Purpose of the Annual Return
The Primary Care Learning Organisation (PCLO) Annual Return is a key quality assurance process that enables approved Learning Organisations to demonstrate the quality of their learning environments, the impact of educational activity, and their commitment to continuous improvement. It provides an opportunity to showcase achievements, reflect on challenges, evidence improvements made in response to learner feedback, and demonstrate how learners are supported within a safe, inclusive and multi-professional learning environment.
Completion of the Annual Return forms part of the ongoing commitment associated with Learning Organisation approval and is an annual requirement for maintaining Learning Organisation status and demonstrating continued alignment with the NHS England Quality Framework. The process supports ongoing quality oversight, shared learning, recognition of good practice, and provides assurance that learners continue to receive a high-quality educational experience.
Annual Review of Learning Organisations (ARLO) Day
The Annual Review of Learning Organisations (ARLO) Day is the formal annual review process through which approved Primary Care Learning Organisations demonstrate their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning environments. Using evidence submitted through the Annual Return, a multi-agency panel reviews educational quality, learner support, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, providing both assurance and developmental feedback to support the continued success of Learning Organisations.
The Annual Review of Learning Organisations (ARLO) Day is a key component of the Primary Care Learning Organisation (PCLO) quality assurance process. It provides an opportunity for representatives from NHS England Workforce, Training and Education (WT&E), Training Hubs, Medical Schools and Approved Education Institutions (AEIs) to review annual return submissions, share good practice and discuss the ongoing quality of approved Learning Organisations.
The purpose of ARLO Day is to:
- Provide assurance that approved Learning Organisations continue to meet the standards expected within the NHSE Quality Framework.
- Review evidence submitted through the Annual Return and assess the quality of the learning environment.
- Recognise and celebrate examples of excellent educational practice and innovation.
- Identify opportunities for further development and continuous improvement.
- Ensure learners across all professions continue to receive a high-quality educational experience.
- Promote the sharing of good practice across Learning Organisations.
The Annual Return Review Process
Submission of the Annual Return
Approved Learning Organisations complete an annual online return, providing evidence of educational activity, learner support, multi-professional learning opportunities, quality improvements, innovations and responses to learner feedback.
Panel Review
Prior to the ARLO Day, annual returns are collated and shared with reviewers.
During the ARLO Day, a multi-agency review panel considers each submission against the NHSE Quality Framework and the expectations of a Learning Organisation. Reviewers assess the evidence provided, considering areas such as learner support, educational quality, multi-professional learning, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Panel Discussions
The review panel discusses each Learning Organisation’s submission, highlighting areas of strength, notable achievements and examples of good practice. Where appropriate, recommendations are made to support further development and enhancement of the learning environment.
Outcome and Feedback
Recommendations from the ARLO Day are presented to the Quality Assurance Group for Primary Care Learning Organisations (QAGPCLO).
Learning Organisations receive an outcome letter outlining panel celebrations, identified challenges (if applicable), and recommendations for future improvement.
Successful engagement with the Annual Return process provides assurance that the Learning Organisation continues to meet the standards required to maintain Learning Organisation status.
Process where Concerns Are Identified
The Annual Return and Annual Review of Learning Organisations (ARLO) process is intended to be both an assurance and developmental process. Whilst many submissions demonstrate compliance with the requirements of a Learning Organisation, the review process also provides an opportunity to identify areas where additional support, improvement or oversight may be required.
Concerns identified through the Annual Return review process, will be discussed and considered by the review panel and the Quality Assurance Group for Primary Care Learning Organisations. The Learning Organisation will receive feedback outlining the areas requiring improvement and any recommendations for further action.
Where significant concerns are identified, enhanced quality assurance activity may be required with management through NHS England’s standard Quality Management processes and escalated as necessary through existing quality governance and intervention arrangements.. The aim of this process is to support Learning Organisations to address identified risks, strengthen the quality of the learning environment and maintain the standards expected of an approved Learning Organisation.