Tara Humphrey
Getting Started - The Role of the Primary Care Network Manager
Updated: Oct 4
Whilst the role of the PCN Manager will vary from network to network, there is a repository of resources and key information that all Network Managers and Clinical Directors will need to:
Remain up to date on PCN guidance and requirements
Gain leadership insights
Build their PCN operating structure
This repository of key resources and prompts is ideal for PCN’s creating an induction plan for their new network manager or for a network manager recently in post.
Key Resources
General Practice Updates by NHS England is a great place to keep up-to-date with activities and changes happening in general practice. This is where you will find the latest guidance. Start with the DES and Impact and Investment Fund for 2021/ 2022
The initial Network Agreement that supported how networks were set out to work together can be found here: Network Contract DES Mandatory Network Agreement
Need help with workforce planning and recruitment finances? The PCN Workforce Planning Template has supporting information to guide you on how to use it.
For advice on how to establish and develop your Primary Care Network, go to: The BMA Primary Care Network Handbook
Here you can find an outline of the components that underpin the successful development of networks: PCN Maturity Matrix
To keep informed of policy developments and access support you could join the PCN Network, established by The NHS Confederation
Ockham healthcare is a think tank and consultancy supporting best practice and new ways of working in General Practice. They provide weekly blogs and podcasts sharing, discussing and supporting innovations in general practice.
The Kings Fund provides insights on health and care policy and leadership through their blogs in The Leadership Section of the Kings Fund
And of course the THC Primary Care website. We’ve just launched a page dedicated to our top resources for you to find the answers to your challenges as you go.
Along with the intel provided by your PCN colleagues, this repository of resources and the following prompts will lead you to start building your operating structure, that will incorporate:
The contact details of each practice and the mobile number(s) of your Clinical Director
The specifications coming online soon
The projects being delivered
Access to IT
The network’s development plan
The network’s key stakeholders
The network’s meeting schedule
The channels the network uses to communicate
How the network finances are managed
How the network makes decisions
The network roles that are in place: Who are they? Where do they work? Who do they report to? What are they currently focusing on? What HR structure is in place?
The network’s business and workforce plan
How the PCN monitors its performance
The contact details to neighbouring PCN managers
Please note this guide is not conclusive, as the environment is ever evolving, however, this should allow new network managers to get a head start.
If you need more support, our PCN Accelerator Programme is the only training for PCN leads created by a PCN Manager. This training and mentorship programme will give you the fundamentals and knowhow for you to deliver your role effectively and with confidence.
Check out the programme here.
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How to Overcome Objections in your Primary Care Network
Don’t Let Passive Agreement Hamper your Progress
Tara provides project and network management and training to Primary Care Networks and coaching support to clinical leads and has worked with 11 Training Hubs and 18 Primary Care Networks to date.
Tara has an MBA in Healthcare Leadership and Management, is published in the London Journal of Primary Care, is the author of over 180 blogs also hosts The Business of Healthcare Podcast.
Find out more about THC Primary Care at www.thcprimarycare.co.uk
And follow Tara on Twitter @THCPrimarycare
