The Bottom Line
- All three platforms help you <strong>collect, organise, and present supporting information for NHS appraisal</strong>.
- <strong>Fourteenfish</strong> is the most widely used. <strong>Clarity</strong> has strong CPD features. <strong>Agilio</strong> offers broader practice management tools.
- The best platform is the one you <strong>actually use consistently</strong> — features matter less than habit.
GP appraisal requires you to present supporting information across multiple domains: CPD, quality improvement, significant events, feedback, complaints/compliments, and a review of your scope of work. Doing this manually is painful. These three platforms automate much of the collection, organisation, and formatting — turning a dreaded annual task into an ongoing, low-effort process. The question is which one fits your workflow.
1
Fourteenfish
The most established GP appraisal platform in the UK. Features: CPD logging, reflection templates, multi-source feedback (MSF) tools, significant event templates, and a portfolio builder that outputs an appraisal-ready document. Many appraisers are familiar with the Fourteenfish format, which reduces friction during the appraisal meeting. Pricing is subscription-based (annual). Strengths: wide adoption, appraiser familiarity, clean CPD logging. Considerations: the interface can feel utilitarian; some users find it 'functional but not inspiring'.
2
Clarity (by Magentus)
Clarity offers appraisal portfolio management with strong CPD features, including 'hot topic' learning modules and knowledge-update content. Some versions include prescribing safety quizzes and clinical update modules that double as CPD. Strengths: integrated learning content (reduces the need to find external CPD), clean workflow, strong in some regions/trusts. Considerations: check whether your appraisal system/region accepts Clarity outputs natively — in most cases they do.
3
Agilio (formerly iPlato / Clarity Appraisal)
Agilio offers appraisal tools as part of a broader GP practice management suite. If your practice uses Agilio for other functions (workforce management, compliance), the appraisal module integrates naturally. Strengths: integration with practice-level tools, compliance tracking, broader operational value. Considerations: the appraisal-specific features may be less refined than Fourteenfish for individual clinician use.
4
How to choose
If you want the simplest, most widely accepted appraisal portfolio tool: Fourteenfish. If you want integrated CPD learning content alongside appraisal: Clarity. If your practice already uses Agilio for other functions: Agilio's appraisal module for integration. If cost is the primary concern: compare current subscription pricing directly — all three offer annual subscriptions in a similar price range. Trial periods are often available.
The real appraisal tip
The platform is just a container. The habit that transforms appraisal from annual pain into easy maintenance is: log one piece of evidence per week (a reflection, a CPD activity, a SEA, a piece of feedback). 52 small entries per year is easier than 12 frantic days of retrospective documentation.