14 May
5 Steps to identifying a high-performing GP Surgery when looking for a new role
In today’s competitive primary care landscape, it can be a challenge to identify a high-performing practice that will support and benefit your career for the long-term. Whether you’re a Practice Nurse, ANP, Pharmacist, Practice Manager, or other allied health professional, choosing the right surgery can be the difference between professional growth and daily burnout.
Questions is – how can you identify a well-run practice before you’ve even stepped foot in the door?
Here are key points to look for:
1. Strong Senior Leadership and Clear Vision
Look for practices with a clear clinical and well-functioning leadership structure. High-performing surgeries usually have:
- A lead GP or partnership with a defined vision for the practice
- Transparent decision-making processes
- Collaboration across clinical and non-clinical staff.
2. Good CQC score and QOF rating
A “Good” or “Outstanding” CQC rating is a strong starting point, however the report’s content will matter more than the rating alone. Look at:
- Patient safety protocols
- Staff wellbeing and support mechanisms
- Responsiveness to patient and staff feedback
3. Team Stability and Culture
A stable team, with good staff retention usually means high morale. Warning signs of instability will include frequent job postings for the same role or vague answers about turnover.
Ask:
- How long key staff have been with the practice
- What their induction and mentorship processes look like
- How the team supports each other on tough days
You can also check the staff reviews on sites like NHS Jobs or Glassdoor.
4. Protected Time for Learning and Development
High-performing surgeries prioritize CPD and career growth. Ask if the practice provides:
- Protected time for learning
- Funding or support for further training
These are strong indicators of a practice that invests in its people.
5. Workload Management and Support Systems
No one thrives in chaos. Good surgeries will adopt:
- Realistic appointment times
- Structured admin support
- Triage and distribute tasks appropriately
Ask what a typical day looks like — who handles test results, letters, and prescription requests?
Final Thoughts
When job hunting in primary care, it’s easy to focus on salary, location, or shift patterns. But culture, leadership, and operational efficiency often have a bigger impact on your day-to-day experience.
Look for practices that will balance QOF and IIF targets with compassionate, patient-centered care and don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions during interviews — you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you!
Contact our team here, for a chat about roles in your area.
