Today marks the inaugural National Practice Manager Day – with the profession calling on policy makers, system leaders and other stakeholders to recognise their important role and increase engagement.
Launched by the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM), the event has been created to acknowledge ‘the people who keep general practice running’.
To mark it, a special video highlighting the vital job of the practice manager has been made by the IGPM, which it is encouraging general practice teams to share to raise awareness of the skills and leadership that practice managers bring to the NHS.
Kay Keane, chair of the IGPM, said the purpose of the day was to highlight the ‘largely unseen’ contribution of practice managers.
She told Management in Practice: ‘Patients understandably see the clinical side of general practice, but there is a whole infrastructure behind that which ensures services are safe, accessible and sustainable. This day is about bringing that into the light and giving colleagues the recognition they deserve.
‘It also comes at a time when general practice is under significant pressure,’ she added. ‘Practice managers are navigating workforce challenges, increasing demand, contractual change and rising expectations from all directions. Despite that, they continue to hold everything together for their teams and their patients. Taking a moment to recognise that contribution really matters.’
The IGPM has said practices around the country are celebrating the event in different ways, with some taking a more informal approach but others marking it in a bigger way.
Ms Keane said: ‘Some practices are using it as an opportunity to simply say thank you, whether that is a team message, a small gesture, or a moment in a meeting to acknowledge the work of management colleagues. Others are sharing stories on social media to highlight what goes on behind the scenes. Even just starting a conversation about the role and what it involves can make a difference.’
In Greater Manchester, its ICB is hosting a formal ‘celebration event’, with senior general practice and system leaders discussing the difference practice managers make to primary care as well as how the profession can continue to be developed.
Ms Keane said: ‘There is representation from across general practice, the ICB, federations and wider system partners, all recognising the role that practice management plays in making services work day to day.
‘What we’ve been intentional about is the themes. This isn’t just about celebrating; it’s about showing the reality and breadth of the role. We’re talking about everything from how strong practice management underpins clinical leadership, to how it drives system improvement, supports workforce development, and enables the next generation of practice managers through apprenticeships.’
The IGPM has said it hopes today’s event prompts system partners and stakeholders to ‘better understand and engage with practice management as a profession’.
‘If we are serious about improving patient access and experience, we need to be equally serious about supporting the people who are running the operational side of general practice,’ Ms Keane said.
‘We are delighted to see the day being recognised and hope it becomes a meaningful moment in the calendar going forward.’
