Becoming a SOM Appraiser
We often get requests from occupational physicians about becoming a SOM appraiser. If you are interested in the role, then we hope you find the following information useful:
We currently have a waiting list for appraisers. We review appraiser coverage twice a year and as required to determine whether appraisers on the waiting list can be invited to start the role. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of how long a potential appraiser may wait, as this depends on when existing appraisers retire or if appraisal demand in the area where you are based increases.
To become an appraiser, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a current GMC license to practice
- Ideally be on the GMC specialist register for occupational medicine ( most of our appraisees are specialists in occupational medicine)
- Have wide ranging experience in occupational medical practice
- Be a current full member of SOM
- Have completed the online training - which consists of 4 online modules and a half-day zoom session (we will send details)
- Provide a supporting letter from an existing appraiser stating that they believe you have the right skills and time for the role
If a vacancy arises, we review who has been trained or needs an invitation to undergo training. After both parts of the training has been completed, an appraisal will be allocated. This will then be audited by the Clinical Appraisal Lead and, if satisfactory, you will be added to the pool of appraisers or requested to be audited after a second appraisal.
It is advised that while waiting for a vacancy to arise in your area, potential appraisers may wish to undertake the training and provide the supporting letter so that if a vacancy arises they can conduct their first appraisal without waiting for the next training course to be held; but, we cannot guarantee when vacancies may arise and training may expire before a vacancy becomes available.
If you would like to be considered to be a SOM appraiser, e mail appraisal@som.org.uk letting us know where you are based and the geographical area you may be willing to travel to for face to face appraisals, should this be requested. Currently, most appraisals remain remote, on a video platform, but this is subject to change.
Please note that training as a SOM appraiser is valid for the SOM Quality Assured Appraisal Scheme only and you are unable to claim validation for any other appraisal system.
You will be expected to undertake a minimum of three SOM appraisals in the first year after passing training, and three annually thereafter.