What is Revalidation?
Medical revalidation is the process by which the General Medical Council (GMC) confirms the continuation of a doctor’s licence to practise in the UK, ensuring you remain up to date, fit to practise, and capable of delivering safe, effective care in your chosen field. Holding a licence to practise is the indicator a doctor continues to meet the professional standards set by the GMC and the Royal Colleges and Faculties. Licensed doctors are required to revalidate every five years by having an annual appraisal based on the GMC’s core guidance for doctors- Good Medical Practice.
The importance of a Designated Body
Doctors must have an appropriate connection to a designated body to engage in the revalidation process. Licensed doctors have a connection with one organisation who will support them with an annual appraisal and help with revalidation. The responsible officer (RO) of this designated body will make a recommendation about you, usually every five years, that you are up to date, fit to practise and should be revalidated. There are a clear set of rules that determine which organisation is your designated body. For most doctors, this is quite straightforward and you can find advice on the GMC website.