How to Join the Performers List
Finally, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Soon you will no longer be a trainee and will become an Independent General Practitioner. You’ve finished your portfolio requirements, passed your exams but what next?
Well, just before you can work as a fully qualified GP there is one last hurdle to overcome – joining the Performers List.
What is the Performer's List?
Any GP offering primary care services in the NHS needs to be on the Performers List.
The list is an added reassurance for the public. It ensures a GP’s training is up to date, that they have appropriate English skills and have passed other tests eg DBS (disclosure barring service).
What documents do you need to apply and how does it differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Before joining England’s Performers List you need to ensure you have the following documents ready:
CV
Photo ID eg passport/driver license
Enhanced DBS certificate or DBS application number **
Professional Indemnity or insurance certificate of membership **
CPR certificate
Adult & Child safeguarding and graduation professional certificates (must state level and date included)
CCT certificate
Occupational Health Clearance certificate (Fitness to practice and exposure prone procedure clearance)
A copy of your most recent appraisal/outcome statement – only if you have had an appraisal
** You can start your application without your DBS and Professional indemnity certificates and upload them at a later date, but NHS England will not consider the application without these documents.
If you are applying for the Wales Medical Performers List you need to apply at least 12 weeks in advance and do not necessarily have to show all of the forms above. More information can be found here: https://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/primary-care-services/our-services/gp-services/apply-for-inclusion-in-the-medical-performers-list/
For Scotland there is a standardised form that you complete for the Health board where you intend to complete the majority of your work. By standardising the process this enables GPs to work across different Health boards. More information can be found here: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pca/PCA2016(M)04.pdf
If you intend to work in Northern Ireland more information about the process can be found here: http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/1813.htm
DBS Key Points
Enhanced DBS applications can take up to 8 weeks to be processed. If you are planning to start work as soon as you finish, it is important to apply early to ensure you can submit your Performers list application in time with the DBS certificate. Please note you need to register for the online update service within 28 days of receiving your enhanced DBS certificate. If you are not registered with the online service your certificate will become invalid and your application to the Performers list cannot be approved.
Referees
You need to provide contact details for two referees who are happy to provide clinical references relating to your 2 recent or current posts. To prevent any delays to your application it is worth making them aware they may be contacted in the near future.
England Performer list application process
You will need to register at www.pcse.england.nhs.uk and complete your application.
Once you have filled out the necessary details and uploaded your documents you can submit your application.
You will be provided with a unique PL reference number which will also be emailed to you.
PCSE will then perform the necessary pre-admission checks and will ask you to choose a site for a face-to-face meeting through an email. At this meeting they will perform an identity check and verify your relevant documents.
After the application, what happens next?
Once PCSE have completed all the necessary checks, they will send your application to the local NHS England office, who will then make the final decision about your application.
You will be notified via email once they have arrived at a decision – you can then login to your PCSE online account to view the decision.
If you have been accepted onto the Performers list you will be able to download your inclusion letter immediately.
Keeping your Performers List up to date
You will be required to keep your details up to date and can make changes by logging onto your PCSE online. Instances where you may need to change your details are:
Change of name or contact details
Change of employer
Change of local NHS England office
Withdrawal from the National Performers List
All the best with your applications and congratulations for completing your training!
Other blog that may help you
Author Bio — Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Author Bio — Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
