Revalidation is likely to be 'much less ominous' than the profession first feared, GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman has said.

Dr Buckman has welcomed the latest 'improved' model of revalidation set out in a GMC consultation launched earlier this month.

He said that GMC chairman Professor Peter Rubin had committed to ensuring revalidation was 'non-threatening'.

'The GMC wants to make it so that most GPs walk it, and I think they will. It is much less threatening than precursor documents,' Dr Buckman said.

He added that the latest model does not differ greatly from the current system of appraisal.

It is estimated that around 2 per cent of GPs will be identified for further investigation under revalidation, he said.

Concerns remain over how sessional GPs and locums who move location often will gather evidence for revalidation, he said, and who will be appointed as 'responsible officers' - the senior doctors who oversee revalidation at a local level.

GPC concerns over how remediation will be funded for doctors who fail revalidation have also yet to be resolved. Dr Buckman encouraged GPs to read the consultation and report any observations they have.

The BMA has developed a set of seven principles revalidation must meet to be considered fair and workable for doctors.

'We still have our seven "lines in the sand". We've made it clear to the people running revalidation that, if these aren't on there, we cannot go ahead with it.

'There are still a few details that are necessarily vague. We will need clarity on those,' said Dr Buckman.

The consultation poses 20 key questions for doctors to help shape the process and runs until 4 June.

• Watch a video of Dr Buckman's comments on revalidation here