8: GP+ Appraiser with Dr Nicky Wilson

Update: 2025-01-24

Description

In this month’s episode our host Dr Sophie Lumley is joined by Dr Nicky Wilson, a GP appraiser since 2018. Nicky outlines her career journey so far, the skills required to be appraiser, benefits of the role and much more.

Top tips:

Build a career to suit you – the role offers flexibility in terms of how many appraisals you want to take on each year (usually up to 22-24) and these can be done at a time that suits you and your appraisee. You also need to consider the time dedicated both before the appraisal for preparation and the write up afterwards in your overall time commitment.

Seek inspiration from others – Nicky enjoys finding out what others are doing as part of their personal development plans (PDP) and is often inspired by their ideas for innovative practice and new ways of working. Some of these ideas may inspire you to make improvements in your own GP practice.

Reach out to your local networks – if you want to become an appraiser, Nicky advises that you reach out to your local appraiser team about recruitment opportunities and application process. If you aren’t successful the first time – don’t give up! Ask for feedback and apply again.

Consult with your colleagues – as an appraiser, Nicky states she was assigned a senior appraiser who she could seek advice from. She also attends small group meetings facilitated by experiences appraisers where they come together to talk about new guidance on appraisal/revalidation, difficult cases etc.

Consider brushing up on your soft skills – Nicky suggests coaching/mentoring training can help bring out these soft skills beneficial when applying to be an appraiser such as empathy, good listening skills and providing constructive feedback to others.