Frequently Asked Questions

When a doctor becomes GMC-registered with a License to Practise, they are committing to provide an ongoing assurance that they are up-to-date on their knowledge, skill and professional development.  

They do so through the process known as “revalidation”, which is a five-year cycle comprising appraisals and multi-source feedback.

The General Medical Council assigns 'Designated Body' status to a range of UK-based employers (such as NHS Trusts, locum agencies and private organisations).  It is the organisation through which a doctor carries out all or most of their UK-based work. 

Most doctors will be able to identify their designated body, and become what is known as a 'Prescribed Connection' to that Body, however it is not essential and the GMC has arrangements in place for doctors who cannot.

All doctors with a License To Practice must take part in revalidation activities, regardless of whether they have a Designated Body.

The Responsible Officer (RO) of a Designated Body is usually a senior doctor. The RO role is set out in statute and includes making sure that the Prescribed Connections of a Designated Body are regularly appraised and there are processes to investigate and refer any fitness to practise concerns to the GMC. The RO ultimately makes the decision to recommend revalidation for each Prescribed Connection.

Aptitude Support Ltd. provides a range of supports to Designated Bodies, including provision of a Responsible Officer, support with professional bodies (such as NHS Commissioning Bodies and the General Medical  Council), and a full Revalidation service for each Prescribed Connection including annual appraisal, multisource feedback, scrutiny of prior appraisals and revalidation recommendations to the General Medical Council from the Responsible Officer.

New Designated Bodies are warmly welcomed to Aptitude.  We understand that governance responsibilities can seem daunting, and we are here to help you to become established as a new Designated Body, and to guide your doctors through the requirements.  This is especially helpful to doctors new to UK practice, and doctors trying non-NHS employment for the first time. 

Whatever their circumstances - and yours - we're here to help.