Vacancies: Members of the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine Development Group

The DGM is developed and delivered by the RCP Assessment Unit on behalf of the RCP and British Geriatrics Society (BGS). The DGM examination currently takes place as one knowledge-based assessment (KBA) and two clinical assessment periods annually. The KBA is a three-hour, 100 single best answer, assessment, whilst the clinical examination is a four station OSCE.

Remit and responsibilities

The development group will act as an advisory group to the RCP Education Board, making recommendations in respect of the development of the DGM examination to ensure it remains robust and fit for purpose.

The work of the development group will be informed by, for example:

• outcomes of the DGM Examination Board
• the day-to-day work of the RCP Assessment Unit in developing and delivering the DGM examination and other professional examinations
• guidance from regulators, professional bodies, government, NHS, etc.

The development group will scrutinise all areas of the diploma, as appropriate, to ensure that the DGM examination remains a fit for purpose assessment for healthcare professionals with an interest in geriatric medicine. This will include, but is not limited to:

• review of assessment methodology   
• review of examination regulations and associated processes
• consideration of proposed changes to the delivery of any components of the examination
• horizon scanning for barriers and opportunities in the geriatric medicine landscape.

Benefits

We offer the opportunity to network with colleagues, keep your knowledge up to date, take part in challenging discussions, be involved with the next generation of healthcare professionals working with older people, promote multidisciplinary working and continuing professional development.

By getting involved you can shape the future of the DGM examination.
 
This is a non-salaried position, though all reasonable expenses and travel costs will be met by the Education Department in line with the RCP expenses policy.

The tenure of the appointment is three years, with the potential for extension as appropriate, particularly in cases of long-term absence (illness or maternity leave, for example), or to ensure orderly succession planning. Any extensions will be at the discretion of the RCP Assessment Unit.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:

• hold current statutory registration with the relevant regulator - normally the Health & Care Professions’ Council (HCPC)
• be in good standing with their regulatory body
• have completed a relevant qualification (a masters degree or equivalent) and gained at least three years’ clinical experience in working with older people in a significant proportion of their clinical workload after obtaining advanced practitioner status
• be actively engaged in the training of junior practitioners to provide high quality person-centred care for older people
• be up to date as appropriate with relevant national guidelines, CPD requirements, employer’s equality and diversity training and appraisal process
• interested in, but not necessarily expert in, medical academic assessments.

How to apply

Applications, including a CV and one-page covering letter outlining your suitability for the post, should be submitted for the attention of Steven Ansty via assessment.unit@rcp.ac.uk by 23:59 UK time on 1 April 2023.

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Steven Ansty, Deputy Head of Assessment, on the above email address, or via 0151 318 1888.