GP Support
We offer a range of tailored support packages designed to assist GPs working in practice, as well as practices seeking effective ways to support their GPs.
Newly Qualified GPs
If you are newly qualified or transitioning into General Practice, we offer a well-established New to Practice programme, complemented by early career support through coaching and mentoring to help you confidently integrate into your role.
Mid Career
Considering your next career move but unsure where to start? We offer career coaching conversations to help you explore portfolio opportunities and identify pathways for professional growth including becoming a GP Partner. You may also be interested in our leadership development programme, designed to support career progression. Alternatively, you could train as a GP mentor—gain a mentoring qualification and support fellow GPs across practices.
Supporting Your Career Journey
As a valued member of your Practice and the wider GP community, we are committed to supporting you—whether you’re planning your next steps, thinking of retiring or seeking a more flexible way to continue working.
We offer a range of services to help you navigate your career with confidence:
- Career Coaching – Personalised conversations to help you explore your options and plan your next move.
- Portfolio Role Guidance – Discover opportunities to diversify your career and develop new skills.
- Pension Advice – Get expert support to understand your options and plan for the future.
- Locum Opportunities – Find flexible roles that suit your lifestyle and professional goals.
The National GP Retention Scheme is a package of financial and educational support to help GP’s who might otherwise leave the profession, to remain working in general practice. It is available for those with caring responsibilities, those approaching retirement or those requiring greater flexibility. For further guidance on the scheme is available here.
The Local GP Retention Scheme, supported by the Peninsula Deanery, is designed to help retain experienced GPs within the workforce by offering flexible working options and tailored support.
The Training Hub is available to provide expert advice and guidance, and can assist in matching you with potential practices that align with your preferences and career goals.
📧 For further information, please contact:
kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
Funded by NHS GP retention funding we are offering new parents support to help manage the transition from maternity/paternity leave to returning to work and ensure you remain updated professionally. This is also available for GP’s who may be adopting or fostering.
Maternity Coaching
To help you to transition from maternity leave, we offer a Maternity Coaching programme. This consists of 5 group sessions to help you plan your future career for you and your family, combining group coaching (with your baby!) and online course content for you to work through in your own time to support you on topics such as:
- Identity changes
- Building your confidence
- Your home life during and after maternity
- Your long term career
- Returning to work
You can take part in these sessions at any stage of your maternity. You will also have the option of an additional 121 coaching session on your return to work.
Please visit our courses page for details of the next available session.
Paternity Coaching
If you are a new Dad, we offer a fully funded 121 coaching session, (the Accelerator Power Hour), to help you adjust to your role as a Dad and juggle your work and family life. We recognise that being a new Dad can be tough, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and pulled between family and work. These sessions offer an opportunity to decompress, share your concerns and come away with 3 personalised actions to make life easier.
These sessions are delivered by Ian Dinwiddy of Inspiring Dads. They provide
- One hour, 1 to 1 coaching session via Zoom
- Help you identify your challenges with a pre-call short questionnaire
- Identify 3 personalised actions to effectively balance work and family life
- An opportunity to keep your recording to listen to again in
These sessions are arranged on an individual basis to suit your requirements. To book a session please email kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
Accessing GP mentoring
If you are working as a GP and would like some Mentoring from a local Qualified GP, you don’t have to be on the New to Practice programme to access this. For further information and to access GP Mentoring please visit our Coaching and Mentoring webpage.
Becoming a GP mentor
If you would like to become a qualified GP mentor, we can offer you an accredited qualification and match you with mentees who would like support. Please email kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net to register your interest.
NHS Futures offers a comprehensive range of resources to support GPs at every stage of their career—from newly qualified doctors to those approaching retirement. The platform includes valuable guidance, tools, and contacts to help you plan and progress your career with confidence.
To access these resources, you’ll need to create an account on the NHS Futures platform.
For further support, contact: kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
GPs can access a wide range of training opportunities through the Primary Care Education Programme, designed to support continuous professional development across key areas of practice. Courses include:
- Women’s Health
- Diabetes Management
- Small Group Facilitation
- Personalised Care
- People Management Skills
In addition, we host an annual Red Whale Update every May, which is subsidised by the Training Hub, offering high-quality clinical education in a cost-effective format.
Are you a new GP Partner, or considering becoming one?
In addition to the coaching and mentoring support and leadership programme we have developed a training needs analysis to help you identify where your training needs might be.
For further information, please contact kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
Explore Your Career Options
We offer confidential, one-to-one career conversations with a member of the Training Hub team to help you explore your next steps. These informal discussions are tailored to your individual needs and can help identify opportunities that align with your interests and goals.
To arrange a conversation, please contact: kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
Career Pathways You Might Consider
Teaching Medical Students
Share your expertise and help shape the next generation of doctors. Opportunities may be available locally through the VTS or Exeter Medical School, in both small group and one-to-one settings.
GP Appraiser
Interested in becoming a GP Appraiser? Speak with your current appraiser or contact your local appraisal lead for more information about this rewarding role.
GP Mentor
Train to become a GP Mentor through the Supporting Mentors Scheme and support newly qualified GPs. Learn more about our Coaching and Mentoring offer here.
To register your interest of becoming a GP Mentor please email: kernowhealthcic.workforce@nhs.net
Further Development Opportunities
NHS Leadership Academy
Explore a wide range of leadership and development programmes tailored to healthcare professionals.
Visit the NHS Leadership Academy website
British Medical Association (BMA)
The BMA offers a variety of career development and leadership courses to support your professional growth.