Mastering General Practice Management: The Course I Wish I Had When I Started
Hi, I’m Dave Stapleton, and after nearly 14 years as a Practice Manager, I know just how tough this role can be. You’re expected to be the expert on everything—finance, HR, compliance, patient care—all while keeping a practice running smoothly. The truth is, many of us are thrown into the deep end with little formal training. That’s exactly why I’m delivering this course.
Who Is This Course For?
If you’re a newly appointed Practice Manager, a deputy stepping up, or an experienced PM looking to stay ahead of constant NHS changes, this course is designed for you. We’ll cover:
- Financial and contract management
- Preparing for a CQC inspection
- Managing risk, complaints, and staff absence
- Workforce planning and recruitment
When I first saw the course outline, I thought, “I wish this had existed when I started in the NHS!” Even if you’ve been in the role for years, things change fast, and this course will make sure you’re up to date with best practices, policies, and processes.
Why I Created This Course
As a former PM, I’ve always felt we’re the poor relations when it comes to career development. We’re the glue that holds a practice together, yet we’re often expected to ‘just pick things up’ and become the go-to expert overnight. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable.
This course is about more than just training—it’s about giving PMs and deputies the tools, confidence, and expert insights they need to thrive. If I’d had access to this when I first started, it would have made a world of difference.
What Makes This Course Different?
This isn’t theory from a textbook. It’s been designed, developed, and will be delivered by ex-Practice Managers like me. We’ve walked the same path, faced the same pressures, and found ways to navigate them.
The training will always be led by former PMs who stay in touch with the latest NHS policies and challenges. That means it’s always relevant and practical—not just another tick-box exercise.
The Biggest Challenges PMs Face
One of the biggest struggles I see is PMs being expected to make critical decisions—often with no formal training. This course gives you the knowledge, best practices, and post-training resources to make informed choices with confidence.
The other challenge? Isolation. PMs are the ones everyone turns to, yet they rarely have a support network themselves. This course brings together managers from different areas, and it’s always a lightbulb moment when people realise, “I’m not alone in this.” There’s huge value in hearing how others tackle similar challenges.
What I Love About Delivering This Training
I’m a proud ‘fully paid-up member of the PM union,’ and I love nothing more than engaging with fellow managers, discussing real-world problems, and finding solutions together. Having worked across the NHS in West Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Durham, I know how much impact a well-supported PM can have on a practice—and I want to give something back to a role I loved and found challenging in equal measure.
How This Course Can Shape Your Career
This isn’t just another training session—it’s a real investment in your future and the future of your practice. You’ll leave with:
✅ Practical, real-world knowledge you can apply immediately
✅ A network of fellow PMs who understand your challenges
✅ The confidence to lead effectively and navigate NHS policies
If you want to develop your skills, build your confidence, and take your practice management to the next level, I’d love to see you on the course.
You’re not alone in this—let’s tackle it together.