The portfolio is potentially a huge file of reports, assessments, documents and projects that one can very easily get lost in. If this mound of material is not understandable or easy to read, this is a difficulty not only for trainees but also for the ARCP panel. That is not to say that ARCP panels cannot be bothered with disorganised portfolios but simply that disorganisation significantly increases the risk of information being missed. The portfolio needs divisions and a table of contents, and each section can be tabbed to make reading easier. An indexing system should complement the basic structure of the portfolio; this references the various sources of evidence relating to specific competencies. A suggested structure for a table of contents is given in Box 4.1. Notice that this is kept very simple and it is immediately obvious as to the nature of the divisions.

The importance of indexing in demonstratingtriangulated evidence

It is perhaps not immediately obvious to all trainees that an index can serve as a vital part of a successful portfolio. Many online or e-portfolios have an indexing system built into them, but if not, or you are using a paper-based portfolio, consider the need for a good system that identifies the location of evidence during the ARCP, as the ARCP is ultimately the submission of evidence. At the ARCP the panel can only consider the evidence they have before them, i.e. the contents of the portfolio. This single folder needs to communicate development during a year in training. The panel review in excess of 50 portfolios at each sitting. Imagine the difficulty for the panel when a portfolio whether full of documents, paper or electronic, are put before them claiming to demonstrate professional competence over a broad range of areas but does not tell them where to find the piece of work they need to see.