FMLM supports its members to prepare for and gain value from their annual appraisal by providing support and services based on the FMLM Leadership and Management Standards for medical professionals. These services enable doctors in medical leadership roles, to demonstrate the vital contribution of effective leadership and management to improving patient care.
Members are also advised that if they do not undertake any practice in the UK that requires a licence (for example those in entirely managerial roles, who are retired, or in clinical practice that is entirely overseas), then they might consider remaining registered with the GMC but relinquishing their licence. The GMC frequently asked questions on the licence to practise may be of assistance.
FMLM Independent Appraisal Service
Medical appraisal is a process of facilitated self-review supported by information gathered from the full scope of a doctor’s work. It is therefore critical that an appraisal considers all elements of the doctor’s practice, and as more clinicians take on leadership and management roles, it is important to ensure that the process of annual appraisal captures both clinical and non-clinical competence and development needs.
To support those doctors with dual roles, or those encompassing a leadership element, FMLM offers an independent appraisal service to provide doctors with protected time to:
- reflect on achievements, challenges and lessons learnt; and
- explore opportunities to improve capability, aspirations and personal development for the year ahead.
The FMLM Appraisal Service is available for FMLM members and is conducted by highly experienced appraisers, trained and quality assured in appraising those with a leadership and management aspect to their practice.
FMLM uses the revalidation platform FFARMS with its Fourteen Fish appraisal form to undertake and record appraisals.
Already connected to FMLM?
FMLM are delighted to partner with Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd for delivery of our Designated Body services for Appraisal and Revalidation. Doctors who are already connected to FMLM and need to confirm their Appraisal and Revalidation arrangements can contact Wessex Appraisal Services via: admin@wessexappraisal.org
Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd. is a leading provider of high-quality medical appraisals and appraiser training, dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals through reflective practice, continuous quality improvement, and appreciative enquiry. Established in April 2022, the company emerged from a foundation of excellence previously built within the NHS and Health Education England (HEE). Today, it is recognised for offering tailored appraisal services to both NHS and non-NHS doctors.
Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd’s focus is on delivering medical appraisals that go beyond compliance. Their experienced appraisers are trained to help doctors explore their professional development, recognise achievements, and set meaningful goals. With a history of providing appraisals to over 3,000 doctors annually, the team brings a wealth of expertise in fostering professional growth and enhancing clinical practice.
The company’s innovative approach stems from its origins within the Wessex Deanery and HEE, where they led appraiser training and medical appraisal services for over a decade. As a trusted partner in medical education, Wessex Appraisal Service is now a leading independent provider with an ever-growing portfolio of clients and commissioners.
Why have FMLM chosen to partner with Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd.?
- Proven track record - With roots in leading NHS appraisal programs, they bring years of experience and expertise to FMLM.
- Tailored approach – Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd understand that every doctor is different, which is why they offer personalised appraisals that fit the unique needs of healthcare professionals in diverse settings.
- Elite medical appraisers - Appraisers are leaders in the field, with years of experience in conducting appraisals that encourage personal and professional development.
- Comprehensive support – A full-time administrative team ensures smooth, stress-free appraisal processes, from scheduling to portfolio management.
- Non-NHS appraisals - As a private service provider, Wessex Appraisal has expanded its reach, offering appraisal solutions to doctors in non-NHS sectors while maintaining strong relationships with former NHS appraisers.
FMLM and Wessex Appraisal Services Ltd. believe that medical appraisal should be more than just a regulatory exercise; it should be an empowering experience that drives continuous improvement. Our appraisers guide healthcare professionals through reflective discussions that help shape their future in medicine, while our supportive infrastructure ensures that each appraisal is efficient and valuable.
Interested in connecting to FMLM?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a connected member at FMLM. Please read the following information carefully to ensure that FMLM is the right match to be your prescribed connection to a Designated Body (DB).
Your DB is responsible for providing you with a regular appraisal and supporting you with your revalidation. Your Responsible Officer (RO) will make a revalidation recommendation about you on behalf of your DB. You will need to ensure that the General Medical Council (GMC) knows who your DB is.
Before you complete the connection application form, please check that you do not have a connection to a different designated body that would take precedence (for example, if you undertake current clinical work, or had a membership of one of the other prescribed professional bodies before you joined the FMLM).
To find your connection for revalidation you can use the GMC’s ‘find your connection for revalidation’ tool to assist you. There is more information in the ‘Did you know?’ boxes to the right of the questions which may be helpful.
It is a legal requirement for anyone connected to the FMLM to be a member of FMLM. If you need to join, click here.
As part of the onboarding process, you will be asked to complete a digital Right to Work check to ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK. This will involve downloading an app to your phone and taking part in a short 20–30 minute virtual meeting. Please make a note on the application form if you have any support requirements that we need to consider.
Finally, please be mindful that the one-off application fee to become a connected member of the FMLM is £140, to be paid when you submit your application. This fee is non-refundable even in cases where the application process finds that you are unable to become a connected member of the FMLM.
The most common causes of an unsuccessful application are a connection to a different designated body which takes precedence, or not completing the Right to Work check within the requested timeline of four weeks. It is important that you follow the process detailed below to avoid these outcomes.
Onboarding Checklist
- Read the provided information carefully to ensure that a connection to FMLM is right for you.
- Check that you do not have a prior connection to a different designated body.
- Complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Check your email for an invitation to complete the digital Right to Work check and follow the instructions provided within four weeks of receiving your invitation.
- Attend a minimum 20-30 minute virtual meeting with a member of the Wessex Appraisal Service Ltd. team.
- Await confirmation from FMLM regarding the success of your application.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, you are unable to complete the Right to Work check within the four week time period, you will be able to reapply but you will need to pay an additional application fee.
Fees
FMLM charges an annual fee for revalidation services. The fee is necessary to cover the professional and administrative time and expenses involved in discharge of these duties. This fee does not include appraisal costs and is in addition to the usual FMLM annual membership fee.
The Fees as of 2020/21 have been currently frozen for 2023/24 at:
Annual revalidation fee - £1041.67 + VAT
Annual Appraisal fee - £708.33 + VAT
Contact us
Please send your questions, comments and suggestions on revalidation and appraisal to revalidation@fmlm.ac.uk.