We all know that historically practice managers have failed to be recognised for the incredible job they do. Two years ago today four practice managers decided enough was enough and came together to form the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM).

One of the main objectives of The IGPM has been to create a formal accreditation scheme which recognises the incredible job you do. Following extensive research, development and testing the coveted scheme was launched in June 2022.

The IGPM were delighted with the success of the first formal round of applications, which attracted 38 primary care managers to apply for professional recognition. Their completed applications were sent to assessment panels, followed by external verification in September and they are now formally accredited Members of the Institute of Practice Management (MIGPM).

The next round of the scheme is now open until the end of December and the IGPM would love to see lots of practice managers apply.

Two of the new MIGPM professionals have shared their experience of accreditation, how they found the process, and what it means for them as managers.

Mike Neville, BSc(Hons) LON, MILM, MIGPM

“I’m the North-West England regional representative for the IGPM. I’ve been in practice management for around ten years in substantive, permanent posts.

“My IGPM accreditation was confirmed by email on 31^st May 2022 at 8.34am!

“I’ve been in and around general practice for most of my life, being the third generation of my family to be involved in the family practice. However, I’m the odd one out in the family as I haven’t gone into medicine myself, largely because the strategy and operations involved in practice management have always fascinated me. I’m fortunate that I’ve always felt valued in the roles I’ve undertaken across the three contracts I’m currently responsible for; however, like many, I’ve felt an underlying niggle that the same recognition we experience in the practice environment doesn’t necessarily exist outside the practice.

“When I first heard about the IGPM, I leapt at the chance to become involved in an organisation (and movement!) that clearly has the drive, passion and sense of purpose that matches my own for our profession.

“Through being a regional representative, I was aware that Robyn and her team were leading in the development of a framework for an accreditation pathway and finally putting in place a process to recognise practice management as a profession.

“The process of accreditation itself, in my view, is fairly straightforward. Even though looking at the document can be a little daunting at first, the bullet points given in each section form the basis of the evidence required. I found it quite cathartic to go through each section and realise just how much I’d done in my career, but I also became aware of areas I might need to brush up on, or areas that the management team might need to focus on.

“I don’t think I’ve ever shouted “Yessss!” out loud and clenched my fist in elation when reading an email before, but I did on receiving that email confirming I’d gained accreditation! I’m extremely proud of being a professional working in practice management, and that there is now formal recognition for the vital role we perform for our practice, for our staff and patients, and for the partnership. Also, equally important, is that the accreditation is meaningful for ourselves on a personal level.

“The accreditation framework itself is a great way of focusing on your personal development, as well as the development of the team around you. It also demonstrates to the partners, GPs and non-practice managers all the things you do for the practice.

“I’d recommend that every person working in a practice management role looks to the accreditation process, not only for their personal development, but because completing the application is a reflective process that outlines all you have achieved so far, as well as the things you can still achieve in the future.”

Amy Elliott, BA (Hons) MIPGM

“I’m the joint East of England IGPM rep and I’ve been a practice manager for nearly five years. My practice is based in Hertfordshire, and we serve 22,500 patients over two sites. I was recently accredited as a full member of the IGPM, following the successful completion of the accreditation application.

“On looking at the application form, I initially thought – when am I going to get the time to do this?! However, don’t be put off; it only took a couple of evenings to complete it. I found it was useful to go back to the form, having had a bit of time away from it, as this gave me time to think about the various criteria and my past and present roles and experience, and how we find we have actually done (and do!) an awful lot to fulfil and meet these criteria.

“I stuck to a bullet-point format and tried to include at least one point for each element. I didn’t add any additional documents as evidence, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you may need to have certificates to hand, in case they’re requested by the panel.

“I was absolutely over the moon to receive notification that I’d been successful and achieved accreditation. I’d convinced myself that I hadn’t done enough – that I hadn’t provided enough evidence as I’m usually quite concise and don’t like to waffle! So, I was delighted to become accredited. I already felt proud to be an IGPM rep and to be part of an organisation at the early stages of its development; I now feel even prouder to be recognised as an accredited member.

“It feels great to have our profession recognised; we all know what we do on a daily basis, but to have it formalised in a professional body is a really good feeling. My advice would be to go for it; if nothing else, noting down your achievements is very self-assuring. I constantly feel I’m not doing enough, so it’s a great idea to note down your achievements and see them in black and white! It will also help you to build and update your CV, and to notice any gaps in your development that you hadn’t previously considered.”