GP Appraisal
Frequently Asked Questions

Following the merger of the 4 Sheffield PCTs, we are now responsible for the appraisal of more than 500 GPs every year.  In April 2007, we adopted an electronic GP Appraisal system.  This makes the process considerably less expensive to run and, we hope, more user friendly.

In order to manage the large number of appraisals that need to be carried out every year, each Appraisee now receives a reminder by email 8 weeks before their appraisal is due to take place.  This includes a timetable for:

• Advising their choice of appraiser
• Advising the date of their appraisal
• Returning their Form 4 and PDP, signed by Appraiser and Appraisee

It is very important that each Appraisee adheres to this timetable as it helps us greatly in administering the appraisal process and ensures capacity to appraise every GP on the Sheffield Medical Performers List.  This may mean choosing an alternative Appraiser if your first choice isn’t available.

Year on year slippage against allocated appraisal dates is a serious consideration for us as it has the potential to make the system unmanageable.

If you foresee any problems with meeting your deadlines, please contact the GP Appraisal Administration Team to discuss further.

The appraisal year runs in line with the financial year (1 April to 31 March).  It is a requirement of membership of the Sheffield Medical Performers List that GPs are appraised each year. 

In addition, a payment is made each financial year (via the Global Sum or equivalent) to practices for the appraisal of the salaried GPs they employ.  This makes appraisal a contractual requirement.

Revalidation will also require GPs to demonstrate that they have been appraised every year.

As documented in the GP Appraisal Policy, the same appraiser can be chosen for a maximum of 3 consecutive years.  After this another appraiser must be chosen.  This follows national guidance and forms part of the quality assurance process for GP Appraisal.  It also ensures that during any 5 year revalidation cycle, GPs have had at least 2 appraisers and benefit from their differing perspectives.

There are currently 40 appraisers to choose from.

This site includes a Step by Step guide, summarised below:

• View the biographies of Appraisers on the intranet and find one you would like to appraise you.  To avoid conflicts of interest, an appraiser working in the same practice, a family member or personal friend should not be chosen.  A maximum of three consecutive appraisals with the same appraiser will be permitted after which a new appraiser must be chosen.  However, most Appraisees choose a different appraiser after 2 years.
• Biographies contain contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses).  Make contact with your chosen appraiser and agree a mutually convenient date/time/venue for your appraisal to take place.
• If your chosen appraiser cannot fit you in within the required timescale, you will need to choose an alternative appraiser.
• Finally, advise the GP Appraisal Administration Team of the name of your appraiser and date of appraisal so that she can update your records on the database.

Salaried GPs do NOT need to complete a claim form as an element of the global sum (or equivalent) covers payment for undertaking their GP Appraisal.

Locum GPs need to submit a claim form.  Please note that GP Retainers, those on the Flexible Careers Scheme and GPs who undertake part time salaried/locum roles are expected to undertake their appraisals during practice time and are therefore not eligible to claim.

We are grateful to receive constructive feedback regarding the GP Appraisal process.  You can provide this by anonymously completing a feedback questionnaire which can now be submitted on line. It is also available to download from the forms page or by contacting the GP Appraisal Administration Team if you prefer to fill in a paper copy.  We do analyse your feedback and would encourage as many Appraisees as possible to provide this in order to make the information for meaningful.

Tel: 0114 30 51116
Email: shef-pct.GPAppraisal@nhs.net
Address: NHS Sheffield, 722 Prince of Wales Road, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 4EU