Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Academy

Development Programmes

There are a number of development programmes offered though the Academy some of which are funded through Health, Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), others have been endorsed and funded internally within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.  Application deadlines vary you can keep up to date by viewing this page or contacting us at  BCU.Academy@wales.nhs.uk for further information.

All Wales General Practice Nurse (GPN) Foundation Programme

General Practice Nurse Foundation is a HEIW programme first launched in 2022. It provides a standardised curriculum with a blend of national and local learning alongside work-based learning and skills development.

Participating GP practices support the release of the GPN Trainee to attend a range of educational and clinical training sessions facilited by the Academy. The practice will assign a nurse supervisor who will provide clinical supervision, support and assessment of essential competencies.

All Practices are eligible to apply for the GPN Foundation Programme.

Intake start date is in July.

The benefits of this programme for nurses are:

  • An employment contract whilst undergoing formal training over a 9 to12 month period
  • A fully funded education package that is current, evidence based and aligns with the all Wales GPN competency framework
  • Protected time for skills development and learning
  • Access to an educational supervisor
  • Focused career development leading to more rewarding clinical practice and new career opportunities
  • A peer support network of nursing colleagues and networking opportunities

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The benefits of this programme for GP practices are:

  • An accelerated process to embed new nurses into general practice
  • A supply of nurses being trained locally
  • Improved retention within primary care settings
  • Fully funded education and training
  • Development of GPN practice supervisor role within the practice

Find out more on the HEIW website - GPN Programme - HEIW (nhs.wales)

Or contact BCU.Academy@wales.nhs.uk for further information or an application form.

We have been looking for this type of session for some months. The whole session was outstanding which clearly took a long time to put together
Assistant Practice Manager

Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) Programme 

9 month programme aiming to support HCSWs development in primary care.

Intake start dates are July and January each year.

The benefits of this programme for nurses are:

  • An employment contract whilst undergoing formal training over a 9 to12 month period
  • Protected time for skills development and learning
  • Access to an educational supervisor
  • Focused career development leading to more rewarding clinical practice and new career opportunities
  • A peer support network of HCSW colleagues and networking opportunities

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The benefits of this programme for GP practices are:

  • An accelerated process to embed new nurses into general practice
  • A supply of nurses being trained locally
  • Improved retention within primary care settings
  • Fully funded education and training
  • Development of GPN practice supervisor role within the practice

Contact BCU.Academy@wales.nhs.uk for further information or an application form.

Practice Manager Programme

Within this programme there are a number of opportunities for both novice practice managers alongside career development opportunities for the experienced practice managers (PM). They includes the support, mentorship and education, along with supporting the ongoing succession planning of practice managers. This work aims to offer greater job satisfaction and helping to retain PMs in primary care. It is appreciated there’s a wealth of experience across this field and tapping into this knowledge is a priority. There are three distinct pieces of work within this programme

Aspiring Practice Manager (APM) Development Programme

The APM provides the opportunity to upskill a senior administrative staff member who wishes to develop towards a practice manager role. Recognising the unique opportunity this staff group provides in enhancing patient care, and the pivotal role played to support the day-to-day operations of the practice.

The six month development programme comprises:

  • A structured approach to training following utilising the Practice Manager’s competency framework, tailored to suit the practice and the individuals’ needs.
  • Progress meetings, a learning portfolio, peer support sessions, shadowing opportunities and bespoke training events
  • Financial assistance for the practice to release APM time

The APM programme commenced in 2024 and has been well received.

Education and Training

The findings from a recent practice manager questionnaire identified training requirements, which led to the development of a non-clinical workforce education pathway. It also showed that 50% of the PMs have been in the role for less than three years and just over 60% of the PMs are planning to stay in their role for the next 5/10 years. The Academy offers a wide range of education and training sessions for all levels of the non-clinical workforce from practice admin and reception staff up to practice manager. An outcome paper has guided the commissioning of core training/ skills alongside promoting new development opportunities, such as access to higher qualifications.

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Support and mentorship

This area of work has largely focussed on the support, orientation and induction requirements for new practice managers. For example, a new induction package and resource guide to help the transition of staff into primary care. New orientation sessions have been developed and to deliver current guidance and information in topics such as finance, contracting and claims. Although initially targeted at the novice PM, the attendance of existing practice managers, cluster leads and wider primary care managers has shown its value and usefulness.

What's currently available for practice managers ?  

Pathway to Partnership

This programme has been developed in partnership with RCGP Cymru Wales.

What you can expect

This is the first programme of its kind in Wales, focused on supporting professionals thinking about joining or who have recently joined a partnership. By proving them with the tools to maintain and develop a thriving GP partnership here in north Wales.

The five to six structured sessions are focused on providing participants with the tools to understand the contractual obligations of partnerships and practical training for professional and personal development within this context.

The morning sessions run once a month and each focus on a different aspect of partnership and cover the following topics

  • Partnership agreements
  • The General Medical Service (GMS) contract
  • Finance
  • Human Resources (HR) and support available
  • Personal development

Sessions are delivered as a hybrid approach with the first and last session delivered face to face, and others delivered online. There is a wide variety of speakers both from the health board, RCGP Cymru, Local Medical Committee, NWSSP and external experts. Aiming to give you a well-rounded view of each of the topics.

Excellent session, lot of information
Delegate session two
Excellent programme, thank you all so much
Delegate session two

Who can apply?

These sessions are aimed at professionals who are thinking about or who have recently joined a partnership. However, we welcome applicants at any stage of their career in partnership.

How to apply

The current cohort is currently full

Contact BCU.Academy@wales.nhs.uk to join the waiting list for the next cohort.

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