Revalidation helpdesk

The FMLM revalidation helpdesk has been set up to offer medical leadership and management specific advice on revalidation and appraisal to our members. Advice will be provided via a network of specialty advisors from across the UK.

General information about revalidation can be found on the GMC and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges websites, and also within FMLM's specialty guidance for the leadership and management aspects of a doctor's scope of practice.

What type of queries are processed via the helpdesk?

The helpdesk will respond to medical leadership and management specific queries on revalidation and appraisal, including queries on the revalidation process and supporting information.

Who can submit queries to the helpdesk?

Queries may be from appraisees, appraisers and responsible officers. You must be an FMLM member to submit a query.

Please note that whilst we will advise on the type of evidence required for revalidation, we will not be advising on the quality or details of specific individual appraisals or revalidation.  Please also note that identifiable patient details or other sensitive information should not be included in the email query.

How can I submit a query?

Via email to revalidation [at] fmlm.ac.uk

How are queries addressed?

Queries will be answered by either the Revalidation and Appraisal Manager, or the Deputy Medical Director (DMD) leading on revalidation and appraisal within FMLM.  If necessary the FMLM Revalidation and Appraisal Advisory Group (RAAG) will be consulted, of which both are members, or the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Revalidation and Professional Development Committee, again both being members of this group, or directly with the GMC.   We will endeavour to provide a response within five working days.

What about confidentiality?

In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, all enquiries are handled in confidence by the FMLM team.  Should the query be raised with the RAAG, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Revalidation and Professional Development Committee, or with the GMC, identifiable information of the enquirer will be redacted before forwarding the enquiry in order to protect the enquirer’s anonymity.  FMLM undertakes to keep information supplied to it confidential unless otherwise required by law, court order or any regulatory authority (including the GMC) to disclose it.   FMLM reserves the right to disclose such information (in confidence) to the GMC or other relevant regulatory authority if they reasonably consider it necessary in the public interest to do so, and in line with GMC requirements on the duties on disclosure.

Note on the use of advice

FMLM revalidation helpdesk advice is intended for the sole use of the person making the enquiry.  It is not intended to be used or relied upon by a third party.  FMLM gives revalidation advice on medical leadership and management matters in response to a specific request.  FMLM prepares or gives such advice in principle, based on the facts presented to them, with reasonable care and in good faith, and does not accept any possible liability arising from the advice.  The advice is intended as guidance only and is not binding.