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FPM Designated Body Policies and Documents

Policies and documents relating to the FPM Designated Body can be downloaded via the following links.

Policies specifically relating to preparing for and managing your appraisal

This policy is in abeyance due to the pandemic. Currently appraisals are being held via videoconference.

Face to face appraisal remains the preferred approach to optimise the quality of the interaction and develop the most productive professional connection. Consequently, all appraisals must take place face to face and video conference appraisals are not permitted unless permission is sought and granted in writing from the Responsible Officer before the meeting date. Appraisal by telephone without video facilities is not acceptable. NHS England guidance states that ‘technology assisted appraisals’ are not normally permitted, can only be used on rare occasions ‘where circumstances present insurmountable obstacles to a face to face meeting’ and where a postponement ‘would cause more harm than good’. Geographical aspects alone will not be accepted as reasonable circumstances for a telephone or video conference appraisal.

If it becomes apparent that a video conference appraisal will be necessary, the appraisee needs to contact the Responsible Officer at the earliest possible date, working with their allocated appraiser to provide the following information:

  • Why a face-to-face appraisal meeting cannot be arranged within the three-month appraisal window.
  • The earliest date that it is likely a face-to-face appraisal meeting could take place.
  • How long the appraisee is likely to be abroad (if applicable).
  • Whether this issue is likely to arise in future years.
  • For appraisals taking place via video conferencing the appraisee must pay any costs that arise.

Technology assisted appraisals are a ‘one off’ to manage very exceptional circumstances so if working abroad and undergoing a face-to-face appraisal meeting is likely to present an ongoing problem, the doctor should seriously consider relinquishing their UK licence since it is not required for work abroad. The process for regaining the licence after voluntarily relinquishing is simple and quick: http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/relinquish_options.asp

An approved video conference appraisal must take place under the same conditions as a face to face meeting – appraiser and appraisee must book a sufficient amount of time for the meeting and be in a private and quiet environment free from distractions or interruptions. They must also ensure that they have familiarised themselves with the technology before the meeting is scheduled to begin to minimise delays.

If there are any questions, please do contact revalidation@fpm.org.uk

The above policy has been updated to reflect the guidance issued by NHS England in July 2019.