Your professional home
At the RCGP we support each other so we can all achieve and maintain the highest standards in patient care, sharing knowledge and experience every step of the way, throughout your clinical career and beyond.
We ensure you're fully supported and protected, providing a safe space to practice.
We come together as a professional family, listening to each other, sharing a diverse wealth of knowledge, and speaking as one powerful voice for general practice.
As you move through your working life, we’re here to help build on your achievements, grow your career and develop your leadership skills. Our free clinical courses, learning hubs, and Essential Knowledge Updates keep you updated with the latest clinical developments.
Joining the RCGP gives you the opportunity to connect with 54,000 members who have similar needs and interests. This network can provide support and advice wherever you are in your career and wherever you're located.
Be part of our strong collective voice of over 54,000 GPs to help us lobby governments, influence change and find solutions to challenges and opportunities you face in general practice. We ask our members for input to direct and drive our conversation.
GP registrars
We’re always here to support you as you progress through your GP training journey.
Early career GPs
We’ll help build your confidence as you transition into your first five years of independent practice.
Established GPs
We’ll support your ongoing professional development, opening up new opportunities and experiences beyond your first five years of independent practice.
Life after practice
We’ll provide ways to share your knowledge and experience to support the next generation.
International membership
We’ll provide ways to demonstrate your commitment to achieving the highest standards in primary care.
Already a member?
Manage your membership online by logging into your MyRCGP account. From here, you can also manage your payment plan to spread the cost of your membership fee.
Returning to general practice in the UK
If you’ve had a break from working as a general practitioner in the NHS, you will need to discuss the tailored support you may need to return to practice safely with your local Returner team before applying for jobs in general practice.
You may be returning after a career break, raising a family, or a period of working overseas.
The returner process varies a little across the four nations of the UK. Wherever you plan to return to work, we can direct you to the information you need. All applicants to returner programmes must be on the GMC’s GP Register.
These 3 steps below stipulates your starting point.
1. Restore your GMC registration
When you restore your registration, you can only restore to the type of registration you last held.
You can apply to restore your registration with or without a licence. If you want to join the specialist or GP register, you'll need to apply to do this separately.
2. Return to RCGP members' forum
RCGP members' forum hosts various sub-communities and networks within the college; such as regional groups, special interest groups and forums tailored for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or rural healthcare teams to find support and share resources.
3. Join RCGP free Associate membership
Returners are eligible for one year’s free Associate membership of the College, including free access to learning events, the online learning platform and discounts on books and courses.
Upcoming events
20 October 2026
Minor Surgery Skills | Entry Level (includes DOPS) | London
This two day beginners course is a mixture of theoretical and practical sessions and is intended for all GPs who wish to carry out Minor Surgery in their practices. It also includes the Direct Observations of Procedural Skills (DOPS) Assessment.
20 October 2026
RCGP Wales - BLS for Healthcare Professionals, October 2026
BLS for Healthcare Professionals This 2-hour CPD accredited course covers Basic Life Support and other emergencies for any healthcare professionals working in primary care.
20 October 2026
From ST to GP: Your Career Beyond Training
Preparing to complete your GP training? Join us for an evening of practical advice, career insights and networking. Hear from recently qualified GPs, explore different career pathways, and discover how the RCGP can support you beyond CCT. Enjoy complimentary food and refreshments while connecting with colleagues.
20 October 2026
Intercultural Communication Skills for GPS
A multicultural workplace is enriching but it can also bring its own communication challenges. This highly practical and thought-provoking workshop provides the opportunity to explore these challenges and to develop strategies that facilitate clearer communication. The workshop is aimed at GPs who work in culturally and linguistically diverse settings and are keen to improve communication with patients and/or colleagues. The workshop will offer support for both GPs who are English speaking and GPs who speak English as an additional language. Whether you're navigating idioms, accents or cultural cues, this workshop is designed with you in mind. If English isn't your first language, you'll find practical tools to help overcome common barriers and grow in confidence when communicating with patients and peers.
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