Self-Assessment Evidence Upload: The Rules That Catch IMGs Out: IMG guide for UK practice (2026)

Key points

Evidence is only counted if it’s uploaded to the correct portal <strong>by the upload deadline</strong>. Late evidence is typically not considered.
You may need to upload evidence <strong>separately for each specialty</strong> you apply to, with different timelines.
Your scoring story must match your evidence: if there’s a discrepancy, you can sometimes upload a short explanation document alongside evidence (where permitted).

Many clinicians lose points not because they lack achievements, but because they misunderstand evidence logistics. Specialty recruitment often uses dedicated evidence portals (separate from Oriel). Upload windows can be short, requirements are strict, and assessors cannot “infer” what you meant. This guide is the operational playbook.

Don’t assume Oriel = evidence upload

Oriel is central for applications and offers, but evidence verification can run via separate systems/portals depending on the programme. Always read the recruitment handbook and portal instructions for your specific round.

Step 1 — Find the exact evidence portal and timeline for your round

Recruitment sites publish anticipated dates for evidence upload and verification. Capture these dates early and treat them as fixed constraints.

Step 2 — Build a one-page evidence map

Create a simple mapping: each self-assessment criterion → the single best document to prove it → where it is located. This prevents last-minute rummaging and duplicate uploads.

Step 3 — Use a file strategy that assessors can parse quickly

One criterion per file where possible. Use clean filenames (e.g., “Teaching_Award_2025.pdf”). Avoid messy photo batches. If a portal warns against fragmented uploads, consolidate appropriately.

Step 4 — Upload early and re-check after upload

Upload at least 24 hours ahead. Then re-open the portal and confirm files are visible, correct, and attached to the intended criterion/specialty.

Step 5 — Handle discrepancies ethically and transparently

If you made an honest mistake in your application text, some guidance indicates you can upload a short document to explain the discrepancy (where permitted). Never try to “spin”—just state the fact and reference supporting evidence.

Step 6 — Screenshot confirmation and keep an audit log

Keep proof of upload (timestamp and list of files). If there’s a technical dispute, you’ll need evidence that you complied with the process.

Portfolio truth

In competitive rounds, evidence review is a production line. Your job is to make verification easy. Clear, concise documents beat long narratives every time.

SourceSelf-Assessment Evidence Portal – Applicant Guide (PDF)

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SourcePHST Recruitment: Evidence documents (timelines + upload rules)

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SourcePHST Recruitment: Application scoring (evidence upload deadline principles)

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Your learning path

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Work through this guide (6 steps)

Use the actions from this article to track what you have worked through.

Step 1 — Find the exact evidence portal and timeline for your round
Recruitment sites publish anticipated dates for evidence upload and verification. Capture these dates early and treat them as fixed constraints.
Return to this section
Step 2 — Build a one-page evidence map
Create a simple mapping: each self-assessment criterion → the single best document to prove it → where it is located. This prevents last-minute rummaging and duplicate uploads.
Return to this section
Step 3 — Use a file strategy that assessors can parse quickly
One criterion per file where possible. Use clean filenames (e.g., “Teaching_Award_2025.pdf”). Avoid messy photo batches. If a portal warns against fragmented uploads, consolidate appropriately.
Return to this section
Step 4 — Upload early and re-check after upload
Upload at least 24 hours ahead. Then re-open the portal and confirm files are visible, correct, and attached to the intended criterion/specialty.
Return to this section
Step 5 — Handle discrepancies ethically and transparently
If you made an honest mistake in your application text, some guidance indicates you can upload a short document to explain the discrepancy (where permitted). Never try to “spin”—just state the fact and reference supporting evidence.
Return to this section
Step 6 — Screenshot confirmation and keep an audit log
Keep proof of upload (timestamp and list of files). If there’s a technical dispute, you’ll need evidence that you complied with the process.
Return to this section

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