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Assessments for Core Trainees

Core Surgical ARCP's

During a training year every Core Trainee will be expected to partake in an annual ARCP assessment. These assessments are very important for the trainee as it defines whether or not they can progress to the next stage of training.

Core Trainees

If you are a Core Trainee you will be expected to attend your appointment as the event is seen as a good time to gain feedback not just of you but also of your training post. The panel will typically consist of your Training Programme Director as well as external consultants and potentially the Head of School. At least 10% but often more of the ARCP's will also have a Lay Chair present as well as a Deanery or Management Representative. Please note down the dates of the ARCP's in your diary. You should each be contacted closer to the time of the assessment once a timetable has been drawn up.

ARCP Guidance

 

Questions

  • What is an ARCP?

    • The ARCP is a formal deanery review process, which uses the evidence gathered by the trainee during their training to assess their ability to complete the period of training under review and to progress to the next level of training.
    • It follows on from the local appraisal and assessment processes and bases its recommendations on the evidence gathered during the period between ARCP reviews.
    • The ARCP is normally undertaken on an annual basis (around May – July) for all trainees undertaking specialty training.

  • Does it apply to me?

    Yes if you are -

    • In one-year Core Training or Fixed Term Specialty Training appointments (FTSTAs)
    • In Locum Appointments for Training (LATs)

    If the trainee does not participate in the ARCP process then it may not be possible to count the trainee’s training time towards a CCT /CESR if the trainee is later appointed to a run-through or Higher Specialist training programme

  • What do I need to do?

    • At least six weeks prior to the date of the ARCP panel the trainee will be informed of the following:
    • The date the panel will meet
    • The evidence required by the panel to assess the trainee’s progression
    • The date by which this evidence must be submitted
    • Examples of evidence include; competency based assessments, Educational Supervisors Structured Report, the trainee’s portfolio/logbook, examination results, audit reports, certificate of completion of the PMETB survey etc.
    • The trainee must ensure that the documentary evidence which is submitted for consideration is complete, checking with their Deanery if the trainee is not sure about the evidence requirements.
    • The trainee will not be ‘chased’ to provide the documentation by the required date but should be aware that failure to do so will result in the panel failing to consider the trainee’s progress. In the case of failure to provide documentation, this would be outcome 5 - incomplete evidence presented.
    • If the trainee is concerned about their ARCP they should contact their local Clinical Tutor or College Tutor who will be able to provide the trainee with advice and support.

  • Will I be required to attend the ARCP panel meeting?

    • This will depend upon local Deanery arrangements for the trainee’s specialty or programme.
    • If the trainee is required to attend the ARCP, they will be notified in advance of the date, time and venue.
    • The ARCP panel is usually at least three consultants in the specialty or programme. In addition, a Deanery and External Representative may also be present.

  • What are the possible outcomes from the ARCP?

    If you are an FTSTA, LAT or Core Trainee for 1 year,

    Outcome 7.1: Satisfactory progress in or completion of the LAT / FTSTA placement. This means that you have established that you have acquired and demonstrated the competencies expected of a trainee undertaking a placement of this type and duration at the level specified.

    Outcome 7.2 Development of Specific Competences Required – additional training time not required

    The trainee’s progress has been acceptable overall; however, there are some competences not fully achieved, which the trainee needs to develop either before the end of their current placement or in a further post to achieve the full competences for this year of training. The rate of overall progress is not expected to be delayed; or the prospective date for completion of training extended, or that a period of additional remedial training is required as this is a fixed term post. Where such an outcome is anticipated, the trainee should appear before the panel. The panel will need to specifically identify in writing the further development required. The documentation will be returned to the TPD and educational supervisor, who will make clear to the trainee and the employer/s what must be done to achieve the required competences and the assessment strategy for these. At the next annual outcome assessment it will be essential to identify and document that these competences have been met. Failure to complete the competences in time will mean this period of training cannot be formally recognised.

    Outcome 7.3 Inadequate Progress by the Trainee

    The trainee has not made adequate progress and this period of training cannot be counted. However, the trainee may be required to repeat this period of training, not necessarily in the same post; or with the same employer or Deanery; simply that it needs to be repeated.

    Outcome 7.4 Incomplete Evidence Presented

    The panel can make no statement about progress or otherwise since the trainee has supplied either no information or incomplete information to the panel. The trainee will have to supply the panel with a written account within five working days as to why documentation was not provided for the panel. The panel does not have to accept the explanation given by the trainee and can require the trainee to submit the required documentation by a designated date.

    (If the trainee has sufficient time remaining within their placement the trainee will be asked to present complete evidence before the period of training can be assessed).

  • Who is informed of these outcomes?

    • The Trainee – the trainee must sign ARCP Outcomes Form and return it to the Deanery within TEN working days. The trainee should keep a copy of the signed form in their portfolio. The Deanery will keep a signed copy in the trainee’s file.

    The outcome recommended by the ARCP panel will be made available by the Postgraduate Dean to:

    • The Relevant College or Faculty
    • The Training Programme Director – who will provide the trainee’s educational supervisor with a copy and keep a copy for his/her own records. If concerns have been documented about the trainee’s performance in this review, their educational supervisor will raise these concerns with the Medical Director of the trainee’s current hospital and next hospital if the trainee is due to rotate soon.