New to GP partnership scheme

In early 2020, the BMA GP committee and NHS England jointly agreed a new recruitment scheme initiative to increase the number of partners in general practice. The new to partnership scheme was subsequently launched in July 2020.

The funding for this scheme ceased on 31 March 2023, as the Government opted not to continue investing in the scheme.

About the scheme

The scheme provided up to £20,000 as an incentive payment for new partners. In return, the partner agreed to provide a minimum number of clinical sessions per week for five years.

The minimum requirement was two sessions per week, with the funding increasing on a sliding scale. Additional funding was provided as a contribution toward the employer costs for this payment.

In addition, in the first year the new partner could access funding for business training to maximise their effectiveness in running a business.

You can read more about the scheme on the NHS England website.

Eligibility

Practicing clinicians from the following professions were eligible:

• general practitioner
• nurse (including ANP)
• pharmacist
• pharmacy technician
• physiotherapist
• paramedic
• midwife
• dietitian
• podiatrist
• occupational therapist
• mental health practitioner.

The basic eligibility criteria was:

• eligible to become a partner in general practice as set out at s86(2) of the NHS Act 2006
• registered with a professional body and delivering clinical care to patients through a GMS, PMS or AMPS contract
• must have a legally-liable, equity-share partnership agreement in place (after 1 April 2020)
• not been a GP partner in England before
• prepared to deliver at least two clinical sessions per week as a partner, for at least five years
• cannot be employed on a salaried basis within the same practice.