Lay Representatives.

The ARCP is an annual process whereby a panel of HEE YH Educationalists meet with trainees to consider whether a trainee is suitable to continue to the next stage of their training. 

The ARCP is a formal process within the curriculum in which a trainee’s progress in the training programme is assessed and measured.  This is carried out using a range of defined and validated assessment tools, along with professional and triangulated judgements about the trainee’s rate of progress.  An Outcome is given following evaluation of the written evidence of progress and is essential if the trainee is to progress and to confirm that the required competences are being achieved.

RITA (Record of In-Training Assessment)

The RITA is an annual process whereby a panel of HEE YH Educationalists meet with trainees to consider whether a trainee is suitable to continue to the next stage of their training. 

The purpose of the RITA is to judge progress against defined criteria based on the relevant curriculum.  Trainees are required to meet an agreed standard in order to proceed through their training programme.  The aim of the RITA is to provide both the trainee and the trainer with a picture at regular intervals of a trainee's progress.  It also provides feedback to a trainee and enables support to be directed to those areas of training most needed by individuals to ensure they move through the grade as quickly and smoothly as possible.  Assessment also ensures that public interest in the quality of training is recognised. 

The BMA link below provides further information on the ARCP process:

juniordoctorsannualreview

The HEE YH ARCP Guidance Document is available to assist Lay Reps when attending ARCPs panels.

ARCP Guidance

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

Orange Guide

Curricula information is found on the Royal College websites.  It may be useful to look for "decision aids" on the website which will help when attending ARCPs.  Some helpful links have been added below:

Royal College Websites

RCOphthalmologists

JRCPTB

ISCP

RCPath

RCPaediatrics

RCAnaesthetics

RCObs&Gynae

RCGP

RCPsychiatry

RCRadiology

RCPhysicians 

The Meeting Guidance Document is available to assist Lay Reps when attending Meetings.

Trainees in receipt of a non-standard ARCP outcome (2, 3 or 4), may appeal the ARCP Panel’s decision, and will do so in writing within 10 working days of being notified about the outcome.

There are normally two stages to the appeal process:

1. ARCP Review – conducted by the original ARCP Panel, who will review the Trainee’s appeal and decide whether the ARCP outcome issued remains relevant, or is substituted by another ARCP outcome.
2. Appeal Hearing – conducted by a new Panel, who will review evidence from the Trainee and School, and consider whether the ARCP outcome is upheld or overturned.

There are variations in the Appeal Process according to the Trainee’s Specialty, which are detailed in the ARCP Review and Appeals Guidance in HEE YH