Should Our Primary Care Network (PCN) Invest in External Facilitation?

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are at the heart of leading and transforming neighbourhood health, but leading a PCN is no easy feat. With diverse member practices, evolving NHS priorities, and increasing patient needs, PCN leaders often find themselves navigating a maze of complex challenges.

At THC Primary Care, we’ve seen first-hand how professional facilitation can be a game-changer for PCNs. While you may think it's easier and cheaper to do it yourself, here’s why investing in expert facilitation is a smart move for network leaders.

Let's jump in!

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What Is PCN Facilitation?

PCN facilitation is a structured process led by an experienced, impartial facilitator who guides PCN teams through complex decisions, conflict resolution, and collaborative planning.

THC Primary Care’s facilitation services for PCNs are designed to bring clarity, consensus, and actionable outcomes to your network meetings and strategy sessions.

Top Benefits of Facilitation for Primary Care Networks

1. Navigate Complexity and Resolve Conflict

PCNs often bring together practices with different priorities and perspectives. We will help your team work through disagreements, build consensus, and make decisions that move your network forward.

2. Boost Collaboration and Engagement

Facilitation ensures every voice is heard, fostering genuine collaboration. We design engaging sessions that encourage different ways of approaching situations, collective problem-solving, and stronger buy-in for new initiatives.

3. Build Trust and a Shared Purpose

Trust is essential for effective PCN leadership. We will create a safe environment for open dialogue, helping your network develop a shared vision and collective energy to achieve your goals.

4. Identify and Close Quality Gaps

With an external perspective and experience of supporting over 300 PCNs in a variety of capacities ( facilitation, training, events, training and workshops, interim management and consultancy) we can help PCNs spot gaps in care quality, connect with best practices, and implement evidence-based improvements-driving better outcomes for your patients.

5. Bring Fresh Perspective and Expertise

Our team brings experience from working with hundreds of PCNs nationwide. We share proven strategies and insights, helping your network avoid common pitfalls and accelerate improvement.

6. Support Change and Manage Disruption

Change is constant in primary care. Whether you’re facing staff turnover or new contractual requirements, our facilitation services keep your team focused and resilient during transitions.

7. Why Not Just Do It Yourself?

As a PCN leader, you’re already juggling multiple roles-strategist, problem-solver, team builder. But when it comes to facilitating important conversations, it’s often difficult to do it yourself. When you’re deeply involved in the issues at hand, it can be hard to remain impartial or to manage group dynamics effectively.

Even the most experienced leaders can find it challenging to guide discussions, ensure every voice is heard, and keep the group focused on solutions-especially when emotions or conflicting priorities are in play.

That’s where professional facilitation comes in. An external facilitator brings a fresh, unbiased perspective and is skilled at guiding even the most complex conversations. This allows you, as a leader, to participate fully in the discussion, rather than worrying about managing the process.

8. Tailored Support for Your PCN

No two PCNs are the same. We tailor our facilitation approach to your unique needs-whether it’s strategic planning, leadership development, or action learning sets.

9. Is THC Primary Care Right for Your PCN?

Choosing the right facilitation partner is an important decision. At THC Primary Care, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

We work with PCNs of all sizes and stages, tailoring our support to your unique needs and challenges. Our team has supported over 300 Primary Care Networks and 3 GP Federations, and 3 ICS and our founder, Tara Humphrey, brings over 20 years of healthcare project management and leadership experience.

Still unsure? Explore our library of over 250 blogs, packed with practical insights, case studies, and tips for PCN leaders. This resource is designed to help you get to know our approach, values, and expertise so you can decide if we’re the right fit for your network.

Schedule a call to see if we are the right fit for you.

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About Us

At THC Primary Care, we’re passionate about supporting PCN leadership with expert facilitation services and have a proven track record of helping networks:

• Achieve consensus on complex issues

• Strengthen collaboration across practices

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation

We also provide training, resources, and ongoing support to build your network’s internal capacity for the future.