Practice Managers coordinate the overall running of GP surgeries, and are responsible for the smooth running of a practice that employs GP’s and other clinical staff, and sees as many as 20,000 registered patients. 

As a Practice Manager you will work with a variety of staff who work from or are based within the practice. These staff will typically include GPs, Practice Nurses, Nurses, Medical Secretaries, Receptionists, Dietitians, Pharmacists, and others.

What does a Practice Manager do?

• Business planning
• Handling financial systems for the practice, including payroll
• Selecting, training and supervising non-clinical staff
• Developing and supervising appointment systems that work well for patients and clinicians
• Ensuring accurate records are kept, and liaising with local health organisations such as clinical commissioning groups (CCG’s) 
• Developing strategies for the practice on issues such as computer systems and security, expanding or changing services, and long-term services

To fulfil these duties PM’s will need good IT and administration skills, and will need to be skilled at strategic planning and understanding financial systems. 

Entry requirements

• Typically, you will have experience in management, with evidence of motivating people and a management qualification
• You will need excellent skills in finances, communication, leadership, IT and negotiating

Progression

With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for more senior managerial roles within different services and healthcare organisations such as CCG’s. Relocation for promotion is common.