What it is
Your PDP records what you plan to learn next and how you will show it. Your ES reviews it at every ESR, and panels look for a learning cycle: objectives set, evidence linked, objectives closed, new ones added.
- Specific: one clear area.
- Measurable: you can show it has been met.
- Achievable: within this post.
- Relevant: from feedback, the curriculum or a gap.
- Time-bound: a date.
The numbers by year
| Requirement | ST1 | ST2 | ST3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Development Plan (PDP) | at least 1 new objective per review | at least 1 new objective per review | at least 1 new objective per review |
Full time, per training year unless stated. Less than full time: per-year totals stay the same and each 6-month review needs a pro rata share; 6-monthly ESRs and 12-monthly certificates are not pro rata. Check with your deanery and educational supervisor.
Notes on these numbers
- Personal Development Plan (PDP), LTFT: Same.
Weak to strong
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Improve dermatology | Recognise and manage the 10 most common rashes I see, using recognised dermatology guides; 3 CCRs and a CbD by 31 March |
| Get better at consultations | Explore ideas, concerns and expectations in every consultation; 2 COTs focused on shared plans before my June ESR |
| Learn about diabetes | Start and adjust second-line diabetes treatment in line with NICE NG28 in 5 patients, discussed with my trainer, by my next ESR |
| Do leadership | Plan and chair the practice palliative care meeting in February, with written actions followed up within 4 weeks; reflect in a leadership log |
| Pass AKT | Complete 1,000 practice questions and two timed mocks scoring above 70% before the April AKT sitting |
| Telephone consultations | Use a structured telephone template with safety-netting in all calls for 4 weeks; Audio-COT by the end of May |
| Safeguarding | Know the practice child safeguarding pathway and make one supervised referral or discussion; reflect in a CCR by December |
How to do it well
- Keep 3 to 5 active objectives.
- Each objective names its evidence.
- Mandatory training is not a PDP objective: just do it.
- Close objectives with a link to the evidence, then add new ones.
- When a learning need comes up in a log entry, send it straight to the PDP.
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Common ARCP pitfalls
- Objectives never closed: no learning cycle.
- Vague objectives ("improve communication").
- CPR or safeguarding courses listed as objectives.
- ESR and ARCP recommendations not carried into the PDP.