Practice Manager

Job responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced, organised and forward-thinking Practice Manager to provide strong leadership and operational management across our GP practice.

This is a key senior role, working closely with the GP partners and wider team to ensure the practice is well-led, financially stable, compliant, efficient and able to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.

The successful candidate will be confident in managing people, systems, finance, governance and day-to-day operations. They will also play a central role in maintaining CQC readiness and supporting continuous improvement across the practice.

Main duties of the role

The Practice Manager will be responsible for the overall management, leadership and development of the practice. This includes financial management, human resources, operational oversight, CQC compliance, patient services, premises management, IT systems and strategic planning.

The role requires someone who can balance strategic planning with practical day-to-day management, supporting both the partners and the wider team to maintain a safe, effective and well-organised working environment.

Key responsibilitiesStrategic management and planning

The post holder will:

• Work with the GP partners to develop and implement the practices strategic aims and objectives.

• Keep up to date with changes in general practice, NHS contracts, local commissioning arrangements, PCN developments and wider healthcare policy.

• Identify risks, opportunities and areas for practice development.

• Prepare, review and update the practice development plan.

• Monitor practice performance against agreed objectives and support change where required.

• Develop and maintain effective communication within the practice and with external organisations, including the ICB, PCN, NHS England and other relevant agencies.

• Support the partners with decision-making by providing accurate operational, financial and performance information.

CQC, governance and compliance

The post holder will:

• Lead the practices ongoing CQC readiness, ensuring compliance is maintained throughout the year.

• Work with the partners and wider team to ensure the practice can demonstrate safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services.

• Maintain oversight of CQC evidence, policies, procedures, risk assessments, audits, action plans and compliance records.

• Ensure effective governance systems are in place, including significant event analysis, complaints, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety, staff training and patient feedback.

• Support the partners in identifying areas of risk and implementing practical improvement plans.

• Ensure learning from complaints, incidents, audits, feedback and significant events is shared and used to improve services.

• Keep up to date with relevant CQC guidance, regulations and inspection expectations.

• Support staff to understand their role in CQC compliance.

• Prepare the practice for CQC inspections and support the partners during any inspection, monitoring review or regulatory enquiry.

Financial management

The post holder will:

• Manage practice budgets and support the partners in maintaining financial stability.

• Monitor income and expenditure and provide regular financial reports to the partners.

• Maximise practice income through effective contract management, enhanced services, claims processes and income monitoring.

• Understand and report on the financial implications of contract changes, new services and relevant legislation.

• Liaise with the practice accountant and ensure year-end financial information is submitted promptly.

• Monitor cash flow and prepare forecasts and reports where required.

• Oversee practice accounts, banking arrangements, purchase and sales ledgers, petty cash and financial controls.

• Manage payroll processes, PAYE records and pension contributions, as required.

Human resources and staff management

The post holder will:

• Lead and support the recruitment, induction, training and retention of practice staff.

• Ensure staff are appropriately employed, with accurate contracts, job descriptions and HR records in place.

• Monitor staffing levels, skill mix and deployment to ensure the practice is appropriately resourced.

• Develop and maintain effective systems for appraisals, supervision, performance management and staff development.

• Support and mentor staff, both individually and as part of the wider team.

• Promote a positive, professional and supportive working culture.

• Manage sickness absence, performance concerns, disputes and grievances in line with practice policies and employment legislation.

• Keep up to date with employment law and ensure HR policies and procedures remain current.

• Ensure mandatory training records are maintained.

Operational and organisational management

The post holder will:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the practice, ensuring effective systems are in place across all operational areas.

• Convene and support practice meetings, including preparing agendas and ensuring actions are recorded and followed up.

• Develop, implement and review practice policies, protocols and procedures in collaboration with the wider team.

• Ensure practice premises are safe, well maintained, clean and fit for purpose.

• Oversee health and safety, fire safety, security, infection prevention and control arrangements.

• Manage the procurement of equipment, supplies and services within agreed budgets.

• Ensure appropriate insurance cover, maintenance contracts, business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements are in place.

• Support effective internal communication and clear allocation of responsibilities across the team.

Patient services and access

The post holder will:

• Take a strategic approach to the development and management of patient services.

• Ensure services are delivered in line with NHS contractual requirements, local and national guidance and practice policies.

• Monitor and improve patient access, appointment availability and demand management processes.

• Oversee appointment systems, surgery timetables, duty rotas and holiday cover.

• Support the safe and effective management of repeat prescribing and other key administrative systems.

• Maintain registration processes and monitor patient list size, turnover and capitation.

• Ensure an effective complaints process is in place and that learning from complaints and feedback is used to improve services.

• Liaise with patients, the Patient Participation Group, PALS and other stakeholders as ...