Membership by Assessment of Performance (MAP) Assessor Role Description

Accountable to:MAP Clinical Lead

Reports operationally to: MAP Manager

Overall purpose:To support the RCGP Membership by Assessment (MAP) programme by assessing candidates’ submissions at portfolio and Recommendation Panel stage, and candidates by face to face interview at Evaluation Panel stage.

Workload:Requires a flexible commitment. Workload is variable, dependant on applicant numbers, and is organised bythe MAP office.

Principal responsibilities:

  • To assess MAP candidate portfolio submissions and resubmissions in a timely fashion in accordance with MAP guidelines (approximately one new portfolio per month, assessment of resubmissions is in addition to this). The scrutiny of a new portfolio will usually require the equivalent of one half day’s work which can be undertaken over several days.
  • To participate in MAP Recommendation and Evaluation Panels (at least one panel per year). Attendance at a panel will usually require one half day session and preparatory time.
  • To attend the annual MAP Assessor Conference (up to two days) and any other training as requested by the MAP office.
  • To be subject to the usual quality assurance arrangements pertaining to MAP to confirm competence as an assessor.
  • To undergo an appropriate annual appraisal and maintain status in relation to revalidation covering the relevant scope of practice
  • To ensure that candidates are assessed in such a way that accords with equality and diversity best practice.
  • Volunteers for additional roles / duties (e.g. to facilitate study days) may be requested from the panel of MAP assessors from time to time.

Essential attributes:

The following requirements are essential on appointment and will remain as requirements throughout the assessor’s term of service. Any change in status must be notified to the MAP Manager:-

  • Member or Fellow of the RCGP in good standing, on the GMC and GP Register, and currently hold a UK licence to practise medicine.
  • Have a minimum of five years’ experience in general practice in the United Kingdom following vocational training.
  • To be currently and substantially in active UK general practice, and likely to remain so for threeor more further years, a minimum of two sessions a week of patient contact being regarded as substantial.
  • A good knowledge base, relevant to contemporary general practice
  • An understanding of appraisal, revalidation, and CPD. A background in assessment is also helpful, but not essential.
  • Commitment to learning and professional development, engaging in reflective practice
  • Ability to rank order i.e. place differing performances in an appropriate order of merit
  • Ability to give constructive feedback, and enthusiasm for supporting and improving others
  • Ability to work in a team, working collaboratively and supportively with colleagues
  • Problem solving skills, being able to demonstrate use of an analytical but flexible mind
  • Ability to argue a coherent position and arrive at shared judgments
  • Ability to make robust and defensible decisions
  • Tact and diplomacy as well as a commitment to equality anddiversity, confidentiality and high professional standards
  • The ability to meet timescales, work under pressure and organise work effectively.
  • Appropriate levels of IT literacy and familiarity with participating in tele/video conferences