BNSSG Training Hub

Core general practice training

We fund a range of clinical and non-clinical training for general practice staff across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

A variety of courses are available throughout the year, covering a range of skills, roles and development needs.

Training is delivered by our trusted delivery partner, Avon Local Medical Committee (ALMC).

Clinical training

Explore the clinical training courses available to general practice staff across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Book via the ALMC enrolment form

Check course and module dates on the ALMC website

Course title

For

Description


Asthma/COPD

Nurse

Explore the latest updates in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of asthma and COPD, including best practice in inhaler technique, prescribing and patient education. Build confidence in supporting patients with long-term respiratory conditions through integrated approaches to managing exacerbations, improving outcomes and reducing hospital admissions.

Blood result

Administration staff

Explore the essential blood tests commonly used in primary care, including FBC, LFTs, U&Es, HbA1c, cholesterol and thyroid tests, and understand why they are ordered to investigate, diagnose and monitor a range of conditions. Using clear explanations and practical real-world scenarios, you’ll learn how to understand common results, recognise when values are high or low, and confidently support patients with blood test queries.

Contraception
Intro

Nurse

For trained Nurses or Nurse associates who are new to practice nursing or new to contraception. It will cover pills and pill checks, injections and injection checks, plus a brief overview of other types of contraception. Scenarios will help consolidate the learning to enable you to do effective and safe yearly checks. Brief overview of STIs and testing. We will be using the UKMEC.

Contraception
Update

Nurse

For trained Nurses or Nurse associates who are new to practice nursing or new to contraception. It will cover pills and pill checks, injections and injection checks, plus a brief overview of other types of contraception.

Core immunisation

Nurse

This comprehensive two-day core course is tailored for registered healthcare professionals new to immunisation practice. Aligned with the UKHSA National Minimum Standards, the training provides essential knowledge and practical skills to deliver safe and effective vaccination services.

Diabetes

Nurse

Gain an up-to-date understanding of current approaches to diabetes management.
Explore the latest evidence and national guidance influencing care pathways.
Deepen knowledge of prevention, early intervention, and long-term complication management.
Practical insights into supporting patients with self-management and lifestyle changes.

Diabetes
(foot)

Nurse

Explore current screening, risk stratification and referral pathways for preventing and managing foot complications, with a focus on early detection and evidence-based care. Gain practical guidance on multidisciplinary management, escalation of care, and the latest national standards and local service developments.

Doppler

Nurse

To gain knowledge and practice in manual and automated Doppler assessment as part of the comprehensive assessment of vascular supply of the lower limb

Ear care
update

Nurse

This session is open to all previously trained registered and unregistered clinicians currently practising ear irrigation, providing a refresher on ear anatomy and physiology, wax removal, and documentation. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss any issues encountered with irrigation and review the procedure where required.

Ear irrigation

Nurse

Develop your knowledge of ear anatomy and physiology, holistic assessment, and the causes and prevention of earwax build-up, including key precautions and contraindications for safe management. Gain practical experience in manual wax removal and ear irrigation, alongside guidance on equipment maintenance, accountability, delegation and accurate documentation.

HCA core immunisation

HCA

This two-day core training is designed for unregistered staff, including Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs), who support immunisation delivery under appropriate supervision. In line with UKHSA National Minimum Standards, the course builds core competencies and understanding of the immunisation process.

HCA ear care

HCA

Understand ear anatomy, assessment, wax build-up, prevention, and the precautions and contraindications for ear irrigation and manual wax removal. Develop practical skills in wax removal and irrigation, including equipment maintenance, accountability, delegation, and documentation.

HCA Foundation

HCA

A multi-day face-to-face course designed for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) working in general practice

HCA
multimobidity

HCA

Multimorbidity training prepares Healthcare Assistants to support patients who live with two or more long term health conditions. The training focuses on helping HCAs understand the complexity of managing multiple conditions while delivering safe, person centred care

Immunisation update

Nurse

This one-day update session is designed for experienced registered immunisers to refresh and enhance their knowledge in line with the latest UKHSA guidance. It covers recent changes to all age routine immunisation schedules, emerging vaccine recommendations, and updates on best practice in vaccine administration, storage, and handling.

Infection
control leads

Nurse

Explore the roles and responsibilities of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Lead

Intro to
asthma

Nurse

A practical grounding in asthma for clinicians and health professionals, covering the essentials of diagnosis, treatment, and holistic assessment

Learning
disability

All practice staff

This learning disability training course aims to build learners awareness and understanding of learning disabilities. The course will assist learners in understanding what it means to have a learning disability and help guide them on ways of supporting individuals with learning disabilities.

Long Term
Conditions

Nurse

Explore the latest clinical and policy updates across long-term conditions, with a focus on integrated care and proactive management. Develop practical strategies for supporting patients with complex, multi-morbidity needs while improving outcomes and reducing health inequalities.

Phlebotomy

Nurses

A beginner phlebotomy course introduces students to the essential knowledge and hands on skills needed to safely and effectively draw blood from patients.

Seasonal immunisation
(inc Flu) New

Nurse and HCA

This course is intended for learners who have completed the two-day core immunisation programme in line with the National Minimum Standards for Immunisation Training but are new to the seasonal immunisations covered in this programme.

This training programme is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the delivery, support or governance of seasonal immunisation services. It provides an overview of the knowledge, standards and responsibilities required to deliver vaccinations safely and effectively, in line with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance and national minimum standards.


Seasonal immunisation
(inc Flu) Update

Nurse and HCA

This training programme is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the delivery, support or governance of seasonal immunisation services. It provides an overview of the knowledge, standards and responsibilities required to deliver vaccinations safely and effectively, in line with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance and national minimum standards.

Travel intro

Nurses

This course is designed to give you a solid introduction to providing a travel health service within your practice. It will focus on risk assessment, vaccine preventable and non vaccine preventable diseases, malaria prevention and the consultation process. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice with the resources available.

Travel update

Nurses

The course enables delegates to assess their role within vaccination services and ensure they meet expected professional and clinical requirements.

Wound (Nurse)

Nurse

This course is aimed at registered nurses who need to be competent and confident in completing full holistic wound and leg ulcer assessments. The course recaps the phases of wound healing, what may hinder would healing and aims to provide insights into ways of overcoming wound healing barriers. Additionally, the wound formulary is covered to allow nurses to make informed decisions in treatment planning. Relevant pathways such as the lower limb and compression therapy pathway are also covered.

Introduction to wound management

HCA and nurse

An introduction to wound and leg ulcer assessment and management. The course covers assessment of tissue types, assessment and management of infection, exudate levels, wound edges/ surrounding skin including knowing when to escalate deteriorating and/ or infected wounds/ leg ulcers and the appropriate onwards referral required. The training also covers the local dressing formulary, dressing indications and the leg ulcer pathways at a basic level.

Wound
masterclass

Nurse

The wound masterclass focuses on comprehensive wound assessment, including why wounds become static, how to treat bacterial burden and biofilms and the consideration of advanced wound care therapies such as negative pressure wound therapy. The course also focuses on more complex leg ulcers, providing opportunity for case studies and questions/ discussion from attendees. This course doesn’t cover the basics of wound management – wound management for nurses or the introduction to wound management should be attended prior to attending this training.

Non-clinical training

Explore the non-clinical training courses available to general practice staff across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Book via the ALMC enrolment form

Check course and module dates on the ALMC website

Area

Course title

Description

Project Management

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Project
Management Fundamentals

Build a strong foundation in project management, explore the project lifecycle and develop a practical Project Charter for use in your practice or PCN.

Planning and
Delivery

Turn your project into a realistic and manageable plan. Learn practical planning tools, set milestones, manage dependencies and keep your project on track.

Risks, Issues,
and Assurance

Identify and manage risk, issues, assumptions and dependencies. Build confidence in escalation, assurance and project decision-making.

Stakeholder
Engagement and Communication

Identify and analyse stakeholders, build effective relationships and develop targeted communication strategies to support project success.

Business Cases
and Benefits Realisation

Make the case for change. Learn how to develop a credible business case, compare options and define, measure and demonstrate the benefits of your project.

Change
Management and Service Transformation

Move from project delivery to lasting change. Use process mapping, change-management techniques and PDSA to embed new ways of working.

Programme and
Strategic Project Management

Take a strategic view. Learn how to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively and establish proportionate governance to deliver the greatest value for your practice and PCN.

Foundation Strategic Management

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Strategic
Foundations

This module introduces structured strategic thinking within the realities of small partnership-based General Practice organisations. Delegates will develop confidence in articulating strategic direction, differentiating operational activity from strategy, and drafting a 12-month strategic framework aligned to BNSSG system priorities.

Finance &
Sustainability

Builds financial literacy and sustainability awareness for emerging leaders in General Practice. Delegates will gain confidence in interpreting practice finances and identifying early sustainability risks.

Workforce
Strategy Basics

Explores workforce fragility and role optimisation in General Practice. Delegates will map workforce risks and understand ARRS supervision implications.

Governance
& Risk

Develops governance literacy and structured risk management. Delegates will construct a risk register and apply risk scoring models.

Using Data
with Confidence

Builds confidence in using data for decision-making. Delegates will interpret trends and design a simple strategic dashboard.

 

Intermediate Strategic Management

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Building a 3-5
Year Practice Strategy

This module strengthens applied strategic planning capability for leaders already contributing to practice or PCN strategy, focusing on structured multi-year planning in the BNSSG environment. Delegates will learn how to conduct environmental scanning, translate BNSSG demand pressures into realistic priorities, and create an integrated 3–5 year practice strategy with aligned KPIs and risk considerations.

Financial
Planning for Resilience

This module builds intermediate-level financial planning capability, enabling leaders to move from reading finances to modelling future resilience and testing assumptions. Delegates will develop practical forecasting confidence using scenario modelling (best/mid/worst case), understand sustainability thresholds and drawdown risk, and strengthen investment decision discipline to support resilience planning.

Workforce
Transformation & Role Design

This module develops strategic workforce redesign capability, focusing on role optimisation, supervision capacity, and retention planning in the context of rising demand and workforce constraints.

Delegates will learn how to design workforce models that improve access and sustainability, optimise ARRS roles at PCN scale, and evaluate cost and supervision implications to avoid unintended burden.


Leading Change
& Service Redesign

This module focuses on leading and embedding change in small partnership organisations, where influence, engagement, and resistance management are central to success.

Delegates will learn how to design and deliver service change using structured change frameworks, stakeholder engagement approaches, and practical techniques for managing resistance and sustaining implementation.


Influencing in
Complex Systems

This module develops influence and negotiation capability across Practice–PCN–ICB relationships, where leaders must operate with political awareness and structured stakeholder engagement.

Delegates will learn how to map system stakeholders, prepare negotiation strategies, conduct challenging conversations, and influence decisions in complex environments—without damaging relationships or credibility.

Advanced Strategic Management

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Advanced
Financial Strategy

This advanced module develops the strategic financial capability required to shape the long-term viability, resilience and direction of a primary care organisation.

Leading in
Uncertainty

This advanced module develops the judgement, adaptability and leadership discipline required to lead effectively when information is incomplete, and conditions are changing.

Delegates will explore how to distinguish between known risks, emerging risks and ambiguity, and how to select the right leadership response through control, adaptation and influence. The session develops practical approaches to scenario thinking, decision-making, communication, resilience and leadership alignment.

Data Protection Training

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Constitutional
& Structural Duties of the GP as Controller

Understand the role and responsibilities of the GP as Data Controller, including legal duties, governance structures and accountability.

Data Subject
Rights (Operational SAR Focus)

Explore the rights of data subjects with a practical focus on managing Subject Access Requests (SARs) efficiently and lawfully.

Security &
Breach Governance

Learn how to protect information, manage security risks and respond effectively to data breaches in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

DPIA &
Preventative Governance

Understand Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and how to use them to identify risks early and strengthen preventative governance.

Records, DPO
& Strategic Assurance

Explore good records management, the role of the DPO and how to provide strategic assurance that supports a culture of compliance and accountability.

New to Practice Management

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Core Practice Management

This foundation course provides aspiring and new Practice Managers with a practical introduction to the core responsibilities involved in managing a general practice.

Operational management

This practical course develops the operational management skills required to coordinate the day-to-day running of a busy general practice.

Delegates will explore how demand, workforce capacity, appointments, administrative processes and competing priorities interact, and how managers can use systems, data and structured problem-solving to maintain effective practice operations.


People mangagement

This course develops the practical people-management skills required by new and aspiring Practice Managers to lead and support non-clinical teams effectively within general practice.

Delegates will explore the manager’s responsibilities across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, induction, performance, attendance, development and difficult conversations. Particular attention will be given to the transition from colleague to manager and establishing clear expectations, professional boundaries and accountability.


Finance

This introductory course provides new and aspiring Practice Managers with a practical understanding of how money flows through general practice and the manager’s role in supporting effective financial management.

Delegates will explore the principal sources of practice income, common areas of expenditure and the financial information Practice Managers are likely to encounter. The course is designed to build financial confidence rather than accountancy expertise, helping delegates understand the questions they should ask and recognise when financial information requires further investigation.


CQC and
Governance Masterclass

This practical masterclass develops the knowledge and confidence required by Practice Managers and other non-clinical managers to establish, maintain and evidence effective governance within general practice.

Delegates will explore what good governance looks like in everyday practice, how regulatory requirements translate into management systems and how practices can demonstrate that policies, risks, incidents, complaints and improvement activity are actively managed rather than simply documented.

Leadership Development

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Introduction to Compassionate Leadership

Explore what effective leadership means in today’s healthcare, the importance of compassion and psychological safety, and reflect on your own leadership style.

Insights Diagnostic and Workshop

Develop greater self-awareness, understand your personality and communication

Self as leader

Build self-awareness, emotional intelligence and resilience. Explore action centred and situational leadership and develop a positive mindset for sustainable leadership.

Leading others

Develop the skills to motivate and engage teams, manage performance, have difficult conversations and resolve conflict to create high-performing, positive teams.

Leader as Coach

Build coaching skills using the GROW model, develop powerful questioning and listening techniques, and support others to take ownership of their development.

Strategic leadership intro

Develop a strategic mindset, understand the wider healthcare system and build your influencing and collaborative leadership skills to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Leading change

Develop the capability to lead people and services through change, explore proven change models, understand the human experience of change and apply creative thinking to complex challenges.

PCN Management

 

This programme is designed to be flexible. You can complete individual modules, combine learning from different programmes, or build your learning over time as your role evolves.


Leading & Managing in a PCN Environment

Develop the leadership and management skills to work effectively across multiple practices, professional groups and system partners.

Influencing, Negotiation & Managing Across Organisations

Build your influencing and negotiation skills to achieve outcomes across practices, partnerships and wider health and care organisations.

PCN Strategy, Business Planning & Finance

Develop the strategic, business planning and financial skills to translate PCN priorities into credible and sustainable plans.

Leading Change, Service Redesign & Improvement

Gain practical tools to lead change and service improvement across PCNs, engaging stakeholders and delivering measurable benefits.

Project & Programme Delivery in PCNs

Turn PCN priorities into manageable projects and programmes using practical tools for planning, governance, risk management and benefits realisation.

Data, Digital & Population Health for PCN Managers

Build confidence in using data, digital opportunities and population health information to support better decision-making and service development.

PCN People Management Masterclass

Practical people-management skills for PCN Managers with direct line-management responsibility, including performance, feedback and team development.

PCN Manager Impact Masterclass

Strengthen your personal impact, confidence and professional presence when working with senior clinical, managerial and system stakeholders.

Support

Care navigation 

Develop the skills and confidence to navigate, triage and signpost patients effectively, using insightful questioning, clear communication and rapport-building techniques to identify needs and guide conversations. Learn how to manage challenging interactions, set appropriate boundaries, confidently close conversations, and understand the role of ARRS within primary care.

Chaperone

A practical, interactive course designed for primary care staff, covering effective chaperoning during intimate examinations, patient dignity, preferences and vulnerabilities. Build confidence in safeguarding, recognising concerns and responding appropriately to complaints.

Coding

Our half-day SNOMED training course is designed for clinical coders of all experience levels, providing you with the essential techniques and knowledge to find the correct codes for your primary care team confidently.

Customer
Service

Patient experience training for primary care is designed to help reception teams, administrators, care navigators, clinicians and practice managers develop the everyday communication skills that build trust, confidence and positive patient experiences across primary care.

Dealing with challenging people

Working in a GP practice or healthcare setting can mean managing difficult interactions with patients, relatives, or even colleagues — often in high-pressure situations. This practical workshop equips staff with the awareness and tools to handle challenging behaviour calmly and professionally.
Participants will explore what might be driving the behaviour, assess risk and make appropriate decisions, and recognise their own emotional triggers and responses. They’ll learn practical communication techniques to defuse tension, set boundaries, and achieve effective outcomes for everyone involved. The session concludes with reflection and action planning to support confident application in daily practice.

Emotional
Resilience

Explore the principles of excellent customer care, from creating positive first impressions to understanding and responding effectively to customer needs and expectations. Build confidence in managing challenging conversations, anger and complaints, while developing empathetic communication, effective team approaches, better queue management and strategies to reduce abuse on the phone.

Fire marshall

Our Fire Marshal course provides essential knowledge to help you confidently carry out your duties, whether your learning the role for the first time or refreshing your existing fire safety skills. The course is fully aligned to the core skills training framework for NHS Trusts in England. Our trainers have decades of fire safety experience and provide a trading environment that is relaxed but very informative.

Medical terminology

Build confidence with medical terminology used in primary care, learning key prefixes, suffixes, body terms and common shorthand. Focus on the essential knowledge you need to understand complex terms quickly and confidently.

Mental health conversations

This course equips GP receptionists, administrators and telephone staff to understand mental health crises so they can respond with compassion, empathy and clear boundaries. It builds confidence and skills to offer calm emotional support, provide effective mental health crisis support in primary care settings, follow escalation pathways and signpost to specialist mental health services.

HR

Absence, disciplinary & grievance

Designed for higher-level managers, this focused course provides practical guidance on managing key people-related challenges, including absence, disciplinary processes, complaints and grievances. Build confidence in handling complex situations fairly, consistently and effectively, while supporting a positive and well-managed workplace.

Appraisal 

Effective 1-to-1s and appraisals are an essential part of good people management. When used well, they provide dedicated time for managers and staff to discuss performance, achievements, challenges, wellbeing, development and future priorities.

Employment law
changes

We will cover new legislative changes but also how to manage these changes internally and support you in introducing any new measures and policies.

Intro to HR

Designed for junior managers and team leaders, this course provides a practical introduction to HR fundamentals and the soft skills needed to manage people effectively. Explore transactional HR, managing absence, and improving performance and productivity, with practical guidance to help you lead your team with confidence.

Recruitment best practice

Attracting and retaining key talent is vital for any organisation. In this workshop we will explore the recruitment process, end-to-end, and provide a helpful checklist for ensuring you get the most out of your recruitment journey. We will cover adverts and routes to market, interviews, and selection from both an internal and external perspective, DE&I considerations, talent pipelines, and internal mobility. We will explore data metrics and GDPR best practice, as well as some recruitment trends.

Appraisals
– How to appraise your Practice Manager (GP Partner training)

Designed for managers with line management and appraisal responsibilities, this practical session covers appraisals, giving feedback, difficult conversations, target setting and ongoing performance management. Includes opportunities to practise key skills and build confidence in managing team performance effectively.

Support CQC

This course will look at key HR considerations for the CQC. We will focus on robust recruitment and vetting processes as well as the importance of inductions. Workforce planning and skills development will also be explored, as well as ensuring appropriate supervision and appraisal processes are in place. We will also cover the necessary policies and safeguards that are expected as well as governance around colleague files and audits. We hope this course will support your practice’s compliance with CQC and would welcome all people leaders to this workshop.