Midlands Resident Doctors - Monthly Dispatch 

Wednesday 6 May 2026

A message from Dr Alex Philpott and Dr Kehinde Junaid

With best wishes,

Dr Alex Philpott, Associate Dean NHSE West Midlands and Dr Kehinde Junaid, Associate Postgraduate Dean NHSE East Midlands

Latest updates

Update on 10 point plan 

A summary of the work being completed around the 10 point plan can be found here: NHS England » 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives

The 10‑Point Plan, published on 29 August 2025, has been underway for seven months. Across the region, trusts are working at pace to put meaningful improvements in place to support you in your training post. To understand how these changes are making a difference, we’re regularly engaging with your Directors of Medical Education, Resident Doctor Peer Leads (RDPLs) and Senior Resident Doctor Leads (SRDLs). Together, we’re looking at what’s working well, what needs more attention, where further improvements can be made and where we can help.

Did you know:

At the start of this project, every trust completed a baseline survey to measure how well they were meeting each of the ten points in the plan. In the Midlands, our initial overall compliance score was 72%. 12 weeks later, in December 2025, all trusts were surveyed again to check progress. Our region has shown real momentum, with an overall 10% improvement. This reflects the work being done to make positive changes to your working environment and day‑to‑day experience.

 How you can get involved:

• Connect with your Resident Doctor Peer Lead - every trust has a nominated RDPL. This will be one of your fellow resident doctors who helps support the 10‑Point Plan locally. They gather feedback and ensure your voice is heard at a Trust Board level. Please take the time to find and speak to them, share your experiences, and flag anything that could help improve things further.
• Sign up to our Future NHS page - we have a dedicated space on the platform where resources and areas of good practice are shared. It’s a great way to stay informed about the work happening across the region: Link to Future NHS workspace 

National Information 

The latest specialty recruitment timelines can be found here: Overview of specialty training | Medical Hub

Supported return to training 

Taking time out of training—whether for parental leave, health, research, or other commitments—is a normal part of a medical career. Returning can feel challenging. The Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT) programme helps you implement a bespoke, structured plan for a safe and confident return to practice.

What is SuppoRTT?

An NHS England programme supporting resident doctors returning after ≥3 months away, addressing confidence, clinical skills, and wellbeing.

What support is available?

Start with structured planning:

• Complete key SuppoRTT forms:
  • Pre-absence
  • 3 months pre-return
  • 2 weeks post-return
  (Pre-return forms can still be completed even if pre-absence was not done)

Forms are available on the SuppoRTT EM website: https://www.eastmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/trainee/supportt

• Use these to guide a planning discussion with your ES/TPD, where a personalised return plan is agreed.
• SuppoRTT forms can be uploaded as evidence of engagement on your individual portfolios.

Support may then include:

• Enhanced supervision (≈2 weeks, pro rata)
• Supernumerary period (in exceptionally complex cases)
• Study budget for courses/skills refresh
• Mentorship & peer support (including lived-experience sessions)
• Wellbeing support, including access to the PSW team

How do I access SuppoRTT?

• Not mandatory, but strongly recommended
• Forms are required to access SuppoRTT resources
• Ensure your TIS email is up to date to receive SuppoRTT event information

Contact:

• Your Educational Supervisor (ES) or TPD
• Local SuppoRTT Champions (via deanery SuppoRTT websites)
• SuppoRTT Team Midlands contact: england.supportt.mid@nhs.net
  East Midlands website: https://www.eastmidlandsdeanery.nhs.uk/trainee/supportt

Future SuppoRTT days: SuppoRTTing your Parental Leave (for anyone planning or about to go on parental leave)
2 dates available:

·     9^th  of June 2026 at Nottingham, QMC -Register here 

·     29^th of September 2026 at  Leicester, Glenfield Hospital- Register here to book

Plan early. Seek support. You don’t need to navigate your return alone.

School of General Practice exam results

The MRCGP is a tripartite qualification comprising the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) and a range of workplace-based assessments (WPBA).

Over the last few years, the performance of West Midlands GP registrars in both exams has gradually improved, and our pass rates are now around—or above—the national average.

In 2022, the AKT pass rate across the year for West Midlands candidates was 60%; last year it was 75%.

The SCA was introduced in November 2023. In the first full year, the average pass rate in the West Midlands across the year was 63%; in the second, 67%; and in the current year it is 70%.

These improvements are likely to reflect multiple factors.

First and foremost, they reflect the hard work of our community of GP registrars, trainers and TPDs, of whom we are immensely proud.

Other contributors include the iTAP programme, which offers targeted support from the start of training; the exam support offer from our TPDs; and the introduction of structured learning placements, piloted in the West Midlands. Early analysis suggests that registrars who have taken part in the structured learning programme have a higher pass rate than peers who have not, and analysis of iTAP is underway.

Becoming a GP is not just about passing exams; however, we hope that improved pass rates allow more time for our registrars to develop the full range of skills needed, while also reducing stress and the financial costs associated with multiple exam sittings. Congratulations to you all!

A brief Guide to your ARCP?

As resident doctors you will all be aware of the need to undergo an annual ARCP assessment. The largest number of ARCPs take place over the summer months, (though are conducted throughout the year) and so it is timely to include this article in the Midlands Despatch. Many doctors can find the process stressful but good preparation can help to reduce anxiety over the process and ensure a good Outcome.

What is an ARCP?

This is the formal process that reviews Portfolio evidence presented by the Resident doctor and their Educational Supervisor to ensure Curriculum requirements for the period of training assessed, has been met. Your specific Curriculum has been agreed by your relevant Royal College and approved by the GMC. These Curricula are revised from time to time, and you should ensure you are on the current curriculum. Minimum standards of capabilities have been set to ensure doctors are fully trained and reassure the employer and public. Many doctors exceed these minimal standards, and this should be encouraged.

The ARCP is part of the Revalidation process, and you should ensure Form R is submitted to allow a review of this to occur.

Who should have an ARCP?

All Resident doctors, Foundation, Core and Speciality both Full-time and less than full time, doctors Out of Program, Locums for Training (LAT). A small number of doctors resign from their Training programs and an ARCP is still required to document competencies achieved and review Form R for revalidation purposes (unless an ARCP was already undertaken within the last 3 months prior to resignation) . Doctors on statutory leave (Long term sickness and maternity leave) are not assessed but will be rescheduled once they have returned to training.

When should I have an ARCP?

An ARCP should be carried out at least on an annual basis with no more than a maximum interval of 15 months. The process may be conducted more frequently where there is a need to review progression issues or consider requests for acceleration of training. There is a misconception that an ARCP is for an ST year. Training timelines don’t always conform to that eg LTFT and long-term sickness/maternity leave will mean the assessment may cross two ST years in a 12-monthly ARCP.

How do I know when my ARCP is required?

If this is your first ARCP it would normally be scheduled towards the end of your first year of training (usually around 6 weeks from the progression point to allow maximum training time to achieve competencies). For subsequent ARCPs, your prior ARCP Outcome Form should have documented the approximate timing of your ARCP. This date could change if your circumstances change.

Will I be notified of the date of my ARCP?

Yes. Residents should be informed of the date of their ARCP at least 6 weeks beforehand. If you are expecting an ARCP and have not been informed you should chase this up with your Educational Supervisor, College Tutor or Training Program Director.

What happens at ARCP

When you are notified of the date of your ARCP you may also be instructed of the closing date for Portfolio entries. This is usually 2 weeks before the Panel meet to assess the Portfolio submissions. It is important that you comply with this date as Panel Assessors need time to prepare for the ARCP Panel Meeting.

What do I include in my Portfolio?

The UKFPO & each College has a specific Portfolio, and you should make sure you are familiar with it. The requirements for each year of training will be defined within your Curriculum, and you should ensure that you have completed all components - assessment tools, reflections, multisource feedback, examination results, audits etc. If there are gaps you should, in the lead up to an ARCP, ensure you are achieving these. The Educational Supervisor Report is a structured summary of your achievements and will need to be completed and agreed before the date of your ARCP submission. You should be aware of the likely ARCP Outcome when this is completed- there should be no surprises at the ARCP.

Where does ARCP take place and do I need to attend?

ARCP Panels are normally conducted virtually on MS Teams which is the nationally agreed process. ARCP panel decisions will be made with the resident doctor in absentia. It is therefore important to ensure your Portfolio is complete as evidence not recorded on the Portfolio cannot be considered. The Panel will review your Portfolio and determine an ARCP Outcome. You are not required to attend. When an outcome 2,3,4 or 5 is given an educational planning meeting will be arranged (Often on the ARCP Decision Day but can be within 5 days to discuss Outcomes). Each School have their preference for the feedback meetings.

What do the ARCP Outcomes mean?

Outcome 1-achieving progress and capabilities at the expected rate

Outcome 2-development of specific capabilities required – additional training time not required

Outcome 3 -development of specific capabilities required additional training time required

Outcome 4 released from training programme

Outcome 5 incomplete evidence – assessment of progression cannot be made

Outcome 6 – completion of the programme

Outcome 7 LATs

Outcome 8 OOP

Outcome 10 – national emergency Outcomes

Many resident doctors will achieve an Outcome 1. An Outcome 2 means that there are areas needing attention, but the Panel have agreed these can be completed in the following year and no additional time is required. This Outcome allows you to plan your next year of training and should be considered in a positive way. An Outcome 3 means that you will require additional time to gain required competencies. This should be seen as an opportunity for you to demonstrate all the necessary skills and competences required to attain a CCT.

Outcome 5 is a holding Outcome as incomplete evidence has been provided. You should ensure that your submission including Form R is complete before the Panel meet.

How much additional training time can I have?

Each Speciality has a defined Program length, but not all learners achieve competency at the same speed (for a variety of reasons). The additional training time is the gift of time to allow most resident doctors to achieve their ambitions and complete training. Core Training can be extended by 6 months and Run-through by 12 months. The Dean has the discretion to award an additional 6 and 12 months respectively.  

What happens if I don’t agree with the ARCP Outcome?

Doctors receiving an Outcome 2 can ask for the decision to be reviewed. This review is conducted by the same Panel, and their review decision is final. Doctors receiving an Outcome 3 or 4 can request an Appeal which is a two-stage process beginning with a Review by the original Panel but if still in disagreement, an Appeals Panel with new members would conduct a further assessment. Please note that requests for Reviews or Appeals must be made in writing within 10 working days of being notified of the ARCP Outcome.  

Where can I find more information about ARCP?

All aspects of Postgraduate Training in the UK can be found in the Gold Guide, and all Resident doctors and Educational Supervisors should read this. It details your responsibilities as a Resident doctor and the processes around your training.

Gold Guide 10^th Edition: A Reference Guide for Postgraduate Foundation and Speciality Training in the UK

https://www.copmed.org.uk/publications/gold-guide

What other guidance should I read?

You should read your College Curriculum and GMC Duties of a good doctor

I wish you all success in your forthcoming ARCP and hope this brief guide will help you understand the process. Remember, there are many people who can help you, peers, Educational Supervisors, College Tutors and Training Program Directors.

 Richard Cartmill, Associate Postgraduate Dean West Midlands: Richard.cartmill@NHS.net

International Study Leave Claims 

For approved international study leave, NHS England will consider funding either:

• The course/conference fee, or
• Economy travel and accommodation

When submitting your application in Accent, please make sure all cost fields are completed in full (e.g. course fee, travel and accommodation). Applications with missing or incomplete cost information may be delayed or rejected, as full costs are needed to assess the request against policy.

Surveys

National Training Survey  

If you haven’t completed the GMC National Training Survey yet, please take a few minutes to do it. The survey is open until 6 May. 

Your feedback helps improve training and patient care. The  GMC blog site now  includes  case studies of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust showing how your survey feedback led to change in  the hospitals with an improved experience for resident doctors.  

The national training survey brings together the experiences of doctors in training and trainers across the UK. It helps highlight what is working well and where support or improvements are needed 

You can find out more about the national training survey, and reports from previous years, on the GMC website. 

Events and Courses

West Midlands School Representatives Faculty Development Day

We were delighted to welcome the President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to Birmingham, where they delivered an inspiring career talk at this year’s West Midlands School Representatives Faculty Development Day. The event featured a range of engaging sessions for resident representatives from all schools, we’d like to thank everyone who attended and contributed.

Resident representatives play a vital role in ensuring resident voices are heard, feeding directly into your school boards and from there to the Postgraduate Medicine and Dental Education Board.

The Midlands Career Planning Platform on PGVLE has been developed as a centralised hub to support effective career planning conversations at all stages of medical training. It brings together high-quality, trusted resources that supervisors and resident doctors can use to guide career exploration, decision-making, and progression.

The Platform is accessible via the Midlands page on PGVLE, within Courses, Training & Meeting Rooms. 

To request a new PGVLE user account, or to update an existing one, please complete this MS Form: https://forms.office.com/e/4PyDNTEPbX

Contact Details

Please submit all enquiries via our support portal: Support : midlands.freshdesk.com 

There are also a wide range of frequently asked questions that can be accessed via the homepage that you may find useful: Solutions : midlands.freshdesk.com 

Other useful resources