New generation of general practice leaders graduate in Cornwall

A new cohort of learners from Cornwall’s HSJ award winning Foundations in Practice Management Programme have just graduated, helping to build the future leadership of general practice across the county.

Delivered by Kernow Health’s Cornwall Training Hub, the 18-month ILM accredited and endorsed programme includes a Level 5 leadership qualification together with an overview of all key areas of management, including Estates, people management, finance, governance and compliance, and managing patients.  Our programme is unique, combining the bespoke operational management of General Practice with more traditional leadership development. It builds on the success of our first cohort who have all had promotions or been given additional responsibility since completing the programme.  Two are now Practice Managers.

The programme is suitable for those already working in General Practice who are aspiring to be in a management role or are new to management and need additional support.  This cohort included Operational Managers, Team leads, and one has already been promoted to Deputy Practice Manager.  We are currently delivering training for Cohort 3, and will be offering a 4^th cohort in September 2026. Over the last two years we have successfully created a pool of future managers, to help sustain the future of General Practice management.

Graduates described the experience as “life changing”, highlighting increased confidence, empowerment and a clearer sense of how their roles will contribute to improved patient care and practice performance. The programme is also playing an important role in succession planning. In one example, a long-serving practice manager was able to step back and plan for retirement with confidence, having supported their trainee through the programme and seen them develop into a capable successor. The programme is delivered within practices across Cornwall, offering insight into different ways of working.