The ARCP Process
The Annual Review on Competency Progression has two parts. This is an explanation to the process and some tips to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.
The two parts are:
1] An interim Appraisal
2] The ARCP
The interim appraisal is an interview carried out sometime during the year. You will be given at least six-weeks notice and a list of the documents we need to inform the process. It is a chance for us to review your progress, provide feedback and advice. It is also an opportunity for you to get all your paperwork together and express any concerns regarding your training. There will usually be enough time for you to rectify any problems identified and still achieve a satisfactory ARCP outcome.
For most of you the subsequent ARCP will be a purely paper exercise and not require a further interview. We will send you a list of the documents needed for the process. It is vital that the paperwork reaches the Deanery Specialty Training Office before the deadline.
An Outcome 1 indicates satisfactory progress.
An Outcome 2 is not a failure, however you may need to do some extra work or catch up in certain areas. This outcome will probably be used more widely in future.
An Outcome 3 requires additional training because of inadequate progress.
An Outcome 4 indicates termination of training before completion.
If your papers are incomplete you will receive an Outcome 5. This doesn’t mean you have failed. You will be asked to resubmit the papers within two-weeks. Failure to meet the second deadline could result in termination of your training.
FTSA and LAT trainees who have made satisfactory progress will receive an Outcome 1 & 7. LAT’s in post for more than 3 months will get a paper ARCP with an outcome given on a pro rata basis. LAT appointees should contact the Programme Director to arrange an ARCP before the end of contract. Similarly trainees should if possible have an ARCP before starting Maternity Leave.
Some tips
The interim appraisal and ARCP are separate processes. Submissions for the interim appraisals cannot be carried forward to the ARCP.
Keep ahead of the game. Make sure you have a Learning contract/Personal development plan with evidence of review every three months. This is a contract between you and your tutor/supervisor and should be signed and dated by both parties at every review.
Make sure that no patient identifiable data is submitted.
All pages should have your name on them. Each should be signed and dated by you and validated by your tutor. Paper work that cannot be attributed to you is not valid.
Use the e portfolio. Up load all your competences. Hard copy of each individual assessment is not acceptable. If your supervisor has failed to validate the entry in time ask your tutor to confirm in writing that the outcomes are satisfactory. At present the summary page from the portfolio will need your name written on it. Once again this should be validated by you tutor.
The Multi Source Feedback has to be uploaded and a summary printout submitted. Hard copy of the individual assessments are not acceptable. For an MSF to be valid at least 11 of the 15 individuals asked must have responded. Ask the respondents to complete the process on line as otherwise your tutor will have to do this. You cannot upload your own MSF.
Provide a summary of the main categories of operation in your surgical logbook, but also a printout of the entire log, with each page signed and dated by yourself and your tutor.
Keep copies as frustratingly items get lost in the post.
Do not submit your whole portfolio although you may be required to bring this to the appraisal interview.
Keep an up to date Curriculum Vitae.
I hope this information will be helpful in avoiding some of the delays that occurred this year.
Mr D Hughes
RCOphth Programme Director
