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Revalidation

What is revalidation?

Revalidation is a new process of regulation for all doctors that practice medicine in the UK. Every five years doctors will need to show that they are still fit to practise. The Government outlined plans for the revalidation process in the February 2007 White Paper: Trust, Assurance and Safety – The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century. It is intended that revalidation will begin no earlier then December 2012.

Latest News

4 August 2010

Professor Narula has written to Niall Dickson Chief Executive of the GMC, to re-emphasise our commitment to working with the GMC on the implementation of revalidation.

2 August

The GM’s Revalidation Programme Board has published its first edition of the Revalidation update e-bulletin. To subscribe email revalidation@gmc-uk.org

28 July 2010

Professor Narula attended a meeting at the GMC to discuss the next steps towards the implementation of revalidation. It was agreed that:

  • The GMC will produce a timetable for implementation by the end of the year
  • The GMC and Colleges will work towards a straightforward system with a review of the specialty standards and requirements for supporting information, while recognising that revalidation would need to reflect the difference between the medical specialties.
  • The start date for the UK will be no earlier than December 2012.

26 July
The draft Responsible Officer regulations were laid in Parliament.
A guidance document was also published on the department of Health’s website 

14 July 2010

The GMC have released a press statement following the close of their consultation on revalidation. The press release states that the GMC will simplify and streamline revalidation.


4 June 2010

The GMC consultation on revalidation has closed. The College submitted its response which comments in detail on the proposals.

1 June 2010

The Secretary of State for Health has written to the GMC to affirm his commitment to revalidation but to emphasise that the “benefits are robust and achievable and the costs affordable”. In order to allow more time to examine and test the proposals he announced that he would be extending the piloting period in England by one year.

An overview of revalidation for surgeons

The College has produced a short booklet to provide an overview of revalidation for surgeons. The booklet was sent to all fellows and members along with their copy of the June edition of the Bulletin.

The booklet is also available online

What if I have additional questions?

The General Medical Council has published a frequently asked questions document on their website which should answer many of your questions about revalidation. They have also produced this information in a PDF which can be downloaded from our website. The revalidation process is still being developed and the document will be updated as new details emerge. If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact the College on revalidation@rcseng.ac.uk

You may also find the following websites helpful:

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