FORM R GUIDANCEFOR TRAINEES

Completing and submitting your Form R (PDF) – Thames Valley Local Team - ARCPs

This form is for completion and submission electronically.

PRINTED COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

The PDF Form R is the same as the version on Intrepid that most trainees in Thames Valley have previously used. The only difference is that none of the fields will have any data in them – please therefore ensure you complete the form fully. You will need to have your GMC number and training programme details to hand.

Step 1 –Save then Open Form R

The form must be opened using Adobe Reader. Opening in Chrome or other web browsers will prevent the form being saved/submitted.We would suggest that you save the form first and then right click on the file and select Open with Adobe Reader rather than opening the attachment straight from the email.

Most computers/laptops will have Adobe Reader installed. If not then it can be downloaded for free from Please note that if you are using a Trust/Practice PC you may need to request that this is done by the IT support service.

Step 2 – Complete Form R

Please ensure you complete all the relevant fields – please note some fields are drop down (identifiable by the arrow on the side), others are checkboxes and the remainder are free text. The fields can be navigated using the TAB button.

Photograph

Optional – please note that a photograph can only be added if you are using Adobe Reader DC (this is the most recent version of the reader).

Signature boxes

Both Part A and B have a signature box. A text/typed signature is acceptable.

You will not be able to paste in an image of a signature or use a digitally signed ID.

Part B questions

Section 4. If you select 1) ‘If you did not declare Significant Events, Complaints or Other Investigations on your previous Form R Part B’

then questions 2 and 3 will no longer show (as they do not need to be completed). Unchecking will bring these questions back

Section 5 – If you select ‘I do NOT have anything new to declare since my last ARCP/RITA/Appraisal’then again the follow on questions will no longer show.

Selecting the ‘I HAVE been involved in significant events/complaints/other investigations since my last ARCP/RITA/Appraisal’ brings these questions back.

Step 3 - Validate then Save

Once completed press the ‘validate’ button at the end of the form.

DO NOT PRESS THE RESET BUTTON UNLESS YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO CLEAR THE ENTIRE FORM AND START AGAIN!

If any of the fields are missing or incorrectly completed a pop up box will appear when you press the ‘validate’ button at the end of the field.

Correct or input intorelevant fields then press ‘validate’ again. When all fields are correctly completed a ‘Save’ button will appear.

Step 4 - File name

Once you press the ‘Save’ button a Save As dialog box will appear.

Please ensure you save a copy to your PC/device and use the following file name format:

GMC Number, Surname, Initial, Main Specialty - Date form completed.

For example:

123456, Edwards, L, Anaesthetics, 13.03.2018

If you are in an ACF run through programme but currently in core please include this as below:

893489, Bunny, E, ACF General Adult Psychiatry – Core Psychiatry, 15.04.2018

Even if you have already saved a copy initially you will need to re-save at this point

Step 5 - Submission

Completed Form Rs must be returned electronically to the following mailbox:

Subject title –full name, main programme specialty and the date of your ARCP.

By submitting the Form R electronically you are confirming that the information is correct. There is no requirement to print off a copy and sign it.

You do not need to copy in your programme/specialty team, TPD or HoS.

FORM RS SENT TO ANY OTHER MAILBOX WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

You will receive an automated response from this mailbox – this is your confirmation that your Form R has been received. You will only be contacted if there are any queries about your Form R.

Please ensure you submit your Form R ahead of the deadline given to you. Failure to submit your Form R on time will result in you being awarded an Outcome 5.

If you have any technical issues completing or submitting your Form R, then please contact:

However first please check the following:

  • You are opening the Form in Adobe Reader (if the device you are using does not have Adobe Reader installed then you can download it for free from If you are using a Trust PC you will need to ask your IT support to do this.)
  • You have completed all the fields
  • You have pressed validate – the option to save won’t appear until this is done and the form is correctly completed.