Launch: NCL Practice Managers Leadership Programme

NCL Training Hub is launching a new programme aimed at supporting the accreditation and professional development of Practice Managers across NCL. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM). IGPM provide a framework and an accreditation and governance process to support the development and career progression of Practice Managers (PMs) to be fully recognised as a distinct profession. If associate members can demonstrate they have the relevant experience they can apply to become a full member of the IGPM. 

What does the accreditation entail?

The programme addresses ‘Modern Day Practice Management’ through the following 10 modules. Applicants must complete each of the 10 modules:

1.     Qualifications and Achievements

2.     Personal qualities, professional development and working with others

3.     Leadership, level of responsibility and accountability, strategic planning, vision, and decision making

4.     Managing and improving patient services

5.     Working with patients

6.     Workforce

7.     Financial proficiency and practice stability

8.     Estates and Facilities management

9.     Working with other organisations and service providers

10.  Probity, legal and compliance, governance

Comprehensive written evidence must be supplied for each of the domains and the awarding panel must be satisfied that an aggregate pass has been obtained in each of the ten domains.

 What support does the Training hub offer?

• Payment of fees – associate membership fee for the first year and fee for the assessment process (£396 pp incl. VAT). After the first-year practice or individual will need to pay for membership to maintain their accreditation

• Regular drop-in sessions where each module is discussed, evidence suggested, and peer learning opportunities are encouraged

• Crib sheet to support practice managers to identify evidence for each of the ten modules

• 1-2-1 support, if necessary

Please note: any re-submission costs £120 will be borne by the practice or the individual practice manager.

Virtual membership of NHS Elect for PMs and all practice staff (live webinars, online courses, resources and virtual networks from September).

How do you apply for the Practice Manager accreditation programme?

There are three pre-qualifying criteria applicants must meet to become an associate member which you can read about on the IGPM website: https://www.igpm.org.uk/accreditation

1. Applicant must have been in a of substantive managerial role for a minimum of two years

2. Applicant must not be in breach of any article in the Constitution of the IGPM

3. Applicant must not be in any pending or active disciplinary action at the time of application

Applicants must supply two testimonials relating to their character skills and competencies and commit to devoting about three hours a week to the programme for a minimum of 3 months. PMs can take up to 12 months to complete though we recommend you complete sooner.

Please complete the expression of interest form (link below), confirming your interest; outlining why you'd like to join the programme and how it will benefit your practice.

The first round of EOIs will be closing on Friday 15 August 2025.

Any questions contact Kerree: kerree.ahern@nhs.net.