Communication – Consider Use Of
- Newsletters
- Notice boards
- Emails
- Social media https://www.wessexlmcs.com/socialmedia
Insurance
If roles are changed for the nursing team, tell your insurer as their indemnity may change and they may not be covered to do the work asked for them if the insurer is not informed
Locum Cover/GP Performer Payments for Parental and Sickness
- Please click here to download NHS England’s Protocol in respect of locum cover or GP performer payments for parental and sickness leave
- Check here before looking for a locum
- Make sure locums are shown the emergency trolley/resus/crash equipment on their first day
Meetings
- Consider timing/frequency/value
- The 4N Chart® is a simple, quick and effective tool for gaining a balanced, qualitative perspective of any issue. When used as part of the improvement process it can help
an individual and a team focus on where they will get most benefit for least effort: The 4N Chart – Nuggets/Niggles/NiceIfs/NoNos
Policies and Procedures
-
- Keep up to date.
- Your insurers may offer free HR advice.
- Refer to www.acas.org.uk
Recruitment and Induction
- Check CQC requirements www.cqc.org.uk/content/regulation-19-fit-and-proper-persons-employed
- Know what qualifications are needed when employing a GP or nurse www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/register/employing_a_doctor.asp and GP mythbuster 26: General practice nurses – Care Quality Commission
- DBS – does your employee need one? www.wessexlmcs.com/dbs
- Check you and your nurses know the dates of their revalidation.
- Make sure everyone is shown the emergency trolley/resus/crash equipment on their first day
The Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM)
The Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM) is the UK’s professional body representing non-clinical managers in general practice. Established in December 2020, the IGPM now has over 1,600 members and is growing rapidly. It exists to champion the role of Practice Managers, raise professional standards, and ensure managers have a national voice. The IGPM works in partnership with key organisations including NHS England, the BMA, and the Dispensing Doctors’ Association to influence policy, improve leadership recognition, and drive sustainable change in primary care.
Louise Greenwood chats to the IGPM reps for Wessex about what the IGPM is and how it can help Practice Managers. Listen to the podcast here
Kerryann Dolbear – IGPM Representative
Email: kerryann.dolbear@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
I’m Kerryann, one of the IGPM PCN Representatives. I am based in Dorset and currently work as a PCN Manager at North Bournemouth PCN. I’ve been in the PCN management role for 2 ½ years. Prior to this, I worked as a Practice Manager for 16 years and have a total of 25 years’ experience working in General Practice. Having worked in both roles has enabled me to see the differing perspectives and gain a strong appreciation of how Practice Managers and PCN Managers can work collaboratively to support one another.
Please get in touch if you would like any help or support or would like to know more about the IGPM.
Nicky Billington – 
IGPM Somerset & Wiltshire Rep
Email: nickybillington@nhs.net
I’m Nicky, the Regional Representative for Somerset and Wiltshire. I live in Wiltshire and worked at a practice there for nearly 10 years before changing jobs in 2017. I now work at Wells City Practice in Somerset and use the long drive each day to prepare myself for the day ahead and then to de-stress on the way home. I love my job and want to support new or struggling managers in general practice. I have been on the receiving end of a lot of support over the years and would like to give back. I am also keen to facilitate formal, role specific training for new and existing managers. I am happy to come and talk at PM meetings, conferences etc
Lisa Fall MA. – 
IGPM SW Regional Rep; Dorset
Email: lisa.fall@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
I’m Lisa & I am the IGPM representative for Dorset. I am Practice Business Manager at the Atrium Health Centre in Dorchester and have been here for 4½ years, previous to this I worked at the Adam Practice in Poole for 10 years, and before that a PCT (for those of you who remember them!) in Northamptonshire, so have quite a few years’ experience in Primary Care. I know how this job takes it’s toll on all of us so wanted to support my fellow PMs via the IGPM and am here for any form of support, chat or just even an ear to moan at. So please do contact me, I’m also happy to come along to any meetings (virtual or face-to-face). Special interests include how we can best share information, leadership, HR, and strategic planning.
Ed Kennedy – 
IGPM Director, Lead for Dispensing & Rurality
Email: Ed.Kennedy@nhs.net
I’m Ed, a Director at the Institute of General Practice Management. I’ve worked in Practice Management since 2016 and am currently the Managing Partner at a large dispensing practice in Hampshire. My background includes roles in community pharmacy and pharmaceuticals, and I’ve worked across diverse settings in Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and Wiltshire.
As a Director, I support the IGPM’s work to strengthen professional recognition, improve national representation, and drive up standards for Practice Managers across the UK. I also lead on IGPM’s work around dispensing and rurality—two areas where primary care faces distinctive pressures and opportunities.
I’m always keen to hear from managers across all settings, whether you’re looking for support, collaboration, or want to learn more about IGPM’s work.
Mark Tyrrell – 
IGPM Hampshire Rep
Email: mark.tyrrell2@nhs.net
I fell into the NHS in 2007 when I started managing the office of a GP surgery in Bedfordshire. I relocated to Hampshire in 2010, after working for the ICB , I returned to practice in 2016, becoming a partner in my current practice in Jan 2022. I look forward to meeting you!
Raising the Profile of PMs at National Level
Ed Kennedy, Managing Partner at Wickham Surgery, and Director at IGPM (Institute of General Practice Management) talks to Louise Greenwood, Director of Education & Training at Wessex LMCs, about raising the profile of PMs at national level. The Directors of IGPM were invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak to the Health and Social Care Select Committee about the NHS 10-year Plan.
Listen to how their meeting went – and if you are a PM, you might want to consider joining this, a-political organisation that wants PMs to be in every conversation about general practice at every level.
Listen to the podcast here
Tier 2 Visas for Practices
Training
- See here for LMC guidance : Mandatory Training for Practice Staff – Wessex LMCs
- TNAs are here Free Training Needs Analysis