Clinical academic and research staff are subject to the provisions of the School of Clinical Medicine appraisal scheme.  

The scheme enables a focussed discussion on academic achievements/aspirations and relevant goal setting.  It is recognised that clinical academics and research staff within the University hold honorary clinical contracts with a variety of bodies and that integrated appraisals need to be carried out within a process that is appropriate to each specific operating context. 

These bodies include: 

• Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUHNHSFT) 
• Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT)  
• NHS England (for GPs) 
• Public Health England (PHE)  
• NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT)  

Joint Academic and Research Clinical Consultant Appraisals  

It agreed that appraisals will be carried out by a representative from the University, usually the Line Manager or Head of Department, and the relevant clinical organisation, so that areas of teaching, research and general contribution could be reviewed at the meeting together with the clinical aspects of the role.  

The Clinical Academic and Research Appraisal Process 

Each appraisee should agree with their appraiser whether to have a joint appraisal meeting or two separate appraisal meetings. If two separate meetings are held, the appraiser should ensure that appropriate information is shared that will enable fully informed discussions take place at each meeting.  

Appraisal Records  

The Clinical School appraisal form would normally be completed – see appraisal webpages. However, where it is appropriate, and as agreed between the appraiser and the appraisee, an academic appraisal can be recorded on an NHS, PHE or other clinical appraisal form / e-form as part of an integrated process. If an alternative recording format is used it is important that the academic and research aspects of the appraisal discussion are clearly recorded in the appraisal record. 

• For honorary contract holders with CUHNHSFT, see the bottom of this page for relevant forms
• If you have an honorary contract with PHE and you are connecting to PHE as your designated body, contact Revalidation@phe.gov.uk for guidance on your professional appraisal and Revalidation including SARD accounts, appraiser allocation, 360 tools and guidance.
• If you have an honorary contract with NHSBT and you are connecting to NHSBT as your designated body, you can access your appraisal via the Clarity Toolkit which also includes doing Multi-Source Feedback (MSF).

Supporting Information for Appraisal and Revalidation 

The GMC request the following information is required at appraisal, via Supporting Information for Appraisal and Revalidation  

The following types of supporting information should be collected to reflect and discuss at appraisal: 

• Continuing professional development 
• Quality improvement activity 
• Significant events 
• Feedback from patients for those to who you provide medical services 
• Feedback from colleagues 
• Compliments and complaints. 

Clinical Lecturers (Doctors in Training)  

Doctors in training will revalidate through the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP), which is required by their training programme.  This process ensures that doctors in training are offering safe, quality patient care and to assess their progression in their training programme. 

In addition, University employees are expected to have an annual appraisal under the School Scheme to enable discussion around academic / research and other matters. 

The appraisal process forms part of the revalidation requirements. 

For any questions about the appraisal process, contact cshrclinical@admin.cam.ac.uk.

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