Assessment/Appraisal

The majority of Doctors in Training are capable of self-directed learning and progression within the positive, supportive and encompassing training environment that exists across the School.

Programmes are designed to deliver the GMC approved curricula and all trainees will be assessed against these parameters. Part of the quality assurance of this progress is the regular and dedicated assessment and appraisal framework that exists. This is designed to reassure trainees, and to provide feedback to trainers, helping to direct specific areas of training. The process also enables the School to identify any areas of development, and thereby amend training programmes as necessary.

Overall, assessment and appraisal are set to encourage and support trainees in striving for excellence.

Educational Supervisors (ES)
The ES is a trainer who is selected and appropriately trained to be responsible for the overall supervision and management of a specified trainee's educational progress during a training placement or series of placements. Educational Supervisors must complete specific modules of training designed to develop their skills in trainee appraisal, generalised supervision, review of work based assessments, etc. They strive to identify and assist any trainee experiencing difficulty.

The ES will conduct face-to-face reviews with trainees at least three times per year. These will include a review of WBAs, progress against the curriculum, exam progression and the educational needs of the trainee. The ES will also oversee the multi-source feedback process and lead on personal development planning and supporting reflective learning.

Clinical Supervisors (CS)
These are trainers selected and appropriately trained to be responsible for overseeing trainees' laboratory and clinical work. They will provide constructive feedback during a training placement. They may assist/perform WBAs.

Feedback
We run a constant process of quality assurance to maintain and improve upon the quality of training. Paramount to this is the input of trainees who should take part in systems of quality assurance and quality improvement in their clinical work and training, by responding to requests for feedback on the quality of training. These include the GMC National Trainee Survey in addition to the Health Education England National Educational Trainee Survey (NETS)

ARCP
Annual Review of Competence Progression

ARCP panels consider the evidence of training over the past year and are primarily driven by the Educational Supervisor's  review of a trainee progress. For the majority of Doctors in Training within the School of Pathology the ARCPs will take place in May/June, regardless of when their last interim review took place. An interim panel is held in December and ad-hoc ARCPs will be held in the intervening period (if required) for individual circumstances. There is external validation of the process and lay representation when needed. Postgraduate Doctors in Training are responsible for managing their portfolio and providing the evidence for the Educational Supervisor reviews.

The process is described fully in Section 7 of the Gold Guide. This has been further refined by the Royal College of Pathologists which has produced generic ARCP guidance to take into account the different Stages of Specialty Training: https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/assessment.html

The trainee's learning portfolio provides the evidence of progress, and should be updated throughout the training year. it is the trainee's responsibility to ensure that the documentary evidence is completed in time for the ARCP. The Deanery will provide trainees with a notification of their ARCP date approximately 12-weeks prior to ARCP and confirm an evidence deadline (usually at least 2-weeks prior to the ARCP date).  Please ensure that your evidence is recorded by this date as evidence posted after the deadline may not be considered by the reviewing panel. 

Please refer to the Royal College for guidance on the number of Work-Place Based Assessments that are required to be completed for your ARCP.  Trainees should note that any assessments completed after the submission date may not be counted towards their annual ARCP. Failure to complete the required amount of WPBAs or submit the documentation required can result an unsatisfactory outcome.

The review will chart your progress to date and will identify any specific training needs for the future. The outcome of the review will be recorded on an ARCP outcome form and retained in your training file. We advise that you share the information relating to your ARCP outcome with your Educational Supervisor to facilitate your ongoing personal development plan. Your TPD will support you during this process and guide your next phase of training.

ARCPs are now conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams and trainee attendance is no longer required.

The ARCP outcome form will be released to the trainee on the day of the ARCP.
Histopathology/Paediatric & Perinatal Pathology and Chemical Pathology outcome forms will be forwarded to trainees within 24 hours of the ARCP taking place.

You will receive notification of your ARCP outcome via email by default. The email will summarise any key points and advise you on next steps.
Notification of your outcome should trigger you to arrange a meeting with your Educational Supervisor to formulate a plan for your next 12-months in training and agree your personal development and education plan.

In addition, for outcomes 3 or 4, you will should arrange a more comprehensive feedback meeting with a member of the ARCP panel to discuss your outcome and learning objectives. This should normally take place within 10 working days of your ARCP. at a mutually convenient time and location. 

2023 ARCP Dates:

Documentation required by the CCT panel

Form R (Part B)
All trainees must complete a Form R (Part B) prior to ARCP each year. This includes trainees on statutory leave (parental/sick leave). Please note that it is the sole responsibility of the trainee to complete and submit a Form R (Part B) via TIS Self-Service. Failure to provide a Form R (Part B) will result in an outcome 5. 

CCT Calculator
The ARCP panel must record your current trajectory with respect to the curriculum, and provide a current CCT date. This can change for a wide variety of reasons, and it can be difficult for the TPD to maintain for every trainee. It is therefore essential that you complete and regularly update a CCT calculator. and verify this with your Educational Supervisor, as part of your ARCP submission. If in doubt please also check this with your TPD.
Pathology CCT calculator download link