Organisational Readiness Self-Assessment (ORSA)
The Organisational Readiness Self-Assessment (ORSA) exercise is designed to help designated bodies in England ensure that their systems and processes are ready to support doctors with revalidation.
How is the exercise conducted?
The ORSA exercise is an annual process, supplemented by interim progress reporting.
Responsible officers are invited to complete the Organisational Readiness Self-Assessment tool by their regional revalidation team. The tool is then submitted to the regional teams using an electronic reporting process.
The ORSA tool is based on The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations 2010, The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and associated guidance and criteria suggested by the GMC.
ORSA 2012-13
The 2012/13 ORSA exercise aims to:
- ensure designated bodies understand what is needed for revalidation and identify areas for development
- understand the progress organisations have made during 2012/13
- inform the England Revalidation Implementation Board and the GMC on progress towards implementation in England
- provide assurance that designated bodies are fulfilling their statutory obligations and their systems are fit to support revalidation recommendations.
Responsible officers are responsible for completing the self-assessment form on behalf of the designated body, though this duty may be appropriately delegated. An electronic version of the form was sent to responsible officers in April 2013.
A simplified 'flat' version of the ORSA form is available here
You may find the appendices at the end of the 2011-12 ORSA form useful, as they provide guidance on a number of areas:
Appendix 1: Core elements of a role description for a responsible officer
Appendix 2: Suggested format of audit report to identify reasons for missed or incomplete appraisals
Appendix 3: Core content of medical appraisal policy
If you have any queries regarding this year’s ORSA exercise, please contact your NHS England regional revalidation team
Previous ORSA exercises
A full assessment of organisational readiness took place in April/May 2012 to highlight progress made during 2011/12 and to inform the Secretary of State's overall assessment of readiness.
The first stage or baseline assessment was completed by designated bodies in April/May 2011.