GP Appraisal

The Revalidation Support Unit (RSU) manages the GP appraisal process in Wales on behalf of Health Boards.  

Our aim is to effectively manage and deliver high-quality annual appraisal for every eligible GP on the Welsh Medical Performers List (MPL) who is connected to a Designated Body in Wales, through the Medical Appraisal Revalidation System (MARS). 

What is GP appraisal?  

Appraisal is a professional, formative and developmental process. It is about identifying development needs, not performance management. It is a positive process that provides doctors with feedback on their practice, supports continuing professional development and helps identify future learning and development needs.  

Annual appraisal provides an opportunity for doctors to reflect on their work, review achievements and challenges, consider feedback and agree objectives for their ongoing professional development.  

GPs have a contractual obligation to participate in annual appraisal and engage with the revalidation process in order to maintain their licence to practise with the General Medical Council (GMC).  

Delivering GP appraisal in Wales  

GP appraisal in Wales is delivered via a nationally coordinated approach that promotes consistency, quality and equity across all health boards.  

Appraisals are managed through MARS, the all-Wales online appraisal platform. Appraisals may be undertaken either virtually or face to face, ensuring flexibility while maintaining a consistent, high-quality appraisal experience for both appraisers and appraisees.  

The RSU works closely with Health Boards, Responsible Officers and Designated Bodies to support the effective delivery of appraisal across Wales and ensure compliance with national policies and operational procedures.  

GP appraisal is supported by a dedicated team within the RSU, including the Appraisal Support Team, GP Appraisal Coordinators and GP Appraisers. Together, these teams coordinate, support and deliver GP appraisal across Wales, helping to ensure a consistent and effective experience for doctors participating in the appraisal process.  

Training, Development and Quality 

The RSU recruits, trains and supports a network of GP Appraisers across Wales. Appraisers participate in ongoing professional development, quality assurance activities and national training programmes to help ensure appraisal is delivered consistently and to a high standard.  

This includes participation in the annual National Training Day (NTD), which provides opportunities for learning, collaboration, professional development and the sharing of best practice.  

We maintain high standards through regular quality assurance activities and the ongoing commitment and professionalism of our Appraisal Support Team, GP Appraisal Coordinators and GP Appraisers.