any evidence is presented at appraisal - but notuploaded - then it is vital that the Appraiser adds appropriatecomments to the Form 4, validating such evidence.

If appraisers have any queries of the relevance of evidence to support recognition or want advice on future CPD, the RoT team can becontacted at RoTQM@nes.scot.nhs.uk

For more information on Form 7 and other appraisal forms, please visit the Medical Appraisal Scotland website.

This page was last updated on: 21.04.2026 at 10.34