RoT Information for Appraisers
The role of the Appraiser is important in supporting the professional development of a trainer they appraise.
The Education Organisers (EOs. - PDSD and the five medical schools), adopted a single-system approach to RoT which operates in conjunction with the Directors of Medical Education (DMEs) across all Health Board so that a trainer is recognised once in Scotland for all "named" roles requiring recognition by the GMC
In Scotland the SOAR system is used to support RoT which requires the trainer to complete a dedicated page ( Form7). Appraisers are then asked to reflect with the trainer during appraisal on whether they continue to meet the GMC's requirements and on any issues relevant to the trainer's CPD.
In Scotland we have developed an approach to recognition which encourages ongoing professional development in the trainer's education role. Re Recognition every 5 years is NO LONGER a GMC requirement
Appraisers should consider discussing future development with the trainer. As well as attending further training courses, trainers may also wish to consider reflective accounts of the teaching/training role and the response to feedback on teaching/training. If there are any role-specific requirements, usually in respect of undergraduate roles, these should have been made clear to the trainer by the relevant EO. This would be in addition to the requirement to meet the minimum GMC requirements.
Criteria for Initial Recognition that will be assessed by DME and recorded on Form 7
SOAR Form 7 - Domain 1: Recognition of Trainer
1. Section A: Educational Governance Requirements.
This section requires the trainer to self-declare the following:
- I have a GMC Licence to Practice.
- I have completed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training as required by my employer.
- I am currently practising within the field(s) relevant to my training role(s).
- I have appropriate time allocated within my role.
- In practice this means the trainer should provide details of their E D&I training and tick the three boxes.
Any outstanding issues regarding time for teaching in job plans should be followed up by the trainer with the relevant Clinical Director or Service Lead.
2. Section B: Role-specific Requirements
This section requires the trainer to self-declare the following:
- I understand the requirements of my role and how that role fits with other educational and clinical roles.
- I know how to get support if needed.
- I understand the curriculum and career stage of my students/trainees.
If any of the boxes have not been completed this should be explained in the narrative section of Form 3.
3. Section C: Generic Trainer Skills
This section requires trainers to confirm that they meet the appropriate GMC Framework areas (Clin Sups: 1-4 + 7; Ed Sups and UG roles:1-7) and have provided the relevant supporting information. The framework areas are:
- Ensuring safe and effective patient care through training
- Establishing and maintaining an environment for learning
- Teaching and facilitating learning
- Enhancing learning through assessment
- Supporting and monitoring educational process (not required for clinical supervisors)
- Guiding personal and professional development (not required for clinical supervisors)
- Continuing professional development (CPD) as an educator
For some trainers, this will involve submitting a portfolio of evidence. However for most completion of an accredited course or qualification in medical education such as a Master's degree, or full Membership/Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Educators(AoME), or Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), are also sufficient to demonstrate full initial compliance.
It is worth noting, that the Form 7 is the only part of the appraisal paperwork the Director of Medical Education (DME) will see and therefore, if the Appraiser or trainer identify any issues which are affecting the trainers ability to conduct the or named rolel that or any specific development needs that they are recorded there. An appraiser might consider adding relevant comments to Form 4.
- Form 7 Example [PDF]
For more information on Form 7 and other appraisal forms, please visit the Medical Appraisal Scotland website.
This page was last updated on: 28.09.2026 at 15.31