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. However, it could reflect badly if local, accessible safeguarding training was on offer and a GP hadn't taken it up and they were then involved in a Serious Case Review.
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 protected time for, and access to, training in child protection (which may be in the form of online resources).
The Link to the Wessex LMCs Safeguarding Conference April 2012 with all the presentations.
 An education session to GPs Safeguarding Children 2010 (with thanks to Dr Simon Jones Consultant paediatrician and designated Doctor for Safeguarding Children NHS Hampshire)
 Laurence Buckman and Steve Field November 2009 letter to GPs on maintaining child protection skills.
| 
