Continuing Professional Development
Information about Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Scotland for general practitioners.
CPD in Scotland for general practitioners and general practice staff is provided nationally by our CPD Connect service which operates within our Scotland Deanery and offers a wide range of resources including:
- Workshops and webinars on a range of clinical and non-clinical topics*
- A Day in the Life of a Busy General Practice webinar series*
- Practice Based Small Group Leaning (PBSGL)*
- Simulation-based learning*
- Introduction to Leadership courses*
- Free eLearning and other asynchronous learning on the General Practice Education Hub on Turas Learn
- Preparing for GP Partnership programme (under review)*
*Funded places/memberships available for GPs in their first five years since receiving Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). As courses become available they will be marketed directly to First5 GPs.
Explore information and guidance on:
We want to hear from you
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Course Booking
Information can be found on the CPD Connect website and you can learn more about PBSGL and find a group and join here too.
The current PBSGL module list is available here and you can see previews before you join. All PBSGL logsheets can be uploaded directly to SOAR from the CPD Connect website.
All course bookings and PBSGL membership enquiries can be made via the website or by visiting https://portal.scot.nhs.uk/ and searching CPD Connect. Make sure your job role is GP in your account settings. By agreeing to marketing, you will receive emails with tailored CPD offerings.
For specific enquiries about PBSGL you can email the team at: pbsgladministrator@nes.scot.nhs.uk
For specific enquiries about other CPD Connect resources you can email the team at: cpdconnect@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Appraisal and Revalidation
Appraisal and Revalidation information is currently accessible via the Scottish Online Appraisal Resource (SOAR)
For further information about revalidation and appraisal please see the GMC website.
The GMC has produced CPD guidance for all doctors, emphasising the importance of planning for career progression, patient safety and revalidation.
Visit the GMC CPD Guidance website for more information.
Useful links
Visit the useful links below for gudiance and tools to support CPD:
| Resource Name | Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Online Appraisal Service (SOAR) | SOAR | The national online appraisal platform for doctors working in Scotland. Used to record appraisal information, supporting evidence, personal development plans, and revalidation activity. |
| GP CPD Website | CPD Connect | Provides continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for GPs and primary care staff, including courses, workshops, webinars, Practice Based Small Group Learning (PBSGL), and educational resources. |
| NHS Education for Scotland Portal | NES Portal | Online portal for accessing and managing NHS Education for Scotland training courses, educational events, learning resources, and professional development opportunities. |
| GMC – Revalidation and Appraisal | GMC Revalidation | Guidance from the General Medical Council on the revalidation process, appraisal requirements, and maintaining a licence to practise. |
| GMC Guidance for All Doctors | Good Medical Practice | Sets out the professional standards, behaviours, values, and responsibilities expected of all doctors registered with the GMC. |
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