GP Obligations on Safeguarding Children Training (Child Protection)

There is currently some confusion over what GPs have to do to show that they are trained to undertake their normal child protection role. GPs who are UK-qualified will have undertaken child protection training as part of their training curriculum. No further certification is required, although all GPs have a duty to remain up-to-date with child protection matters. Non-UK trained doctors are likely to be required
to demonstrate that they have been appropriately trained in child protection in order to be allowed to join a PCO's performers' list. Thus, additional training and certification may be required for non-UK trained doctors to be able to work as an NHS GP in the UK.As noted above, all GPs have a duty to remain up-to-date. This is set out in the GMC's Good Medical Practice. As a GP's work is likely to include child protection, you must maintain your skills and competence in this area in line with GMC guidance. There are various ways that this can be achieved -for example, by attendance at courses, by distance learning, practice team meetings, etc. To assist GPs and their practice staff (who need to be similarly up-to-date) in this, the English Department of Health will be reminding PCTs of the need to provide rotected time for, and access to, training in child protection (which may be in the form of online resources).

Laurence Buckman and Steve Field Nov 09 letter to GPs full letter here