Retirement of Dr Vicky Banks, FMLM’s Revalidation and Appraisal Lead

Many members and fellows may not be aware that the Faculty’s role as a designated body, including that for the National Medical Director and Deputy Medical Director of NHS England, is enshrined in legislation (The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) (Amendment) Regulations 2013). This has placed an added onus on us to ensure that we maintain the highest standards in this regard. We have been very fortunate in the last 10 years to benefit from the advice, guidance and unstinting efforts of Vicky Banks to ensure that we have discharged our duties.

Vicky has combined a forensic knowledge of the requirements of the legislation and the GMC with humour and great humanity in dealing with fellow and members who are linked to the Faculty as their designated body. As chair of the Revalidation and Appraisal Advisory Committee, I know that I have not been alone in regularly availing of her knowledge and wisdom to an extent that has far exceeded her proper time commitments. Vicky has also been our contact the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, NHS England and the GMC on these issues. As Vicky retires to her rambling (in the best sense of the word) garden, her painting, sculpture, kayaking, hill walking, bird-watching etc, we hope that she enjoys a long and well-deserved retirement and we join her in wondering how she ever managed to fit all of this into a working life.

Professor William R Roche,

Chair, Revalidation and Appraisal Advisory Committee.