Recognition criteria for all Scottish Trainers

In Scotland, the five medical schools and PSDS agreed on a single set of criteria for all recognised trainers. These criteria are grouped into three categories:

A. Educational Governance requirements

• Be currently practising within their field (for undergraduate trainers this may include academic practice)
• Comply with all aspects of Good Medical Practice
• Comply with all legal, ethical and professional obligations including completion of any mandatory training requirements
• Have appropriate time allocated for their role in job plan

Criteria in this category address the need for trainers to act as role models for students and resident doctors in training, demonstrating exemplary professional practice.

Category A requirements are signed off at appraisal processes. DMEs maintain a list of named trainers with PSDS verify annually that the correct information is in place. Trainers will be asked to sign a declaration that they meet these criteria and to provide evidence that their equality & diversity training is up-to-date.

B. Role-specific Requirements

• Demonstrate awareness of the curriculum 
• Demonstrate awareness of their role and how that role fits with other educational and clinical roles
• Know how to get support if needed and know about the relevant EOs' QA procedures

Category B criteria are intended to ensure that trainers understand the responsibilities associated with the specific role they are taking on.

Criteria in this category will be evidenced by completion of an induction module or course approved by individual Education Organisers. Induction may take a variety of formats, including face-to-face or online learning.

C. Generic Teaching Skill Requirements

• Produce evidence of ongoing development across all relevant Framework areas to demonstrate an appropriate level of teaching competence
• Provide evidence of appropriate training and/or experience for their teaching role

The criteria in category C aims to ensure that all trainers have attained a basic, minimum level of competence and that they continue to develop their skills as appropriate for their role.

 

GP Trainers

This information refers specifically to trainers working in secondary-care or university settings who will require recognition for the first time or GPs acting as Clinical Supervisors for secondary-care trainees.

GPs seeking formal trainer approval should continue to follow existing guidance.

This page was last updated on: 28.09.2026 at 14.37