Trainee ePortfolio and Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA):

Code of Conduct for All Users

This Code of Conduct applies to all users of the Trainee ePortfolio – Trainees, Trainers, Clinical Supervisors, Educational Supervisors, Deanery Administrators and Assessment Leads, and ARCP Panel Members and Chairs.

Duties of a doctor

All registered medical doctors have a duty placed on them by the General Medical Council (GMC) to be honest and trustworthy. Candidate performance in Workplace Based Assessments is reviewed by doctors who themselves have a duty to notify the GMC if they have concerns.

Misconduct before, during or after assessments or evidence of lack of competence may be referred to the GMC. Candidates whose GMC registration (or its equivalent overseas) is subject to suspension, referral or any condition must provide the RCGP with full details.

General Principles for All Trainee ePortfolio users

The College expects all users to conform to acceptable and appropriate standards of behaviour when using the Trainee ePorfolio and undertaking Workplace Based Assessments.

This guidance is given in the expectation that users will exercise an approach consistent with standards expected by the General Medical Council, or the appropriate regulatory body, and/or your employing organisation.

Fraudulent misuse of the Trainee ePortfolio is an extremely serious office. This would include any form of impersonation and also making entries that are deliberately misleading or malicious, particularly those that relate to assessments.

All allegations of misconduct and fraudulent misuse will be dealt with in accordance with the MRCGP Regulations.

Possible penalties for misconduct

Penalties for those failing to comply with the guidance given above, or behaving in an unprofessional or disruptive manner will depend on the nature of the offence and may include:

• Removing particular assessments and/or entries from the Trainee ePortfolio

• Being barred from taking an assessment or assessments for a specified or indefinite period

• Referral to the General Medical Council or appropriate regulatory body and/or employing organisation

• In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to inform the police

All cases of misconduct by a trainee will be referred to the Director of General Practice Education in the candidate’s Deanery. In all but the most minor cases, alleged misconduct will be considered by a misconduct panel. Penalties will also be determined by a misconduct panel.

16 September 2009