Medical Council seeks expressions of interest for Performance Assessment assessors
Thursday 9th July 2026: The Medical Council has today opened a recruitment campaign to seek expressions of interest from suitable persons who wish to be considered for appointment as Performance Assessment assessors. It is seeking expressions of interest from:
- Medical practitioners from a broad range of specialties and General Practice
- Non-medical, or patient representatives
The Medical Council, which is the regulatory body for doctors, has a statutory role in protecting the public by promoting the highest professional standards amongst doctors practising in Ireland.
Expressions of interest via completed application forms will be accepted for a period of three weeks, until 5pm on 30th July 2026.
Performance Assessment is a Professional Competence Scheme for registered medical practitioners. Following the investigation of a complaint to the Medical Council, a complaint may be referred to Performance Assessment. To support the Council in delivering its significant role and remit, the Rules governing Performance Assessment allow for persons to be appointed to a case to participate in the assessment of doctors who have been referred to the scheme.
Performance Assessment involves:
- The assessment of a medical practitioner’s knowledge and skill, or
- The application of knowledge and skill (or both)
- Assessment activities such as reviewing records, observing practice, and interviewing a practitioner about their knowledge and skill
- Identifying areas of improvement in order to support good professional practice
Dr Maria O’Kane, CEO, Medical Council, said, “Patient safety depends on doctors practising to a consistently high standard. Performance Assessment is one of the ways the Medical Council supports that.”
“It is a developmental process, not a punitive one, and it depends on assessors who bring both clinical expertise and a patient or public perspective. Both sets of experience are of equal importance to performance assessment.
“I would encourage anyone who meets the criteria, whether medical or non-medical, to consider putting themselves forward.”
The Medical Council will accept expressions of interest until 5pm on 30th July 2026. Interested parties can find more information on role requirements and specifications on the Medical Council website.