Senior clinical leadership in primary care has never been more important. As general practice continues to operate within increasingly complex local systems, there is a growing need for confident, strategic leaders who can influence beyond their own organisation and contribute to wider system improvement.
A one-off opportunity is now available for registered clinical healthcare professionals working in primary care to access fully funded places on the Nye Bevan leadership development programme.
The programme is open to senior leaders in primary care who are already operating in leadership roles and are looking to progress into senior clinical, system or board-level leadership positions.
This includes:
- GPs
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Dentists
- Allied Health Professionals
- Other registered clinical professionals working in primary care
What is the Nye Bevan Programme?
The Nye Bevan programme is a highly regarded leadership development opportunity designed to support healthcare professionals as they move into more senior strategic roles.
Delivered with KPMG, PwC and other leading experts, the programme provides structured development for those looking to strengthen their executive leadership capability and increase their impact across organisations and systems.
Successful completion leads to the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership, supporting both personal career development and wider leadership contribution across primary care and the NHS.
Why This Matters for General Practice
For GP partners, practice managers and primary care leaders, strong clinical leadership is not just about individual career progression. It is also central to the future resilience, quality and sustainability of general practice.
Senior clinical leaders play an important role in:
- Supporting safe, effective and well-led services
- Strengthening governance and decision-making
- Influencing PCN, place and system-level priorities
- Representing the voice of general practice within wider NHS structures
- Driving improvement across patient care, workforce and access
- Building leadership capacity for the future
As expectations on primary care continue to grow, investing in leadership development can help practices and PCNs remain proactive, influential and prepared for future challenges.
A Valuable Opportunity to Step Into System Leadership
This fully funded intake offers an important opportunity for experienced primary care clinicians who are ready to take the next step.
Whether the ambition is to move into senior clinical leadership, board-level roles, ICB leadership, PCN leadership or wider system transformation, the Nye Bevan programme provides a recognised route to develop the skills, confidence and strategic understanding needed at that level.
For practices, supporting suitable clinicians to apply may also bring wider benefits. Developing senior leaders within primary care strengthens local leadership capacity and helps ensure that the needs and realities of general practice are represented in system-level decision-making.
How to Apply
This is a one-off intake starting in September 2026.
Applicants can either be nominated by their ICB Chief Medical Officer or can self-nominate.
The deadline to apply is Monday 6 July 2026.
Prospective applicants can find out more on the programme webpage, including details of applicant drop-in sessions where they can learn more and ask questions.
For queries, contact: england.la-bevan-prog@nhs.net
Primary care needs strong, credible and experienced clinical leaders at every level of the system. For those ready to take the next step, this fully funded opportunity is well worth considering.