Practice Manager

Job Summary

We are looking for a Practice Manager to lead our team at Caldbeck Surgery – a friendly, compassionate, and well‑respected practice located on the northern edge of the Lake District National Park. The successful applicant must work collaboratively with the team and with our healthcare partners.

The role is full time with a salary range of £43,000 to £50,000, dependent on skills and experience, plus NHS pension. Previous management experience in general practice or the NHS is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided for the right candidate.

Prospective candidates are welcome to arrange an informal visit to meet team members in person and discuss the position. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12th July, with interviews on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th July.

Responsible for the caring, compassionate, efficient, and profitable running of the practice and for maintaining a happy and committed team.

Anticipate and respond to healthcare and operating environment changes to ensure the long‑term success and viability of the practice for our community.

• Practice strategy
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of the practice against strategic and operational objectives.
  • Proactively contribute to practice strategy development.
  • Identify and develop focus areas and prepare discussion papers and business cases for the partners.
  • Engage with local system partners, including the Primary Care Network (PCN) and ICB/ICS, representing the practice and primary care views.
• Business Management and Planning
  • Finance (accounts, cash flow, payroll, VAT, pensions, bank relations).
  • Staffing (recruitment, employment administration, training, appraisal, retention, pay, sickness, retirement).
  • Facilities and premises (maintenance, cleaning, infection control, security).
  • IT and related clinical systems, including EMIS and other centrally‑provided systems.
  • Information governance and data protection.
  • NHS and other contracts, including insurance and utility suppliers.
  • Health and safety, including policies and manual.
  • Practice policies, standards, and guidance.
  • Lead or support operational initiatives such as Green Practice.
  • Financial management ensuring healthy cash flow, annual forecasts, and partner reporting.
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with employment, financial, data legislation, NHS standards, contract requirements, and CQC inspection standards.
• Information Governance / Data Protection
  • Act as Data Protection Officer for the practice.
  • Implement data sharing and patient opt‑out mechanisms.
  • Audit access and use of patient data and respond to patient queries.
  • Ensure staff training in information governance and data security.
• Patient Services
  • Champion outstanding patient care and responsiveness.
  • Manage patient queries and complaints in accordance with NHS standards.
  • Review and update all practice public information (leaflet, website).
  • Lead the patient participation group and liaise with system patient groups.
  • Manage patient requests to join the practice list and oversee registration policies.
• Human Resources
  • Recruitment, employment administration, training, and staff development.
  • Staff appraisal, pay, and staffing levels within budget.
  • Retention strategies, sickness, retirement, and dismissal procedures.
  • Maintain accurate staff records and employment policies.
  • Support and mentor staff.
• Health & Safety
  • Implement and lead health, safety, and security policies, manual, and infection control.
• Premises
  • Ensure premises are fit for purpose, including maintenance, cleaning, infection control, and security.
• Equality and Diversity
  • Support and champion the equality and diversity rights of patients, carers, and staff.
• Communication and Engagement
  • Ensure effective communication within the team and with external agencies such as NHS commissioners, CQC, PCN, local trusts, and third‑sector organisations.
  • Act as an ambassador for the practice when dealing with external agencies.
• Personal / Professional Development
  • Support staff development and maintain own skills in line with role requirements.
• Quality
  • Contribute to improving quality across all practice areas.
  • Assist the Quality improvement lead and support the…