What Proposed Regulations Mean for Practice Managers

The landscape of NHS management is on the brink of significant transformation, with the UK government proposing new regulations that could redefine the responsibilities and accountability of practice managers. These changes aim to align managerial standards with those of medical and nursing professionals, creating a more accountable and transparent healthcare system.

Key Regulatory Proposals

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a public consultation on measures to increase the accountability of NHS managers and leaders. Key aspects of the proposals include:

• Professional Standards: NHS England is developing clear standards, including a code of practice and core competencies for managers.
• Barring List: Individuals deemed unfit to practice due to misconduct could be added to a formal barred list.
• Professional Register: A regulatory body may manage a voluntary or compulsory register, with potential revalidation processes.
• Duty of Candour: Managers could face a professional duty of candour, requiring legal accountability for addressing patient safety concerns.

The consultation, open until February 18, 2025, will shape the final policy, potentially extending regulation to GP practice managers, PCN managers, and clinical directors.

Implications for Practice Managers

These proposed changes present both challenges and opportunities for healthcare managers. Increased accountability, professional standards, and compliance requirements will necessitate robust systems to ensure adherence.

1. Ensuring Compliance and Accountability

The emphasis on compliance and accountability aligns with advanced reporting and auditing features available in workforce management systems. With daily updates from the General Medical Council (GMC) database, managers can:

• Monitor staff compliance with professional standards.
• Track mandatory training and revalidation requirements.
• Document staff qualifications, including the recently added ability to record registration numbers for Physician Associates, who will soon be regulated by the GMC.

2. Supporting Professional Development

As NHS England focuses on developing professional standards, comprehensive HR modules provide tools to:

• Track and manage employee skills and qualifications.
• Document ongoing professional development activities.
• Ensure alignment with the evolving standards for NHS managers.

3. Promoting Patient Safety

The proposed duty of candour highlights the importance of transparent communication within healthcare teams. Communication tools can facilitate:

• Clear documentation of workforce decisions.
• Transparent communication channels for addressing patient safety concerns.
• Real-time updates to ensure proper staffing levels.

4. Tailored Solutions for Primary Care

The unique nature of primary care management roles, as emphasised by the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM), underscores the need for flexible solutions. Scalable and customisable tools ensure that practice and PCN managers can:

• Adapt workforce management to the specific needs of their settings.
• Implement bespoke rota planning and compliance tracking.
• Manage diverse teams across multiple locations efficiently.

Supporting Managers Through Change

The proposed regulations highlight the evolving responsibilities for healthcare managers. To stay ahead, practice and PCN managers need tools that provide:

• Compliance Tracking: Maintain adherence to new professional standards and revalidation requirements.
• Accountability Tools: Support meeting the proposed duty of candour with robust auditing features.
• Managerial Support: Access to training and development resources to align with NHS England’s commitment to developing managerial skills.
• Scalable Solutions: Adaptability for both primary care settings and larger NHS organisations.

Preparing for Change

With the consultation closing in early 2025, now is the time for practice and PCN managers to prepare for potential changes. Comprehensive workforce management solutions provide the tools and support needed to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape effectively.

Stay ahead of the curve with advanced features that ensure compliance, promote accountability, and support professional development. Learn more about how workforce management solutions can help your organisation thrive in this new era of NHS management.