Now that the majority of practices across the country have enjoyed the pleasure of a CQC inspection, there’s a wealth of information available highlighting best practice (excuse the pun!). Inspection reports provide great examples of some excellent work. As you’ll be well aware by now, one of the key lines of enquiry is all about…

Better health, poorer finances and the removal of the compulsory retirement age means that our working population is getting older. A recent government report “Future of an Ageing Population” predicts that by 2040 in the UK, “nearly one in seven people is projected to be aged over 75”. Here are our 3 tips for managing…

If an employee makes a request for flexible working here are the 5 things that you need to know: (1) Who can make the request? Once they have worked continuously for the same employer for the last

Every workplace strives to have motivated employees because engaged employees will have a significant effect on the success of your practice. However, motivating employees can be really difficult to achieve so we’ve collated some of the best ideas to help you: (1) Communication Employees need to feel appreciated and to be part of the overall…

By Robert Campbell The most essential resource The most essential resource for a GP practice, apart from its clinicians, is its staff. The staff budget can account for over one third of the cost of running a medical practice. Before 2004 the value of a staff budget was relatively clear, as 70% was reimbursed by…

Suspecting an employee might have a potential alcohol or substance problem creates a difficult situation and one where you need to balance the needs of individual employees against the legal obligations of an employer, so here are our recommendations: (1) Have a policy in place You need to be clear about how you will handle…

Did you know there is a guide to attending work parties when you are a practice manager? Did you? No, neither did I. However, I have learnt these rules over the last few years, at a cost to myself obviously. The rules go something like this. You can never ever say NO to an event. …