What is a Form R?
The Form R is a mandatory self‑declaration form completed by doctors in postgraduate training. It forms part of the General Medical Council (GMC) revalidation process and supports the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP).
The purpose of the Form R is to ensure that NHS England and the GMC have accurate, up‑to‑date information about a doctor’s training, scope of practice, and any matters relevant to fitness to practise. Information provided is reviewed by ARCP panels and contributes to the Responsible Officer’s revalidation recommendation to the GMC.
All postgraduate doctors in training are required to engage with the Form R process.
What are the two parts?
Form R has two parts:
Part A
Personal and registration details, including contact information and training programme details.
Part B
An annual declaration focused on revalidation and fitness to practise. It covers:
- Scope of practice, including any work outside the training programme
- Time out of training (e.g. OOP, parental leave, long‑term sickness absence)
- Declarations relating to complaints, investigations, or other relevant issues
This helps the ARCP panel review your revalidation engagement and make an informed recommendation.
When do you need to complete it?
Doctors in training in NHS England – Wessex must complete Form R at these key points:
- At the start of training
Complete Parts A and B when you first join a Wessex training programme. - Before every ARCP
Complete Parts A and B before each ARCP, even if you are out of programme, on parental leave, or on long-term sick leave.
Important: If you do not submit Form R when asked, your ARCP outcome may be delayed and your training progression may be affected. Repeated non-submission may be treated as non-engagement with training and revalidation.
How to complete Form R
Specialty and GP resident doctors in Wessex training programmes complete Form R through the Trainee Information Self Service Portal.
Step 1: Use the right system
- Specialty, Core and Higher trainees complete Form R Parts A and B via TIS Self Service.
- Foundation trainees complete their Form R through the Horus e‑portfolio.
TIS Self Service is used across NHS England. If you have trained in another region, you can use your existing login. New users must register with the email address held by NHS England.
Step 2: Complete the required sections
Complete Parts A and B before each ARCP. This includes declarations about your scope of practice, time out of training, and any relevant complaints, investigations, or concerns.
Most details will be pre-populated from your trainee record. Check everything carefully and update anything that is missing or incorrect.
Step 3: Submit and keep a copy
Submit your Form R by the deadline in your ARCP notification. Download and save a copy for your records, or upload it to your portfolio if your training programme requires this.
Step 4: Get help
If you need help accessing the system, completing Form R, or correcting a submitted form, contact england.formr.wx@nhs.net.