Our Strategic Plan 2026-2029

General practice is the foundation of the NHS, providing first-contact, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care for millions of patients every day. However, the world around is changing rapidly. Rising demand, increasing complexity, workforce pressures, digital and technological advances, and changing patient expectations are reshaping not just how care is delivered, but also the role of the GP. 

As the Royal College of General Practitioners approaches its 75th anniversary, our Strategic Plan 2026-2029 sets out how we will support GPs, strengthen general practice, and improve patient care over the next three years. It outlines our priorities and the actions we will take to help general practice thrive in a changing healthcare landscape. 

Our strategic priorities

• Championing the role of GPs and ensuring general practice remains central to the future of healthcare.
• Supporting professionally rewarding and sustainable GP careers at every stage.
• Promoting fair, sustainable and prevention-focused healthcare.
• Helping shape digitally enabled and AI-supported general practice that improves patient care and reduces unnecessary workload.
• Building a modern, resilient, and inclusive organisation.
• Growing and supporting a diverse, engaged membership community.

Our areas of focus

Our work is organised around four key areas:

• Strengthen our Membership: supporting, connecting, and growing our membership community.
• Shape the Future: influencing policy and championing the value of general practice.
• Develop the Profession: advancing education, leadership, standards, and lifelong learning.
• Transform our Organisation: building a modern, inclusive, and resilient College that delivers greater impact.

Developed through extensive engagement with members, clinicians, patients, staff and partners across health and care, our Strategic Plan 2026-2029 represents a unique opportunity to position the College to shape a healthier, stronger, and more sustainable future for general practice and the patients and communities we serve.

Download the full Strategic Plan 2026-2029