Managing a busy General Practice (GP) requires exceptional multitasking skills and the ability to navigate a variety of challenges across leadership, ethics, finance, and operations. The 5-day Practice Managers Programme is specifically designed to provide practice managers with the tools, techniques, and frameworks needed to excel in this demanding role.
This highly interactive programme integrates coaching principles and reflective practice to ensure participants can effectively translate their learning into actionable improvements. Each day builds on prior modules, encouraging delegates to reflect on their unique organisational context and deepen their understanding of key concepts.
Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, discussions, and practical applications to explore leadership dynamics, ethical decision-making, financial management, continuous improvement, and organisational complexity. By addressing real-world challenges, the programme equips delegates with pragmatic solutions tailored to the dynamic environment of general practice.
With opportunities to explore topics like compassionate leadership, ethical governance, Lean principles, and enterprise thinking, this programme fosters the development of innovative and resilient practice managers. By the end of the course, participants will leave with a comprehensive action plan, enhanced self-awareness, and strategies to drive meaningful improvements within their organisations.
This course can be optionally accredited to a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership.
At a glance
Introduction to Leadership in General Practice
- Overview of leadership in the fast-paced GP operational environment.
- Defining leadership and management functions within the organisational context.
Exploration of Leadership Theories and Models
- General leadership theories and approaches.
- NHS-specific frameworks, including the Healthcare Leadership Framework.
- Understanding and applying compassionate leadership.
Navigating Complexity in Practice Structures
- Leading across multi-disciplinary teams and geographical locations.
- Examining the role of intrinsic motivation, emotional intelligence, trust, and organisational culture.
Introduction to Coaching-Based Leadership
- Exploring coaching as a leadership approach for personal development and team growth.
- Building team cohesion and fostering accountability.
Practical Application and Skill Development
- Hands-on practice of coaching-based leadership techniques.
- Group discussions and case studies for contextual application.
Introduction to Ethical Leadership in General Practice
- Overview of ethical principles and their impact on daily operations.
- Identifying common ethical challenges in the organisational context.
Exploration of Ethical Frameworks and Guidance
- Review of the ‘Duties of a Doctor’ and pillars of medical ethics.
- Practical implications of ethical principles on leadership and decision-making.
Ethical Decision-Making Models
- Introduction to an ethical decision-making framework.
- Practical application of the model to real-world scenarios.
Organisational Factors Influencing Ethics
- Examination of safeguarding, risk, and governance in practice.
- Discussion on ethical considerations shaping decision-making processes.
Interplay Between Culture, Ethics, and Trust
- The role of values and trust in creating psychologically safe environments.
- Analysis of culture’s influence on ethical leadership.
Data and Communication in Governance
- Importance of data gathering and communication for ethical practices.
- Tools and techniques for effective governance.
Coaching and Conflict Resolution
- Using coaching approaches to challenge colleagues constructively.
- Strategies for handling conflict conversations.
Understanding Organisational Funding and Challenges
- Analysis of current funding streams and financial challenges.
- Brainstorming opportunities for new funding avenues.
Principles of Financial Management
- Introduction to accounting concepts, conventions, and cash-flow cycles.
- Practical exercises: interpreting balance sheets and profit/loss reports using GP practice examples.
Exploring Practice Income Streams
- Collaborative discussion on increasing income through QoF and additional opportunities.
Role of Internal Control Systems
- Practical exploration of control systems and their impact on organisational culture and governance.
- Analysis of data and reporting systems for financial oversight.
Effective Business Planning
- Assessing assets, liabilities, and financial performance for strategic planning.
- Hands-on application of budgeting principles tailored to delegates’ practices.
- Applying analytical tools to assess and improve organisational priorities and risk management strategies.
Reflection and Action Planning
- Summary of key learning from the session.
- Development of actionable business process improvement plans.
Introduction to Continuous Improvement Principles
- Overview of core principles for driving continuous improvement.
- Discussion of pre-module reflections on organisational systems and processes.
Journey Mapping for Organisational Insight
- Introduction to journey mapping concepts and methodology.
- Practical exercise: mapping the journey of an individual through the practice to identify efficiencies and inefficiencies.
Lean Principles and Efficiency
- Exploration of the 8 ‘wastes’ and their relevance to quality and efficiency.
- Application of Lean principles to the delegates’ operating environments.
Building the Process-Analysis Toolkit
- Introduction to the process-analysis framework.
- Practical application to examples such as QoF and CQC processes.
Role of Data in Organisational Improvement
- Techniques for data gathering and analysis to identify improvement opportunities.
- Setting and measuring meaningful performance indicators.
Coaching for an Improvement Mindset
- Exploration of how coaching supports a culture of continuous improvement.
- Strategies for using coaching in improvement meetings to achieve quality outcomes.
Improvement Case Studies and Action Planning
- Analysis of context-specific improvement case studies.
- Reflection on improvement opportunities and development of a customised action plan.
Discussion of Inter-Module Task
- Reflection on organisational complexity and enterprise principles explored during the task.
Exploration of Systems Thinking Principles
- Introduction to systems thinking concepts for understanding organisational dynamics.
- Hands-on use of organisational analysis tools and frameworks.
Organisational Ecosystem Analysis
- Practical exercises to map and analyse organisational ecosystems.
- Identifying interdependencies and complexities in general practice settings.
Understanding Enterprise in General Practice
- Defining what it means to operate as an enterprise within the GP context.
- Introduction to enterprise-focused tools and their application.
Organisational Action Planning Exercise
- Facilitated action planning session to consolidate learning from the programme.
- Peer group co-coaching for feedback and refinement of plans.
Personal Reflection and Development Log
- Review of personal learning journey throughout the programme.
- Updating individual practice leadership development logs.
Programme Wrap-Up
- Summary of key takeaways and preparation for implementation in practice settings.
- Understand leadership principles, theories, and models, including NHS-specific frameworks
- Develop coaching-based leadership skills to foster personal growth, team cohesion, and accountability
- Gain practical tools for ethical decision-making
- Navigate organisational challenges with safeguarding, governance, and cultural sensitivity
- Build a psychologically safe environment grounded in trust and values
- Master financial management principles and practical budgeting
- Explore funding streams, increase income opportunities, and strengthen financial oversight
- Implement strategic planning to balance priorities and manage risks effectively
- Apply Lean principles and journey mapping for system and process optimisation
- Leverage data analysis and performance indicators for quality enhancements
- Cultivate an improvement mindset using coaching strategies and real-world case studies
- Analyse organisational ecosystems using systems thinking and enterprise principles
- Develop actionable plans through organisational analysis and peer feedback
- Build resilience in navigating complex, multidisciplinary practice structures
- Practical tools and techniques for real-world application in GP practices
- Increased confidence in leading multidisciplinary teams and addressing organisational challenges
- A structured framework for ethical decision-making and continuous improvement
- Enhanced ability to strategise, plan, and execute organisational goals effectively
- Peer collaboration and coaching for shared learning and support
- Creation of a leadership development log to track and sustain professional growth
Dr Richard Daly - GP and CCG Lead – Integrated Transformation, ELCCG
Richard is a GP in Burnley, having joined an established Practice in 2009. Prior to that he has spent time working in international health systems, both as a practicing doctor and involved with health care logistics and large-scale health-care developments in challenging environments.
He has been involved in a commissioning capacity since 2009, firstly with East Lancashire PCT and subsequently he became a Clinical Lead for East Lancashire CCG at its inception. He has worked to develop improved integrated working practices between social care, hospital care and community health care and led service transformation in the Intermediate Care setting
He strongly believes in providing needs-based care and empowering everyone involved in care delivery to participate in the design, development and continuous improvement of systems of care. He is passionate about supporting a universal, comprehensive, equitable National Health Service that works alongside its many partners to deliver high quality, patient-centred care.
Michelle Brook
Michelle is a highly qualified trainer and teaching professional with extensive experience of providing accredited training, psychological interventions and wellbeing services to individuals, groups & organisations, with extensive experience within the field of leadership and management and executive coaching.
Her experience includes over 10 years within the primary care NHS teams, providing low-intensity psychological therapies to groups and individuals and supporting the service in development, quality of provision and multi-agency working. She has also worked within high security hospitals and prisons.
Michelle has previously led on a University-based course for Health Education England, training NHS therapists. During this time, she completed her PGCert in higher education, developing further knowledge and skills in learning theory and effective teaching methods.
Mark Bloomer
With over twenty years of experience delivering business and service improvement methodology Mark creates an engaging environment for hands on learning and development using proven methods of continuous improvement.
Focussing specifically on value creation for the customer, both internal and external, Mark introduces an array of tools to work with on real time problem solving and workplace efficiency whilst using case studies from the Swedish National Health Care system (Lund University) to demonstrate real time service improvements and, as an inspiration to classroom growth.
As an international trainer and having supported global blue-chip companies worldwide he has a passion for developing operational excellence throughout the business creating more efficient ways of working as well as improved workplace morale.
Stephen Bailey
Stephen is a highly accomplished ICAEW qualified finance professional with a versatile background spanning over three decades. With experience across various industry sectors, Stephen has held pivotal full-time positions such as Commercial Finance Director and Controller.
For the past 18 years, he has been a trusted consultant to many SME businesses, providing invaluable financial insights and strategic guidance. In addition to his consulting work, Stephen has dedicated 15 years to financial training, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with aspiring finance professionals.
As an Executive Coach and Mentor for over a decade, he has empowered individuals to achieve their professional goals.
Following the completion of the 5 day Programme you will have the opportunity to complete an optional CMI Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management accreditation