When I was first asked to attend the Mastering General Practice Management Course, I’ll admit I was intrigued but slightly unsure how it would fit into my role as a Communications and Marketing Officer. After all, this programme is tailored for Practice Managers, deputies, and other primary care leaders – not someone like me, whose days are usually spent crafting campaigns and connecting messages to audiences. But the goal was clear: experience it first-hand so I could authentically promote its value to a national audience.
Looking back, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take part. Not only did I gain insights into the immense challenges faced by Practice Managers, but I also discovered how impactful and empowering this course can be for anyone striving to lead effectively, manage change, and navigate the ever-evolving world of primary care.
Why the Programme Exists
The Mastering General Practice Management course has been developed in direct response to the Primary Care Manager Career Development Framework. It recognises the vital role of Practice Managers and their deputies in running effective, resilient, and forward-thinking practices. And yet, despite their importance, this group often faces unique challenges – balancing operational pressures, team leadership, regulatory demands, and the unpredictability of patient needs.
What I Learned as a non-Practice Manager
Sitting in a room with Practice Managers and their deputies, I quickly realised how much primary care relies on the people who manage it day-to-day. Their challenges are immense – juggling operational needs with people management, compliance, and change. I gained a deep respect for the complexity of their roles and for the passion they bring to their work.
Here are a few key takeaways I gained from attending the sessions:
- Project & people management is a balancing act: The sessions on project and people management struck a chord with me. Whether you’re running a GP practice or a communications campaign, effective leadership requires balance. From prioritising tasks and delegating appropriately to keeping your team motivated, it’s about staying strategic while keeping the human element front and centre.
- CQC visits don’t have to be daunting: Preparing for and managing CQC visits is one of the most stressful parts of practice management. What I loved about the programme was its practical, step-by-step approach to tackling this challenge. It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about embedding quality and safety in everything you do so that preparation becomes second nature.
- Managing change requires confidence: Change is hard in any workplace, but in primary care – where teams are stretched and resources are tight – it’s even harder. The programme focuses heavily on building confidence to lead change effectively, breaking it down into manageable steps. This was something I found universally useful, regardless of role.
- Team development is key to success: A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the importance of team development. Practices thrive when their staff are engaged, skilled, and supported. Investing in your team isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s essential to productivity, resilience, and success.
The Value for Practice Managers
For those in primary care leadership roles, this programme is a game-changer. It offers an opportunity to step back, reflect, and gain practical tools to tackle the daily challenges of practice management. The content is tailored, relatable, and delivered in a way that encourages collaboration and shared learning. It’s also a chance to build a network with peers who understand your struggles and can offer new perspectives.
Whether you’re a seasoned Practice Manager, a deputy, or someone aspiring to step into a leadership role, this course equips you with the skills, confidence, and support you need to thrive.
Why I’m Excited to Promote it Nationally
As someone who works in communications and marketing, my role is to connect people to opportunities that matter. Attending this programme gave me an authentic understanding of its value, and I can’t wait to share it with a wider audience. This is more than just a course – it’s an investment in the future of primary care leadership.
For me, the biggest takeaway was this: behind every successful GP practice is a Practice Manager working tirelessly to hold it all together. The Mastering General Practice Management Course is here to support them, empower them, and ensure they don’t have to do it alone.
Amelia Markowycz,
Conexus Communications and Marketing Officer