Influence of annual review of competence progression panel profile on differential attainment

INTRODUCTION Differential attainment refers to divergent achievements when related to protected characteristics. Annual review of competence progression (ARCP) panels play a key role, which their composition should reflect and yet no guidance exists on panel profile with regard to protected characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of panel profile on differential attainment. METHODS Anonymised ARCPs numbering 1,090 in a single UK statutory education body were examined. The primary effect measure was ARCP outcome, with satisfactory outcomes classified as 1, 2 or 6 (those resulting in trainee progression) and developmental outcomes as 3 or 4 (those requiring additional training time). RESULTS Satisfactory ARCP outcomes numbered 1,005 and developmental outcomes numbered 85. The median number of panel members was 7 (range: 1–15, p<0.001). Female consultant and minority ethnic consultant panel representation both ranged from 0% to 100%. Multivariate analysis revealed that trainee seniority (core surgical trainees [10.0%] vs higher surgical trainees [6.6%], odds ratio [OR]: 0.799, p<0.001), specialty advisory committee liaison member gender (male [5.9%] vs female [11.4%], OR: 0.699, p=0.005) and panel gender balance (≤1 female panel members [5.1%] vs ≥2 female panel members [10.6%], OR: 0.434, p<0.001) were independently associated with developmental ARCP outcomes. CONCLUSIONS ARCP panel profiles differed significantly. Both female and minority ethnic representation varied from 0% to 100%. This had important and significant associations with trainee differential attainment.