On this page5 sections
What the GMC says to check
When you search the GMC's medical register, the GMC's guide to employing a doctor lists what to confirm. You can enter several GMC reference numbers at once, separated by a space or comma.
- The doctor holds registration
- They hold a licence to practise
- Their type of registration and licence allow the post you are hiring for
- Whether any conditions, warnings or restrictions apply
- The GMC reference number they gave you matches the register
- You are sure of their identity
- For GP work in the UK health service, they are on the GP Register and the relevant performers list
- For consultant posts in the UK health service, they are on the Specialist Register
Extra checks for employers
The GMC also says to check the doctor is proficient in English, and points to NHS Employers' employment check standards, including the professional registration and qualification checks standard. You may also want to know who the doctor's responsible officer is, to give feedback for their annual appraisal.
Keep checking after they start
The GMC advises regular checks that a doctor's status on the register has not changed. Doctors can be erased for administrative reasons, such as not paying the annual retention fee or not keeping their address up to date, which would disrupt your service.
Organisations with NHS Electronic Staff Record, or the GMC's medical register download service, can use them to spot changes in registration status.
What to record
Keep a dated record of each check so you can show what the register said and when.
- The doctor's name and GMC reference number
- Registration type, licence to practise and any GP or Specialist Register entry
- Any conditions, warnings or restrictions shown
- The date you checked the register and who checked it
- The date your next check is due
How SkillProof helps
SkillProof keeps each person's GMC registration as a professional registration record, with the number, status, renewal date, evidence and the date your team checked the register. Reminders go out before renewal, and the check history stays with the person. SkillProof does not search the GMC register or verify registration itself.
Registrations sit beside training, CPD, appraisals and other checks, so managers can see who is cleared to work in each role.
Official guidance used for this guide
Checked
GMC pages used for this guide. Check them for the latest registration rules.
Questions this guide answers
How do I check a doctor's GMC registration?
Search the GMC's registers by name or GMC reference number. Confirm registration, licence to practise, any conditions or restrictions, and GP or Specialist Register entries where the role needs them.
Can I check several doctors at once?
Yes. The GMC's register search accepts several GMC reference numbers separated by a space or comma.
Why would a doctor be erased from the register?
As well as fitness to practise decisions, the GMC can erase doctors for administrative reasons, such as not paying the annual retention fee or not keeping their address up to date.
Does SkillProof check the GMC register?
No. SkillProof records the check your team made, the dates and evidence, and reminds you before the next check is due.