The Business of Primary Care Networks Blog
Over 250 blogs to support the leadership and management of primary care networks 

New neighbourhood provider contracts won't arrive until 2027-28 at the earliest. But NHS England still expects local areas to start building neighbourhood health now. What this means for primary care networks.

We've all been there. You leave a meeting thinking something's been agreed, only for someone to ask at the next one: "But did we actually agree?

And why most networks are making the decision for the wrong reasons. governance model and explains how PCNs, federations, and GP collaboratives can organise themselves effectively – without drowning in meetings or losing the voice of individual practices.

If you are new to your PCN leadership and management role, there is a lot to learn. Within the Primary Care Network Members Club, our blog and the business of healthcare podcast, there are A LOT of resources. To help you get started, we have compiled the most important resources and a reading list so you can hit the ground running.

At the heart of neighbourhood health is the patient. This blog breaks down the three-tier governance model and explains how PCNs, federations, and GP collaboratives can organise themselves effectively – without drowning in meetings or losing the voice of individual practices.

As debate intensifies over the future of primary care in England, it's easy to cast the shift towards neighbourhood models as a zero-sum contest between PCNs, practices and new contractual forms. It shouldn't be.

As we approach the end of the financial year, now is the ideal time to review how effectively your services are working.

Confused by NHS neighbourhood health terminology? This guide breaks down the three-tier model, HWBs, JSNAs, SNPs and MNPs for primary care leaders.

Discover key events for PCN leaders in 2026, including PCN Plus Live, NHS ConfedExpo, Digital Health Rewired, and Best Practice London. Free CPD opportunities.

Practical Q4 guidance for Primary Care Network leaders. Covers CAIP claims, IIF targets, ARRS spend, Enhanced Access compliance, and 26/27 vaccination changes.

Why practices are rationally resisting neighbourhood engagement - and what kind of conversation actually creates movement when the vision isn't clear yet.

NHS England's 2026/27 COVID-19 vaccination specification allows practice-level delivery. What does this mean for primary care networks? Key changes, payments, and deadlines.

There's no best practice ARRS staffing ratio. Here's how to calculate the WTE your PCN actually needs using your own data and demand-based modelling.

Many PCN leaders are asking whether they need new structures in place by April 2026. With implementation details still unclear, it's hard to know what to do. Here's my view: don't panic, but don't stand still either. Pick a service, test collaboration, and let the structure follow.

In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown explores four types of power. This blog looks at how "power over" often disguises itself in primary care and invites you to reflect on how you use yours.

Budget announcements, BMA standoffs, and the Strategic Commissioning Framework. A November 2025 roundup for PCN and practice managers navigating NHS policy.

CQC registration gives PCNs autonomy over the services they provide, rather than relying on member practices to hold individual contracts. This independence allows networks to manage services consistently and meet regulatory requirements efficiently.

Welcome to the PCN Members Club - your friendly time-saving hub for busy PCN teams.

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for primary care leaders. This blog focuses on the Strategic Commissioning Framework – specifically for PCNs who are currently stalling on the neighbourhood agenda.

The NHS Strategic Commissioning Framework explained for primary care leaders. Understand what's changing, the timeline, and what it means for PCNs and general practice.

Should you spend time reading NHS policy? Our framework will help PCN leaders find where alignment exists in their work - and make conscious choices about engagement.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have practical insights and actionable strategies to make your Q4 PCN Underspend work harder, strengthen your workforce, and maximise the impact of your underspend

In a recent episode of The Business of Healthcare podcast, I spoke with Dharmesh Patel, Chief Executive of Primary Eye Care Services. We discussed why optometry so often gets left out of neighbourhood planning, the practical barriers they face, and what it would actually take to properly include them in integrated care discussions.

Understand the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27-2028/29. Essential guide for PCN leaders on integrated neighbourhood teams, targets & timelines.