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Revalidation for Locum Doctors

Revalidation is a mandatory requirement set by the General Medical Council (GMC) for all licensed
doctors in the UK.

A UK GMC Guide from Prime Healthcare Staffing

Revalidation is a mandatory requirement set by the General Medical Council (GMC) for all licensed doctors in the UK. It ensures that you remain up to date and fit to practise in line with Good Medical Practice standards. For locum doctors, revalidation can be more complex due to working across multiple organisations and not having a single employer. At Prime Healthcare Staffing, we help make the process clear, structured, and fully compliant with GMC requirements.

What is GMC Revalidation?

Revalidation is the process by which licensed doctors demonstrate, every five years, that they are fit to practise.

It is based on:

  • Annual appraisals
  • Supporting information collected over a 5-year cycle
  • A recommendation made to the GMC by a Responsible Officer (RO)
  • To take part in revalidation, you must be a connected doctor, meaning you have a formal link to a designated body.

Why Revalidation Can Be Challenging for Locum Doctors

  • Locum doctors often face additional challenges because they:
  • Work across multiple NHS trusts and independent providers
  • Do not have a single employer overseeing appraisal
  • Must identify and maintain a connection to a designated body
  • Need to collect supporting information from different placements
  • Manage their own appraisal portfolio

While locum work offers flexibility, it requires greater organisation to remain compliant with GMC revalidation.

What You Need for Revalidation

To successfully revalidate, you must collect and present supporting information in line with GMC guidance:

Annual Appraisals

You must complete an appraisal every year with a trained appraiser, based on Good Medical Practice. This is a core requirement.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

You must demonstrate ongoing learning relevant to your scope of practice.

Feedback

You are required to collect:
Colleague feedback
Patient feedback
(at least once in every 5-year revalidation cycle)

Significant Events

You must reflect on any significant events (serious incidents or near misses) and demonstrate learning outcomes.

Responsible Officer and Designated Body

To revalidate, you must:

  • Be connected to a designated body (such as an NHS organisation or approved body)
  • Have a Responsible Officer (RO) who oversees your appraisal outputs
    The Responsible Officer reviews your annual appraisals and makes a recommendation to the GMC
    about your revalidation.
    Important: Without a designated body, you cannot complete revalidation.

How Prime Healthcare Staffing Supports You

At Prime Healthcare Staffing, we understand the specific challenges locum doctors face with GMC revalidation. We provide:

  • Dedicated GMC Guidance : Clear, step-by-step support aligned with GMC requirements
  • Appraisal Preparation : Helping you prepare a complete and compliant appraisal portfolio
  • Designated Body Support : Guidance on identifying and maintaining your connection
  • Placement Coordination : Access to roles that support feedback collection and clinical development
  • Ongoing Communication : Reminders for appraisals, revalidation dates, and key requirements

Tips for Staying on Track

  • Maintain continuous connection to a designated body
  • Keep your appraisal portfolio updated throughout the year
  • Collect feedback during each placement (don’t delay)
  • Record CPD regularly and link it to your scope of work
  • Engage early with your Responsible Officer

We’re Here to Help

Revalidation doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right structure and support, it becomes a manageable and routine part of your professional practice.
Prime Healthcare Staffing is committed to supporting locum doctors across the UK—from placements to full GMC revalidation compliance.

Get in Touch

If you need support with GMC revalidation or are looking for your next locum opportunity, contact Prime Healthcare Staffing today.
Your career. Your flexibility. Our support.