RCGP leadership programmes
There are many opportunities for GPs to develop leadership capabilities, in vocational training, through formal programmes and in day-to-day practice.
UK-wide
Shaping the Future
The Shaping the Future programme prepares you for your career by influencing and shaping your knowledge beliefs and attitudes to your own leadership skills and that of others.
Available exclusively to members, the programme includes eLearning resources developed centrally by the College and local provision for learning and leadership skills development with peers and experienced leaders. The programme provides facilitated sessions that will:
- develop a network of like-minded peers
- create a community of practice
- explore different topics in more depth to gain a deeper understanding
- provide opportunities to present work/projects
- provide development opportunities.
Action learning sets will give participants an opportunity to meet with the group to discuss the learning from online learning. Facilitated group sessions will use shared experiences to develop insight into how we get the best from ourselves, nurture effective teams and achieve progress on tasks. For more information please contact shapingthefuture@rcgp.org.uk.
Wales
RCGP Wales Leadership Programme
The RCGP Wales Leadership Programme produces GP leaders with clear vision and purpose, able to voice opinions and influence policy. They are well placed to work with integrated health organisations which are endeavouring to shift the point of care towards community led services. RCGP Wales has been conducting the very successful Leadership Programme since 2011.
The programme philosophy creates an environment for participants to learn through experiences in a generative learning community which allows them space for experimentation and reflexive action. They have the capacity to access integrated development methods, a focus on practical applications and to utilise individual, self-management and self-directed learning in a leadership context.
To find out more information, please contact kate.nash@rcgp.org.uk.
Resilient Practice
Are you navigating the pressures of General Practice and looking for practical, evidence-based strategies to protect your wellbeing?
Would you benefit from a structured, supportive peer network to help you sustain your career and passion for medicine?
Join our Resilient Practice Peer Support Programme, designed to equip GPs with the skills and support they need to maintain resilience, reduce stress, and thrive in their professional lives.
Programme Structure:
1-Day online workshop on Wednesday 24 September 09:30 – 15:30
Explore essential tools to protect your wellbeing and build resilience in clinical practice. This interactive, practical session will cover:
- How self-awareness can help you manage stressors more effectively
- Strategies to reduce the emotional impact of consulting and protect your energy
- How to integrate self-care into your clinical day without adding extra workload
Resources: Delegates will receive a comprehensive textbook, worksheets, and audio materials to reinforce learning and support ongoing practice.
Fortnightly Virtual Peer Support Sessions for 3 months – dates and times to be agreed at the starter workshop.
- A safe and structured space to share experiences and problem-solve with peers
- Action Learning Set format – bring real challenges, gain fresh perspectives, and explore practical solutions
- Expert-facilitated sessions designed to promote sustainable change and professional wellbeing
This programme is designed for busy GPs—providing valuable tools in a time-efficient and highly relevant format.
Spaces are limited - register to secure your place by Sunday 1 June 2025.
Registration for Resilient Practice
Starting your leadership journey
As a GP you will be seen as a leader in many different situations. As you begin your career you might like to explore the options of how to become a leader within your own practice or wider health systems. This section offers opportunities to find out about how to become a leader.
Preparing yourself for leadership
Consider the following things as part of your leadership journey:
- self-awareness
- building self-belief
- understanding and developing your strengths
- developing a set of skills
- time management
- personal qualities and behaviours to influence outcomes
An Overview of GP Leadership - OLE module 1 - helps you to understand what leadership is, how it compares with management, and how you can understand yourself as a leader.
Dr Khaled Zeidan, Co-Chair of the GP registrars talks about the importance of learning leadership skills at the start of a GP career.
GP Registrars
Leadership skills are an essential component to the everyday work of a GP. The RCGP curriculum is the first point of reference for GP Registrars in leadership and management and we would advise that you consult your educational supervisor about the most appropriate resources for your needs.
The Leadership Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) gives all trainees the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing leadership skills in primary care.
Our mentoring platform connects you with GPs who support one another in their personal and career development, locally and further afield, who can share a wealth of experience and knowledge. Connect with colleagues with leadership experience and skills on our mentoring platform.
Join our leadership forum to participate in open discussion to share ideas and network with members.
Leadership in practice and locally
Explore how you can gain leadership experience and seek career opportunities within your work setting and beyond.
An Overview of GP Leadership - OLE module 2 - explores leadership within the context of organisations and teams.
Health inequalities and leadership
If you are interested in health inequalities, you can do an introductory module which is relevant to all practitioners in the United Kingdom. There is a second module on leadership where we examine a number of approaches to tackling health inequalities at various levels of influence and with a focus on practical actions to make a difference. I think it goes in leadership in practice or locally section.
Dr Jonathan Griffiths, a GP in Cheshire and Merseyside discusses his various leadership roles including being a partner, trainer and representing his region on the RCGP Council.
NHS systems leadership
As you gain experience, your role as a GP can lead to many great opportunities to use your leadership skills. These podcasts aim to inspire you by showcasing the variety of leadership roles available to GPs.
An Overview of GP Leadership - OLE module 3 - explains leadership roles in wider health networks and systems.
Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown is interviewed by her daughter and shares insights about why she became a GP leader.
Connecting and networking for support
Our mentoring platform connects you with GPs who support one another in their personal and career development, locally and further afield, who can share a wealth of experience and knowledge. Connect with colleagues with leadership experience and skills on our mentoring platform.
Join our leadership forum to participate in open discussion to share ideas and network with members.
Faculties
Your local faculty runs a variety of events to help you connect with peers in your community.
Overcoming the barriers to leadership
The power of diversity in leadership
Dr Margaret Ikpoh, RCGP Vice Chair for Professional Development and Standards shares her experiences and lessons learned about leadership.
View 'The power of diversity in leadership' on YouTube
Overcoming barriers in leadership
Dr Sonali Kindra discusses her journey from an international medical graduate and how she became a leader locally and regionally.
View 'Overcoming barriers in leadership' on YouTube
Leadership pathway podcasts
Amar Rughani and Joanna Bircher interview a range of colleagues about their leadership journeys. Amar and Joanna are GPs who have written about the art of leadership in ‘The Leadership Hike: Shaping Primary Care Together’ (CRC Press, 2020).
A playlist of podcasts with full background on the interviewees is available on the Leadership Pathway page on the eLearning site. There are also three online learning modules to support your leadership journey.
Capabilities framework
We’ve created a Capabilities Framework to help GPs develop their leadership skills. It outlines the capabilities needed for leadership in different GP contexts. There are several GP leadership contexts, but we've focused on the most common. Email us: professionalstandards@rcgp.org.uk
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