GP
Supporting, developing and retaining the primary care workforce across South East London
The GP Retention Scheme
Supporting, developing and retaining the primary care workforce across South East London
The National GP Retention Scheme is a package of financial and educational support to help doctors, who might otherwise leave the profession, remain in clinical general practice.
With a change in the GP Contract in 2024, you can do additional GP Sessions/ Locum Sessions on top of your contracted GP Retainer sessions. These sessions are out of the scheme and do not attract any of additional benefits of the NRS e.g. educational support or practice reimbursement monies.
For general enquires about the scheme in London contact; england.gpretainerscheme.london@nhs.net.
Dr Nadeem Ahmed is the Pan London GP retention Scheme Lead; nadeem.ahmed23@nhs.net
Discover more at www.england.nhs.uk
Coaching and Mentoring
The mentoring scheme is a coaching and mentoring service for our primary care colleagues across South East London. The scheme is for all practice managers and clinicians working in primary care from newly qualified colleagues to those more experienced and throughout their primary care career. Those eligible include: practice managers, pharmacists, nurses, PAs, ACPs, physiotherapists, paramedics, GPs and GP trainees on VTS. We offer a bespoke matching service. Our mentors are experienced colleagues working in SEL primary care, with mentoring qualifications who would like to support their primary care colleagues. If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the service or being mentored, please read the information below and submit an application form.
First 5 Scheme
The First 5 scheme – a dedicated network for GPs within their first five years post certificate of completion of training (CCT).
This group is a cross-borough support network for GPs who are within their first five years CCT. We aim to offer a blend of peer-led sessions, tailored teaching, mentorship, and development and networking opportunities, all informed by what you tell us you need.
The programme is hosted by SELWDH and supported by borough-level Training Hubs, SELWDH, and experienced mentors.
What Do We Offer?
- Mentoring and Coaching: 12-month pairing with experienced GP mentors.
- Welcome & Orientation: A digital handbook, buddy system, and borough specific resource guides.
- Peer Support: WhatsApp group, quarterly learning sets, and CPD forums.
- Career Development Tracks:
- Leadership & QI
- Education & Training
- Clinical Specialisation
- Academic & Research
- Portfolio & Progression Toolkit: Using FourteenFish or Clarity to track development.
- Workshops on: Partnership, pensions, finance, wellbeing, and becoming a GP trainer or academic plus more!
- Fellowship Support: Signposting to Darzi, NHSE New to Practice, and other national leadership schemes.
The early years post-CCT can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many new GPs report feeling isolated, unsure of next steps, or unsure how to balance clinical work with career development. This group exists to change that, by creating a community that is collaborative, structured, and focused on your long-term success in general practice.
PCN Leaders Conference
The PCN Leaders Conference is an annual event dedicated to supporting and strengthening Primary Care Network (PCN) leadership across South East London. It brings together Clinical Directors, GP leaders, practice managers and wider PCN teams to share experiences, explore solutions to system-wide challenges, and build a connected leadership community.
The conference is designed around the realities of leading in primary care – balancing clinical delivery with workforce pressures, finance, governance and strategic change. Each year, it provides space for leaders to step back from day-to-day pressures, gain practical insight, and connect with colleagues facing similar challenges.
The conference features keynote speakers, practical workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, providing delegates with the opportunity to hear from system leaders, share learning with peers and explore innovative approaches to the challenges facing primary care.
Join Us in October 2026
The next PCN Leaders Conference will take place on Thursday 1st October 2026 at Southwark Cathedral.
Whether you’re an experienced PCN leader or new to your role, the conference offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across South East London, gain practical insights and take away ideas to support your network and local communities.