Learning Organisations
What is a Learning Organisation?
A Learning Organisation is a group of practices- ideally based upon a Primary Care Network (PCN) footprint- that is approved on behalf of the practices within it, to host multi-disciplinary learners. The purpose is to streamline the process of reapproval visits by reducing the number of reapproval visits and audits required and focusses on ensuring compliance with the 6 domains of the NHSE Quality Framework.
Historically, each practice that supported learners had to undergo regular visits and audits for each profession they supported. By being part of a Learning Organisation, there is a single annual review of the Learning Organisation that approves all learners and sites within that Learning Organisation.
Practices aligned with a PCN that has been approved as a Learning Organisation may differ from the total number of practices within a PCN. Please see the list of approved Learning Organisations and their aligned practices here.
What is a Learning Organisation approval process?
A Learning Organisational approval process establishes a unified process for initial approval and ongoing monitoring that meets the standards of multiple regulators and AEIs. While the process remains rigorous, it now prioritises a risk-based approach to assessment.
Organisations must also demonstrate understanding of learner contract requirements (e.g. working hours, leave) and how they will provide appropriate clinical and educational supervision.
Do we have to undertake the Learning Organisation process?
The Learning Organisation process is not strictly mandatory. However, to support learners, you are required to undertake a process that is approved by the Quality panel. This would mean independently developing your own process and gaining approval for its use.
Timeline for Learning Organisation Approval
All Learning Organisation approvals should be completed by April 2028, as set by the Quality team.
Please note: Practice reapproval visits by the School of Primary Care are no longer required.
How does the Training Hub help to facilitate the process?
The Training Hub provide dedicated support for Learning Organisations, including but not limited to the following:
· A suite of resources to support you with your application, including exemplar applications, checklists, template welcome letters/induction information and more.
· Support and guidance, from how to get started, completing your application, answering any queries, and reviewing and providing feedback on draft applications.
· Liaison between the PCN, panel members and NHS England Quality teams to schedule the panel meeting, submit your application and provide any follow-up information relating to the initial learning organisation process.
For further information please email bnssg.training.hub@nhs.net
Testimonies
Please see below feedback from one of our approved Learning Organisations
“Yate and Frampton PCN recently completed the Learning Organisation Approval process. It was ideal timing for us with 3 of our practices needing to be reaccredited in the near future. We found the process very helpful in that it brought the training teams from the 5 practices together and allowed us to discuss how we each ran our training programmes, learning from each other and sharing best practice. We reviewed the training and admin resources each practice used, helping individual practices to update their resources and processes.
The documentation initially seemed quite onerous, but by creating a Teams Channel to share a master copy that we could all access, we were able to share out the work of completing it.
The panel meeting was very supportive, highlighting areas of good practice and bringing helpful suggestions that could help us develop our training further.
Overall it was a positive experience and I would recommend it”
Dr Andrew Appleton, Yate and Frampton PCN
Resources
Primary Care Learning Organisations FAQs
BNSSG Training Hub Learning Organisation approval checklist.
BNSSG Training Hub Learning Organisation approval process