Suitable Person Service
A GMC-approved revalidation pathway for doctors without a prescribed connection to a Designated Body.
What Is a Suitable Person?
A Suitable Person is a licensed doctor who has been approved by the GMC to make revalidation recommendations about another doctor's fitness to practise. The role exists as an alternative pathway to revalidation for doctors who do not have a prescribed connection to a Designated Body and therefore have no Responsible Officer.
The Suitable Person performs substantially the same revalidation functions as a Responsible Officer — including overseeing appraisal, reviewing supporting information, managing concerns, and making revalidation recommendations to the GMC. However, unlike an RO, a Suitable Person is approved directly by the GMC rather than being appointed by a Designated Body.
The Suitable Person provisions sit alongside the Responsible Officer framework as a GMC-administered alternative for doctors who fall outside the prescribed connection system.
Key Distinction
A Suitable Person cannot act for a doctor who already has a prescribed connection to a Designated Body. The Suitable Person pathway is an alternative to the RO pathway, not a supplement. If a doctor has a prescribed connection, their Responsible Officer makes the revalidation recommendation.
Who Needs a Suitable Person?
The Suitable Person pathway is for licensed doctors who do not have a prescribed connection to any Designated Body under the RO Regulations.
You may need a Suitable Person if you:
- Are not on the NHS England Medical Performers List
- Are not employed by or contracted with any Designated Body
- Work independently in private practice
- Do not otherwise have a prescribed connection under Regulation 10 of the RO Regulations
This is particularly common among practitioners in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine, where doctors often work independently in private practice outside the NHS and may not be employed by or contracted with any organisation that holds Designated Body status.
You do not need a Suitable Person if you:
- Are on the NHS England Medical Performers List (your connection is to NHS England)
- Are employed by an NHS trust or other NHS body
- Are employed by or contracted with a CQC-registered organisation that holds Designated Body status
- Already have a prescribed connection to any Designated Body under the hierarchy set out in the Regulations
If you are unsure whether you have a prescribed connection, we can help you determine your regulatory position before proceeding.
MYRO's Suitable Person Service
Dr Philip Dobson is a GMC Approved Suitable Person, specifically approved to support cosmetic and aesthetic doctors who do not otherwise have a prescribed connection to a Designated Body.
Eligibility Assessment
We assess your regulatory position to confirm whether the Suitable Person pathway is appropriate for you and that you do not have an existing prescribed connection.
Formal Agreements
We provide the necessary contracts and service level agreements to clearly establish all aspects of the Suitable Person relationship.
Appraisal Coordination
We coordinate annual appraisals covering your whole scope of practice, aligned with Good Medical Practice and GMC requirements.
Revalidation Recommendations
Your Suitable Person makes revalidation recommendations to the GMC about your fitness to practise, following the GMC's published protocol.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your Suitable Person maintains oversight of your practice, reviews supporting information, and provides advice and feedback throughout the revalidation cycle.
Dedicated Support
A responsive, professional team supporting you through every stage of the appraisal and revalidation process.
How It Works
Initial Enquiry
Contact us with details of your practice, scope of work and professional activities so we can understand your situation.
Eligibility Check
We assess whether the Suitable Person pathway is appropriate for you and confirm you do not have an existing prescribed connection.
Agreement & Setup
We put in place the necessary contracts and service level agreements, and set up your account on our e-portfolio system.
Ongoing Revalidation
Your Suitable Person oversees your appraisal, monitors your practice, and makes revalidation recommendations to the GMC on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GMC-approved Suitable Person?
A Suitable Person is a licensed doctor approved by the GMC to make revalidation recommendations about another doctor's fitness to practise, as an alternative pathway for doctors without a prescribed connection to a Designated Body. The role is approved directly by the GMC under the Medical Act 1983.
Who needs a Suitable Person?
Licensed doctors who do not have a prescribed connection to any Designated Body — most commonly doctors working independently in the private sector, particularly in cosmetic and aesthetic medicine, who are not on the NHS England Medical Performers List and not contracted to a CQC-registered organisation with Designated Body status.
Can I use a Suitable Person if I have an APS requirement on my registration?
No. A doctor subject to the Approved Practice Setting (APS) requirement must have a prescribed connection to a UK Designated Body — the Suitable Person pathway is not available while the APS requirement is in force. The APS requirement remains until the doctor's first revalidation.
How is a Suitable Person different from a Responsible Officer?
Both perform substantially the same revalidation functions — overseeing appraisal, reviewing supporting information, and making revalidation recommendations to the GMC. The key difference is in their appointment: an RO is appointed by a Designated Body; a Suitable Person is approved directly by the GMC. A doctor cannot have both at the same time.
Does the Suitable Person service work for cosmetic and aesthetic doctors?
Yes. MYRO's Suitable Person is specifically approved by the GMC to support cosmetic and aesthetic doctors who do not otherwise have a prescribed connection to a Designated Body. This is the most common application of the Suitable Person pathway.
How much does the Suitable Person service cost?
Fees are bespoke and depend on the doctor's scope of practice and the services required. A written fee proposal is provided following an initial discussion of the doctor's circumstances and confirmation of eligibility for the pathway.
How do I know if I need a Suitable Person rather than an RO?
If you have a prescribed connection to any Designated Body — for example, on the NHS Medical Performers List, or employed by an NHS trust or CQC-registered organisation with Designated Body status — you have a Responsible Officer and cannot use the Suitable Person pathway. If you have none of these and work independently in private practice, the Suitable Person pathway may be appropriate.
Can MYRO confirm my regulatory position before I sign up?
Yes. Our initial step is always to confirm your regulatory position and that the Suitable Person pathway is the correct route. We do not accept doctors who already have a prescribed connection — they must revalidate through their Responsible Officer.