Introduction to portfolio pathway

The portfolio pathway programme (previously referred to as the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration - CESR) is the process that enables doctors who don't hold a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to join the GMC's specialist register and therefore be eligible to take up substantive consultant posts.

The process entails applicants submitting a body of evidence to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge, skills, and experience (KSE) necessary for practicing as a consultant in the UK. 

The role of the GMC 

The portfolio pathway process is owned by the GMC and applications are made to them. Applications are then assessed by the College's Portfolio Assessment Group (PAG) who assess the evidence presented and make a recommendation to the GMC, who subsequently issue a decision.

The ultimate decision is legally the GMC’s and they can ask for clarification regarding elements of the recommendation prior to implementing the recommendation. They have a review process for quality assurance which look at whether the evidence the College assessors rely on supports the conclusions they draw. The review committee has the power to reverse the recommendations.

The role of the RCoA

The College evaluates portfolio pathway applications, and assesses whether applicants have demonstrated sufficient evidence they obtain the knowledge, skills and experience required of a consultant on the specialist register in UK. The College subsequently makes a recommendation to the GMC on whether an applicant can join the specialist register. As previously highlighted, the decision is ultimately the GMCs.

The College can provide advice on the type of evidence required but will not review any application before submission nor provide any indication as to the likely success of the application.

The College does not arrange additional training for any areas of practice that an applicant believes requires further development. Applicants in the UK should speak with the College Tutor in their hospital to discuss the options for obtaining any additional training.

Portfolio Assessment Group

The College established the Portfolio Assessment Group (PAG) to undertake the assessments of portfolio pathway applications. PAG members meet once a month to discuss applications received from the GMC. A minimum of two evaluators review each application. PAG members prepare for the meeting by reviewing the application and forming a provisional decision, before attending the meeting to discuss their findings with other assessor(s). Once a decision has been made the College secretary completes an evaluation form and makes a recommendation to the GMC on behalf of PAG.

PAG members play an active role in the assessment of individual applications for entry to the GMC specialist register - all PAG members are practising substantive consultants in the NHS and many have previous experience of gaining GMC specialist registration through the Portfolio Pathway (formally referred to as CESR) process. 

The College welcomes applications from doctors interested in becoming a member of the Portfolio Assessment Group. Full support and guidance is provided by the College Portfolio Pathway team, alongside CPD points for applications assessed, annual events and training sessions. The team will also send each PAG member an annual report detailing the number of applications they have reviewed, for use in their CPD portfolios. Those who have achieved Portfolio Pathway are also welcome to join.

For further information or if you are interested in joining PAG, please read the job description here and complete this application form, and email it to portfolio@rcoa.ac.uk .