Definition of a GP
Published 19 October 2023:
A GP is a doctor who is a consultant in general practice. GPs have distinct expertise and experience in providing whole person medical care whilst managing the complexity, uncertainty and risk associated with the continuous care they provide. GPs work at the heart of their communities, striving to provide comprehensive and equitable care for everyone, taking into account their health care needs, stage of life and background. GPs work in, connect with and lead multidisciplinary teams that care for people and their families, respecting the context in which they live, aiming to ensure all of their physical and mental health needs are met.
GPs and their patients
Through confidential trusted partnerships with their patients (characterised by empathy and mutual trust, without bias or judgement), GPs provide evidence informed personalised care in the community in an accessible way. Whether remotely or in person, they lead, support, and embrace innovation in medicine and technology, whilst working as an advocate for their patients and the population, to optimise the care they provide.
Outside the practice
As consultants in general practice, GPs can contribute to healthcare in many other ways beyond the GP surgery. They may work in local, regional, and national medical leadership and commissioning roles, undertake research and provide education, work in extended clinical roles or provide 24-hour, 365-day care within organisations who cover patient care outside standard GP opening hours.
Our people
Find out who our council members, trustees and leadership team are.
Governance and constitution
Find out how RCGP is governed.
Communities
Governing the way we work and engage with our members, GPs and healthcare professionals.
RCGP awards
RCGP awards recognise contributions made by people working in general practice. This section provides information about the awards available across the UK.
Work at RCGP
Working at RCGP provides the opportunity to do a worthwhile job with great career progression. Find out what roles are currently on offer here.
Museum and heritage
Discover our history, constitution, archive collections and museum collection.
RCGP patient groups
The College has one college-wide patient group and a virtual network in each of the devolved nations that share similar aims, values, and goals.
Our mission and values
Our mission is to encourage, foster and maintain the highest possible standards of patient care in general practice, across the UK and worldwide.
We do this by working with our members: to define the skills that GPs need; to provide them with education and support to deliver quality patient care; to shape the future of general practice; and to be the voice of the profession.
Our values describe the principles that guide us as we work to achieve our mission. We strive to demonstrate:
- Compassion – for our patients, the populations we serve, our members, our colleagues and ourselves.
- Inclusivity – we value diversity as part of our communities and treat each individual with equal respect.
- Sustainability – we look to the future and care about the long-term wellbeing of our members and colleagues, our profession, our patients and the world around us.
- Accountability – we take responsibility for the results of our actions and continuously strive to be the best that we can be.
- Integrity – we are honest, open-minded, ethical, evidence-based and fair.
Annual report and accounts
- Annual report and audited accounts 2023-2024 (PDF file, 1 MB)
- Annual report and audited accounts 2022-2023 (PDF file, 1 MB)
- Annual report and audited accounts 2021-2022 (PDF file, 775 KB)
- Annual report and audited accounts 2020-2021 (PDF file, 973 KB)
- Annual report and audited accounts 2019-2020 (PDF file, 675 KB)
- Our audited accounts 2018-2019 (PDF file, 835 KB)
Gender pay gap report
Thank you for your feedback. Your response will help improve this page.