What is a Designated Body
The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations 2010 amended 2013, is the legislation which defines what a designated body is and the types of organisations that could / should become a designated body. Once an organisation appoints a Responsible Officer and is accepted as a designated body then there are many regulations that must be followed. The regulations layout the duties of the responsible officer and the designated body.
Why use ACI
ACI work with designated bodies of all sizes from one connected doctor up to hundreds of doctors. No matter what size of organisation you are, we have the expertise and knowledge to help you become a designated body and support you once you achieve designated body status.
We have a very simple fees structure which, depending on your requirements, may mean little or no cost to yourself. For a tailored quote and to find out more about how we can help you call or e-mail us today.
What we offer
We work with experienced Responsible Officers to ensure your organisation gets the best guidance and support for your connected doctors.
We work with organisations of all sizes, from large locum agencies, to small private clinics and charities, across the UK from 1 to over 800 connected doctors. We have extensive experience and knowledge of the different challenges and opportunities that each designated body faces, and we tailor our services to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Our experienced management team will be with you at every step of your application and help you identify a responsible officer to engage. We can also assist with the application process and as part of our onboarding support we will help you identify if you are not meeting the regulations and provide support and guidance on how you achieve compliance.
We are only ever a phone call or email away and are available to support you during office hours. So if you are looking to become a new designated body or are considering moving service provider, then please get in touch and we will be delighted to help.
Administration services
We have a team of experienced staff to support you in all aspects of being a designated body. We support your connected doctors in all matters relating to appraisal, revalidation and governance. Our administration team regularly score over 97% in our monthly doctors satisfaction surveys.
Governance
We provide administration support for your doctors with open governance cases, such as complaints, investigations, or performance issues. We have a dedicated governance administrator who will log all actions taken and liaise with the doctor, the responsible officer, case investigators, the GMC if required and the named person in your organisation responsible for governance to ensure that the case is resolved in a fair and timely manner. We will keep you fully informed and supported throughout the process. Our monthly management reviews ensure that cases are progressing and escalated as needed.
Policies and procedures
A full suite of polices can be provided by us to be adopted by your organisation if required. We also provide you with training and advice on how to maintain and improve your professional standards and compliance with the regulations.
Regular reporting
To enable you to report to your board and understand your performance around appraisal, revalidation and governance, we provide you with regular reports in a user-friendly dashboard that shows your organisation’s achievements and areas for improvement. Supported by ACI your responsible officer will provide you with an annual board report including any areas of improvement that may be identified. This report will be provided in the accepted format for you to submit to the NHS.
Governance meetings with responsible officer
We arrange and facilitate regular meetings between you and your responsible officer, where you can discuss your progress, challenges, goals, and receive constructive feedback and guidance.
Annual advisory audit
We conduct an annual audit of your governance and doctor onboarding activities, to ensure that you are meeting the expectations and standards required by the regulations and meeting the NHS employer check standards. We provide a report which will be discussed at one of the governance meetings with your responsible officer. Our recommendations and best practice suggestions enhance the quality of your processes in line with the regulations.
Representation at GMC and NHS meetings
We represent you and your interests at GMC and NHS meetings, such as governance reviews, quality assurance visits, performance reviews and other meetings as required. We advocate for your rights and ensure that your voice is heard and respected.
