The types of roles that exist in Primary Care include:

Receptionist/Lead Receptionist

Receptionists are often the first person that a patients sees when entering the surgery. Good customer service and admin skills help to welcome people to the surgery.  Reception staff are responsible for undertaking a wide range of reception duties and provide general support to the multidisciplinary team.   With further training and development, there are many opportunities to progress within the role.  This could include supervisory/managerial positions or moving into specialist roles such as medical secretary or GP assistant.

Receptionists need to:

• be friendly and welcoming
• be patient and understanding
• follow instructions and procedures
• work accurately and methodically
• work in a team but use their own initiative
• work with all types of people
• deal with people who may be angry or upset
• be confident using the phone

Some of the skills required include:

• good organisation skills
• good communication skills
• IT skills
• excellent customer service skills

To find out more about the role and find out what qualifications and experience are required, click below to view an example job description.

Administrator

The role of an administrator is important to ensure the smooth delivery of patient care.  A patient’s health care journey involves a range of admin processes and only some of which are visible to the patient. An administrator is responsible for undertaking a wide range of admin duties and provides support to the multidisciplinary team.

Some of the skills required include:

• strong communication skills
• organisation skills and adaptability
• good IT skills

To find out more about the role and find out what qualifications and experience are required, click below to view an example job description.

Medical Secretary

A Medical Secretary provides administrative and secretarial support for a medical office, department or practice. Their duties include handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, scheduling appointments and maintaining an organised filing system.

A medical secretary or personal assistant will need to:

• work accurately and methodically
• meet deadlines
• use medical terminology
• pay attention to detail
• work in a team but use their own initiative
• work with all types of people
• be helpful and reassuring if dealing with patients and their families

Some of the skills required include:

• excellent keyboard skills
• IT skills
• good spelling and grammar
• organisational skills

Assistant Practice Manager

An assistant practice manager supports the practice manager with the smooth running of the GP practice with all aspects of functionality, motivating and managing staff, optimising efficiency and overall performance, ensuring the practice achieves its long-term strategic objectives in a safe and effective working environment.

Key skills required to perform in the role include:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritise, delegate and work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self motivated and proactive
• Ability to motivate and train staff
• Forward thinker with a solution focused approach
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations

To find out more about the role of Assistant Practice Manager and find out what qualifications and experience are required, click below to view an example job description.

Practice Manager

Practice Managers are vital to the successful running of GP surgeries. They manage the business and operational aspects of the surgery, making sure that patients are at the centre.

They will be involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• business planning
• handling financial systems for the practice, including payroll
• selecting, training and supervising non-clinical staff
• developing and supervising appointment systems that work well for patients and clinicians
• ensuring accurate records are kept, and liaising with local health organisations such as Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• developing strategies for the practice on issues such as computer systems and security, expanding or changing services, and long-term services

Essential skills required to perform in the role include:

• excellent financial skills
• the ability to manage a changing environment
• good communication skills
• leadership and motivational skills
• organisational skills
• a willingness to work with others and respect their views
• negotiating skills
• the ability to challenge the way things are and find better alternatives
• honesty and fairness in dealing with other people
• a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare

To find out more about the role of Practice Manager and find out what qualifications and experience are required, click below to view an example job description.

Learn how to make successful job applications

Learn how to prepare for an interview