If you are new to working in Wales as a doctor, have recently gained your CCT, are working as a clinical fellow or in another non-training grade post (e.g., F3), there are some key points regarding appraisal and revalidation that you need to know, and actions you need to take:
Familiarise yourself with the GMC appraisal and revalidation guidance
If you are new to practice, you should familiarise yourself with the GMC appraisal and revalidation guidance. Further information is available on our Supporting Information page.
Ensure you were revalidated at point of CCT
If you have just received your CCT, in most cases your deanery will process a revalidation recommendation for you. You will then receive confirmation from the GMC and be given a new revalidation date in five years’ time. If you have not been revalidated, you should contact your deanery revalidation team for further guidance.
Establish a prescribed connection for revalidation
Your first step will be to establish a prescribed connection for revalidation with a designated body, suitable person or directly with the GMC. This connection should reflect your primary employment. For those working within NHS Wales, this will usually be health board. Please see the GMC’s connection guidance for further information.
You will need to create a GMC Online account to establish and manage your prescribed connections.
Register with the Medical Appraisal Revalidation System (MARS)
All NHS doctors use the Medical Appraisal Revalidation System (MARS) for their annual appraisals. You should register with the system as soon as you are working in Wales and are no longer in a training post.
If at any point you you change your prescribed connection for revalidation with the GMC, you must also update your professional details on MARS.
F3 or Clinical Fellow posts and appraisal
If you are working, or planning to work, as an F3, clinical fellow or in another non-training grade post, you need to engage with annual appraisal and revalidation. It is essential that you register with MARS as soon as you start your post and engage with appraisal. Please see further information on how to prepare for appraisal on the ‘how to prepare for appraisal’ page
Digital Capability Framework
The Digital Capability Framework for Healthcare in Wales is a practical, interactive tool, for individuals, and teams, to better understand the skills, behaviours, and attitudes required to thrive in a digital world. The tool provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your digital capabilities and self-assess, to identify your strengths and areas for development.