GPs
GP Training/Education
If you are interested in becoming a GP trainer please see more information on the GP Supervisor Course Page.
GP Retention Scheme
The National GP Retention Scheme is a package of financial and educational support to help doctors, who might otherwise leave the profession, remain in clinical general practice.
With a change in the GP Contract this year, you can do additional GP Sessional/ Locum Sessions on top of your contracted GP Retainer sessions. These sessions are out of the scheme and do not attract any of additional benefits of the NRS e.g. educational support or practice reimbursement monies.
From 1 April 2023, the formal four-session cap that a retained GP can work per week has been removed. Reimbursement will remain for up to four sessions but this does not preclude a contractor from directly employing or engaging a member of the GP Retention Scheme, at their own expense, for service sessions which are in addition to the maximum four sessions for which the contractor is eligible for payment under the Scheme.
Resources
- GP Retention Scheme guidance and resources - NHS England
- National GP Retention Scheme FAQ BMA
- National GP Retention Scheme Practice Guide: This guide from HEE has examples of time tables and job plans - HEE
- GP retention scheme: Guidance from BMA about the National Retention scheme - BMA
- The BMA has developed a model retainer scheme contract which is based on the Salaried GP Model Contract but specific to the Scheme. Contract checking and advice services can be accessed by BMA members by calling 0300 123 1233 or by emailing support@bma.org.uk. General advice for non-members can be obtained by emailing info.gpc@bma.org.uk.
- Established GPs in the RCGP: Support from the Royal College of General Practitioners for Established GPs - RCGP
- Later Career and Retired Members Community Group: Made up of elected LCARM faculty leads throughout the UK - RCGP
- GP Return to Practice Programme: Formerly known as the GP Induction and Refresher - For GPs who have been out of NHS General Practice for 2 years or more and/or are not on the National Performers List - HEE
For Employers
Improving Staff Retention: This guide supports line managers and employers to consider the key areas which affect workforce retention. (source: NHS Employers)
Learning to Supervise a Retainee GP: Various free courses for Supervisors (source: BMA)
Career Diversification
Support with career planning and transitions in training: A range of workshops covering a variety of themes around career transitions from utilising a strengths based approach in maintaining balance to unlocking the potential of OOPs and much more (source: Professional Support Unit, HEE)
Careers Coaching
Mentorships: The mentoring scheme is a coaching and mentoring service for our primary care colleagues across South East London where you can have a careers-focused conversation with a qualified Mentor. (source: SELWDH)
The GP Retention Fellowship Pilot
As we approach the midpoint of the 'Retention Fellowship Pilot' we thought we'd share some preliminary findings. This study asks the following question: Does the introduction of a 'GP Fellowship Retention Scheme' in SEL reduce stress, burnout and intentions to leave the profession amongst participating GPs?
What does the study involve?
The pilot involves participants running bi-monthly ‘Holistic clinics’ of 20min appoints plus 1 hr admin for their practice's 'complex patients' (as defined by the Fellows and their practices).
What the Retention Fellow GPs are saying
For more information contact:
Dr Induja Bandura i.bandara@nhs.net
Training Program Director, Bexley GP Training Scheme.
OR
Dr Karen Cleaver karen.cleaver2@nhs.net
Research and Academic Lead. Primary Care Workforce Academy. South East London Workforce Development Hub.
Visiting Professor, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences University of Greenwich.