Are you looking to move into a different role, explore a portfolio career, or develop a special interest? There are a huge range of options available for GPs to work in both clinical and non-clinical roles in Devon. We are currently developing this resource and would welcome your feedback if there is anything else you would like to see included.
Careers Advice & Portfolio Working
DTH GP Career Mentoring Scheme – an opportunity to meet with an experienced GP colleague to discuss your career development. Our GP mentors include partners, locums and salaried GPs who hold a variety of portfolio roles and can offer guidance and support if you wish to develop a special interest or portfolio career. Mentoring is flexible, taking place at a time and place to suit you. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us on shs.dth.fellowshipadmin@nhs.net
Devon LMC ‘Career matchmaking service’ is for those seeking bespoke options who might otherwise leave the profession. If you are a GP looking for specific opportunities, you can complete the ‘Portfolio Form’ via their website.
GPs with Extended Roles (GPwER) – A GP with an extended role (GPwER) is a GP who undertakes a role that is beyond the scope of GP training and the MRCGP, and requires further training. (formerly GPwSI). The latest information is available from the RCGP Guide to GPs with Extended Roles – the latest GPwER guide plus development frameworks for each role. The BMJ has also published a useful guide Career Development – GPs with Extended Roles
Peer Support & Networking
Re-Connect Devon – These events are for GPs wishing to connect with colleagues and develop their non-clinical professional, leadership and management skills in primary care. Expert speakers from both local and national organisations attend to provide thought provoking content and facilitate discussions about subjects which are essential for GPs leading patient care delivery and teams in their practices. The first cohort ran from January-June 2024 delivered in collaboration with Devon ICB. We are currently planning our 2025 programme which are likely to run as quarterly daytime events for GPs. To be notified of future dates please email devon.traininghub@nhs.net
GP Small Groups – regular facilitated peer support small groups for GPs at all career stages including early career, experienced GPs and those on or returning from a short career break. The meeting room (face to face or virtual), a trained facilitator and refreshments (for face to face meetings) are provided through a partnership between Devon Training Hub and Devon ICB. If you would like to take part please contact us at devon.traininghub@nhs.net
Balint Groups offer structured reflective spaces to discuss cases with a focus on some of the unique challenges GPs experience in interactions with patients.
The RCGP describes a Balint group as “a highly developed and tested method of small-group consultation analysis that aims specifically to focus on the emotional content, not just of single consultations but of ongoing doctor–patient relationships. Many doctors who have had the experience of Balint training attest to the lifelong benefits that it can bring in terms of interest in patients’ lives, self-knowledge, job satisfaction and prevention of ‘burn out’.” (RCGP – Professional Topic Guides 2022)
There are several Balint Groups currently running in Devon. If you are interested in joining for a taster session, we can put you in touch. Please register your interest by emailing us at devon.traininghub@nhs.net
Education, Training and CPD
The Devon Training Hub Training Calender lists courses for GPs and other members of the primary care team from a range of external providers.
Devon GP bulletin is a weekly operational briefing, keeping you up-to-date with valuable news, commissioner updates and opportunities. Email D-ICB.Communications@nhs.net to be added to the mailing list.
Problem Based Small Group Learning is a flexible case-based learning programme for GPs. Several PBSGL groups are up and running in Devon. The Devon PBSGL Scheme can fund PBSGL licences for GPs for the first year. If you are a GP who is interested in joining a group or setting one up in your practice/PCN please email us at devon.traininghub@nhs.net
Evening and Daytime events (Nuffield Health etc). Various external healthcare organisations run regular in-person and virtual education evenings and full day events with GPs in Exeter, Plymouth, North Devon & Torbay. If you are interested in joining the mailing list, please contact us at devon.traininghub@nhs.netand we will put you in touch.
NHS Leadership Academy – online learning hub on a range of topics including team dynamics, motivation and systems leadership, plus access to regional/national leadership development programmes.
South West Primary Care Academy run monthly online events on a range of topics relevant to primary care
- Useful Links
- NHS England run online events on a wide range of topics related to health and care development and leadership
- Health Innovation South West (formerly SWAHSN) run programmes to test and spread innovation in health and care in the South West
Portfolio Career Options
We have compiled a list of potential roles with some useful links – this is not exhaustive! Further information can be found in the DTH GP Portfolio Career Pathways. If you would like more information on how to get started we can put you in touch with one of our GP Portfolio Career Mentors for further advice and guidance.
Teaching & Educator Roles – University of Exeter & University of Plymouth periodically invite applications for roles including Small Group Facilitator, Clinical Skills Tutor, SSU (Special Study Unit) Tutors, OCSE Examiners and more. Check the Devon LMC Jobs Board or arrange a conversation with one of our GP Career Mentors to explore local teaching opportunities.
Educational/Clinical Supervisor – GPs who wish to become Educational Supervisors/Clinical Supervisors and supervise trainee GPs or other healthcare roles in primary care now undertake the new Multiprofessional Supervisor Course, currently delivered by the SW Primary Care Academy. The course content varies according to the role you intend to supervise – GPs, First Contact Practitioners, or Advanced Practitioners. For more information and to register your interest in upcoming courses please see the SWPCA website.
Designated Prescribing Practitioner – A Designated Prescribing Professional (DPP) is a healthcare professional with legal independent prescribing rights who supervises a health care professional during their independent prescribing (IP) course and provides ‘sign-off’ on their competency to prescribe. The role of DPP can be performed by any independent prescriber including doctors, nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). Demand for DPPs is growing as all pharmacists will undergo Independent Prescriber training prior to qualification.
PCN Roles (e.g. Clinical Director, Education Lead, Population Health/Health Inequalities, Digital & IT) – PCNs in Devon work together in different ways. As well as Clinical Directors, GPs are increasingly working across a PCN footprint to lead population health projects, or coordinate education and supervision for the wider clinical team. We can put you in touch with GPs working in these roles to find out more about what’s involved.
OOH, Urgent Care, 111 Devon’s OOH provider is Practice Plus Group. Several Urgent Care/Treatment Centres in Devon employ GPs and are run by SWAST or acute trusts.
Primary Care Research – As well as formal academic pathways, there are many opportunities to develop research activity in your practice /PCN.
Mentoring & Coaching – Devon GP Mentors use additional training and qualifications in coaching and mentoring to support GPs at all career stages with personal and professional development, careers and work-life balance.
