This page explains the externality process and the roles of the deanery and external assessor. We regularly invite deaneries to submit dates of their ARCP panels and for external assessors to submit their availability to attend.
About the externality process
The General Medical Council (GMC) Gold Guide (see 4.131) specifies externality at:
- 10% of ARCP (Annual Reviews of Competence Progression) outcomes for each deanery
- triggered/monitored visits, and
- appeal panels.
An external assessor, ideally from the same specialty but outside of the local training programme or specialty school, is expected to review a random sample of at least 10% of the outcomes and associated evidence as well as any recommendations regarding concerns over performance and training progression.
Download our full externality guidance at the bottom of this page
Deanery responsibilities
The deanery administrator is responsible to ensure this external representation (see 4.68 of the Gold Guide).
- Key duties of the deanery administrator
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- Notify the RCPCH Quality and Training Projects (QTP) team of ARCP dates when requested
- Ensure EA is appointed prior to each event to meet the requirement for sampling at least 10%
- Note if EA participation is needed at any appeal panel
- Provide the EA all necessary documentation to support their involvement in the panel, remote activities or visits
- Address any recommendations or actions arising from the EA's report
- If applicable, send a copy of the action/improvement plan to the QTP team on qualityandtrainingprojects@rcpch.ac.uk
We regularly ask deaneries to submit their dates of upcoming ARCP panels. When we next need this information, we will open up a short online form and link to it here.
External assessor role
The external assessor (EA) attends a sample of ARCPs in a deanery outside of where they work.
- Key criteria for the EA role
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- Be a Head of School, CSAC Chair, College Tutor, Training Programme Director, College Officer and/or Educational Supervisor - we need EAs from a range of roles to be quorate
- Be a Fellow, Member or Affiliate Member of RCPCH, and a consultant in general paediatrics or a paediatric sub-specialty
- Have experience as an ARCP panel member
- Be familiar with the RCPCH Progress+ curriculum
- Skills and experience for the EA role
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- Have detailed, up-to-date knowledge of the Gold Guide requirements of postgraduate training, the regulations involved and the examinations, assessments and appraisals that trainees are required to undertake
- Can demonstrate experience as a clinical or educational supervisor
- Have relevant up-to-date training in teaching methods, for example by attending the Paediatric Educators Programme, Training the Trainers or equivalent
- Demonstrate an active involvement in education and training issues and have an appropriate and current working knowledge of educational requirements
- Understand the principles of appraisal and assessment and have had appropriate training Have an awareness of the issues around handling trainees in difficulty
- Have excellent communication skills, and a readiness to listen and empathise
- Have problem-solving abilities and a flexible, practical approach
- Demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development
We regularly ask EAs to submit their availability of upcoming ARCP panels
EAs - submit your availability
EA feedback reports
After attending ARCP review, EAs send feedback to the College. We use this information to create an annual report with examples of good practice and recommendations to enhance future ARCP reviews. Thanks to EAs for sending this feedback.
Download external assessor reports at the bottom of this page