We would like to thank all those involved in training. This role is vital to providing high quality medical education in the region and consequently contributing to excellence in patient care.
This webpage is designed to explain the process of trainer approval with NHSE-TV.
For training to be recognised by the GMC (i.e. to count towards requirements for completion of training) trainees must be supervised by trainers who are GMC approved trainers. This relates to named Educational and named Clinical Supervisor roles, not clinical supervision on a day-to-day basis.
Additionally, the site where trainees work must be a GMC approved location (see programme and site approval pages).
These approvals a must be prospective. The process is different for Primary and Secondary care.
Primary Care
For placements in primary care for GP training, the process is described on the NHSE-Wessex website (https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/general-practice/gp-educational-supervisors/gp-trainer-approvals/).
Please note this is currently under review.
A short summary can be found below:
1: Application discussed with GPAD (Associate Dean).
2: Training completed as per NHSE requirements (e.g. https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/general-practice/gp-educational-supervisors/gp-trainer-approvals/ )
3: Application form submitted.
4: Patch office approval visit, report submitted to GP STC. Location approval granted in perpetuity (revisit if concerns raised with resubmitted forms pre-visit). Trainer approval with 5 yearly re-approval linked to appraisal and revalidation.
For more information please contact the Head of School or GPAD for Quality.
Secondary Care
A summary of the responsibilities and activity regarding trainer recognition/status can be found here.
Further information can be found at:https://thamesvalley.hee.nhs.uk/resources-information/educator-information/
The ES policy for TV identifies the requirements for ES training and ongoing CPD requirements, and can be found at: Educator Supervisor policy.
FAQs:
Do I have GMC trainer recognition? This is listed on your entry on the GMC LRMP
If not, how do I achieve this? This is defined in the Deanery Educational Supervisor Guidance; a summary is completion of the online and/or face to face Thames Valley Deanery approved training. Then inform your Medical Education Manager (MEM) of this, and they will complete the process by informing the Deanery.
If I do, when does it expire? As of 2025 there is no expiry date for trainer recognition, therefore trainers remain on the list of recognised supervisors unless the deanery is informed otherwise. Trainer status is clearly visible on the GMC listing on their website.
What do I need to do to maintain supervisor status? This is defined in the Educational Supervisor Guidance; a summary is to ensure you have four hours p.a. of CPD in your appraisal annually and discuss this element of your scope of practice in your appraisal.
What happens if I move deanery? Trainer status remains current, however, the new deanery may have different requirements for training and CPD. Please check the local policy in your new deanery. If in doubt, contact the local team, usually the education quality team.