What does ARCP stand for?

Annual Review of Competency Progression

Who is the ARCP process for?

Specialty Trainees. The Specialist Registrars (SpRs) continue to follow the RITA process.

Where in the Gold Guide can I find further information on the ARCP process?

Section 7, page 54 - 85

I have been asked to submit paperwork / update my e-portfolio for a Documentation Review. What is a Documentation Review?

The Documentation Review convenes to review paperwork / e-portfolio only.
For many specialties, trainees are not required to attend. Please consult with the School Administrator on whether you need to attend.

If my paperwork / e-portfolio is not deemed as satisfactory at the Documentation Review, what happens next?

If following the Documentation Review the panel note any trainees that are not at the required standard of training, they will be invited to attend the ARCP, also, failure to produce timely, adequate evidence for the Documentation Review panel will result in an incomplete outcome (Outcome 5) and will require the trainee to explain to the ARCP panel and Deanery in writing the reasons for the deficiencies in the documentation.

The ARCP panel will also review 10% of the Documentation Review recommendations for satisfactory outcomes.

Once the 10% has been confirmed as satisfactory, all the ARCP Certificates are produced.

When am I due in for my assessment?

Please contact the Mersey Deanery School Administrator for further advice.

Do I complete paperwork or the e-portfolio?

Follow the appropriate link for your specialty:

What are the outcomes that I could receive?

Satisfactory Progress

• ARCP 1 Achieving progress and the development of competencies at the expected rate (clinical and academic)

Unsatisfactory or insufficient evidence (trainee must meet with panel)

• ARCP 2 Development of specific competencies required - additional training time not required
• ARCP 3 Inadequate progress by the trainee - additional training time required
• ARCP 4 Released from training/academic programme with or without specified competencies
• ARCP 5 Incomplete evidence presented - additional training time may be required.

Recommendation for Completion of training

• ARCP 6 Gained all required competencies (clinical and academic)

Outcomes for trainee out of programme or not in run-through training

• ARCP 7.1 Satisfactory progress in or completion of LAT / FTSTA placement
• ARCP 7.2 Development of Specific Competences Required in LAT / FTSTA placement – additional training time not required
• ARCP 7.3 Inadequate Progress by the Trainee in LAT / FTSTA placement – expected competences not acquired
• ARCP 7.4 Incomplete evidence presented in LAT / FTSTA placement – further documentation must be supplied
• ARCP 8 Out of programme for research, approved clinical training or a career break
• ARCP 9 Top-up training (outcome should be indicated in one of the above areas)

I do not agree with the outcome I have been given, what do I do?

Appeals should be made in writing to the Postgraduate Dean within ten working days of the trainee being notified of the panel’s decision.

There are 2 steps to appeal:

• Step 1: Discussion
  Step 2: Formal appeal hearing

If a trainee does not accept the outcome of Step 1, they should inform the Postgraduate Dean within ten working days of it.

Postgraduate Deans will then arrange a formal, appeal hearing (Step 2) which should normally take place within fifteen working days of receipt of a request for an appeal where practicable.

Members of the original annual review panel must not take part in the appeal process.

Please see Gold Guide 7.122 - 7.134 for further details

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