Practice Manager

What does the role involve?

Practice managers are integral to the smooth and effective running of a GP practice. Depending on the size of the practice, the manager will be involved with a wide range of activities, such as business planning, finance, recruitment of staff, training and IT.

Although it is not necessary to hold a qualification in health care management or have experience within the health service before taking on this role, most practice managers have experience of management in some context and in particular experience of finance and of managing people.

Practice managers are expected to develop a detailed knowledge of the GP contract which outlines the funding and requirements for GP practices.

What benefit does this role bring to primary care?

Good management is vital for practices to be able to deliver high-quality health services to its local population. Practices vary in size across the area, with the smallest serving around 5000 patients, and the largest in excess of 20,000. The larger practices may have up to eighty clinical and non-clinical staff so these are classed as medium-sizes businesses.

What is the career pathway?

Many Practice Managers, once they have gained experience within primary care management, will move to larger practices or to other senior roles within health care (eg. as a manager of a Primary Care Network or within the Clinical Commissioning Group).

What training is available?

For those who do not have a formal qualification in health care management, there are a number of options available:

• Certificate/Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management (DPCHM) awarded by the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR)
• Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers (VTSGPM) – awarded by the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM)
• A Diploma in Primary Care and Health Management – a level 5 qualification provided by a number of AMSPAR/City and Guilds -approved centres. Find out more about the DCPHM and the location of AMSPAR/City and Guilds approved centres
• The Vocational Training Scheme for General Practice Managers – delivered on a part time basis over a period of 36 weeks, using a blended learning model.

The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionist also provides other courses that may be of interest in developing skills and competencies –  https://www.amspar.com/

During 2019/20, a small number of managers have been supported to undertake a level 7 (Masters) in Senior Leadership with the University of Gloucestershire. It is hoped to be able to support more manager to undertake this programme in the future.

Where can I find additional resources/best practice guidance?

The Practice Managers’ Association offers workshops, apprenticeship standards, diplomas and e-learning. https://practicemanagersuk.org/