Summary
Popular group mentorship programme enhances confidence and skills within general practice.
A group of practice managers and assistant practice managers have started the new year with intensive support and mentorship.
Over the next few months, the group will grow in confidence and benefit from fresh knowledge about the most important aspects of their role.
They will learn from each other and an experienced practice manager as part of the Group Mentorship Programme for Practice Managers, run by Greater Manchester Primary Care Provider Board (PCB).
The group started their mentorship journey on Wednesday, 15 January and they will complete six sessions between now and March.
The programme is tailored for practice managers with less than two years in post, those who have recently returned from long-term leave, and assistant practice managers with a plan to reach the next level of their career within 18 months.
The course helps them to explore time management skills and build resilience, as well as delve into how to handle HR and disciplinary situations, and safeguarding responsibilities.
It also provides a deeper understanding of finance issues and requirements, health and safety compliance, and estates management.
The mentorship programme is delivered by trainer, Luan Stewart, as part of the PCB’s GP Excellence programme.
The latest group forms the seventh cohort since the programme was launched in January 2025.
It has proved so popular that additional cohorts were added to meet demand throughout 2025/26, meaning more than 80 practice managers have benefited from the expert training and support.
Previous participants have rated the sessions as ‘excellent’, ‘brilliant’ and ’10 out of 10’.
One practice manager said: “I had attended a few of Luan’s sessions earlier in the year. However, the interaction that came with the group mentoring was a massive help – especially being able to delve deeper into the aspects covered with others in management across Greater Manchester, with different perspectives.”
Another said they had strengthened their resilience as a result of the programme: “I’ve learnt how best to handle conversations with staff about change in roles, respecting it and putting boundaries in place.”
They also gained more knowledge about specific safeguarding processes and terminology, not explored in mandatory training.
The GP Excellence programme is funded by Greater Manchester General Practice Provider Board (GPB), which is a sub-board of the PCB.
