Most foundation ARCPs are done in June. This allows the results to be ready in plenty of time for F1s to obtain full registration and to ensure results are available prior to starting specialty training for F2s. You will need to ensure you portfolio is complete by the end of May.
The panel will review your portfolio and decide if there is enough evidence to support your progression to the next stage of training/continue in training. After reviewing your portfolio, they will issue an ‘outcome’. The commonest outcomes are: 1 for progression to F2, 6 for completion of F2. Other commonly used outcomes are: 5 if more evidence is required, 3 for more time required in training. If you are awarded an outcome 4 you will be asked to leave the training programme.
The panel usually consists of two clinicians and one administrator. The chair of the panel is usually an FTPD or FSD. The other clinician is usually an ES or FTPD. The administrator is usually one of the foundation team. ARCPs are carried out without the foundation doctor present. The panel will review your e-portfolio and any other notable records (for example, absence records, if applicable), so it is especially important that you provide all the necessary information and evidence in your e-portfolio. If the panel awards an outcome 3 or 4 you will be asked to attend after the panel has met and the decision will be explained to you. This meeting may occur remotely.
If the panel thinks you have probably reached the required standard but feel there are gaps in the evidence you have provided, you will most likely be awarded an outcome 5 and given two weeks to provide the evidence that is missing. If the panel thinks you have not met the required standard, you will be awarded an outcome 3 or 4. If you have received an outcome 3 or 4 and you feel the panel have not followed the correct process in deciding your outcome, you have the right to appeal in writing to the PG dean within 10 working days.
Refer to the Gold Guide – 9th Edition – Conference Of Postgraduate Medical Deans (copmed.org.uk) for full details of the ARCP process.
Foundation doctors should speak with their LEP administrator/postgraduate centre team/NHS Education for Scotland (NES) training programme administrator as a first point of contact if they have questions about or need advice on the ARCP process.
LEP administrators/postgraduate centre teams should speak with their local foundation school team.