Primary care is a vast section of the health and care system; its workforce is numerous, and so are its leaders.

The most obvious leaders in a primary care are partners, clinical directors, PCN managers, practice or pharmacy managers, senior clinicians and the leaders of teams.

However, every individual has the opportunity to show leadership qualities and behaviours irrespective of their position or role.

Leadership can be an avenue for those wanting to progress in their careers, as well as those who want to be more effective at coping with the challenges of their daily role and the changing landscape in primary care.

What is primary care leadership?

“There is an inclusive and positive culture of continuous learning and improvement. This is based on meeting the needs of people who use services and wider communities, and all leaders and staff share this. Leaders proactively support staff and collaborate with partners to deliver care that is safe, integrated, person-centred and sustainable, and to reduce inequalities.”

CQC Well-Led

Primary care leadership is about creating and maintaining a clear shared vision, culture and strategy that staff, patients and partners understand and support.

It is characterised by visible and values-driven leaders who act with integrity, support their teams and create an environment where people feel confident to speak up, raise concerns and contribute ideas.

Effective leadership actively promotes equity, diversity and inclusion, addresses discrimination, and ensures all staff feel valued and represented. It is supported by strong governance, quality improvment and clear accountability.

Leadership development support

Regular and sustained leadership learning and development is a key part of what makes a good leader and is a recognised component of the CQC Well-led assessment.

The ideal leadership development plan will look different for different leaders, which is why the NHS North West Leadership Academy provides a range of support to primary care leaders and managers:

Programmes

Mary Seacole
local

A popular programme for first-time leaders. The NHS North West Leadership Academy provides the primary care community, with a locally delivered version of this programme at a reduced cost per person cost of £150.

Mentor Development Programme

A programme that help leaders and mangers in primary care build the skills needed to become an effective mentor. The programme includes group work, discussions and reflection.

National programmes

The national NHS Leadership Academy programmes support primary care staff at all levels to reach their potential, providing leadership development opportunities across careers to achieve high standards in healthcare.

Events and 1 to 1 support

Coaching and Mentoring Hub

A free confidential service that matches coaches and mentors with those seeking support. Users can create profiles and manage relationships. Coaches and mentors can access free CPD, supervison, networking, and resources via the Hub.

Colaborative Masterclasses

Free virtual sessions delivered by a cross-sector partnership. Open to the primary care community, these events feature expert speakers covering topics that explore and address many of the challnges of modern primary care.

Festival of Leadership

The North West’s largest senior leadership conference, bringing together leaders from the NHS, social care, local government and beyond to share insights, connect, and explore the future of leadership in the North West region.

Frameworks and self assessments

System Leadership Behaviours Framework

This framework sets out the leadership behaviours required to lead and work effectively across systems. Leaders can use the self-assessment tool to reflect on and assess their ability to lead across systems.

Healthy
Leadership Framework

This framework supports healthy leadership development and helps leaders embed wellbeing in the workplace. The self-assessment can be used to build an understanding of how mindset, behaviours, and approach affects everyone in the workplace.

Healthcare Leadership Model (HLM)

The HLM describes what a good clinical and non-clinical leader is in the health and care system. The HLM features a self-assement which supports leaders to benchmark their strengths and areas for development.

Online learning resources and podcasts

Below is a range of resources that we feel will be useful and informative to your work in Primary Care. We will continue to update the links below as new and interesting content is produced across NHS and social care organisations, as well as other public sector content.  

Leadership
Live

An podcast series exploring health and care leadership topics many of which are relevant to the role of primary care. The podcast features expert guests, best practice case studies, and fresh perspectives to support development anytime, anywhere.

Leadership Learning Zone (LLZ)

The LLZ is an e-learning platform offering modules to help leaders continually develop their skills and effectiveness, supporting professional growth. The LLZ features many modules specifically designed for primary care leaders.

Leadership
resouces

A collection of resource published by the NHS North West Leadership Acdemy for the benefit of the North West region. These resources cover topics like: career guidance, attendance policies, team wellbeing and community leadership development.