🎙 General practice has always evolved, but the pace of change has never been greater.

As practices navigate partner retirements, workforce pressures, Primary Care Networks, federations and the growing focus on neighbourhood working, strong governance and the right legal foundations have become more important than ever.

In this episode of The Halfway Point, Ben Scorer is joined by Alison Oliver, Partner at Sintons LLP, to explore how primary care organisations can successfully adapt to an increasingly collaborative NHS.

Together, they discuss why investing in specialist legal advice early can prevent costly problems later, the importance of maintaining stable partnerships through robust partnership agreements and effective succession planning, and how practices can confidently work alongside PCNs, federations and emerging neighbourhood teams.

Whether you're a Practice Manager, GP Partner, PCN Clinical Director or involved in leading collaborative working across primary care, this episode offers practical insights into the governance, structures and relationships that underpin successful organisations.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

☕️ If you would like to support the work of The Halfway Point podcast, you can do so via our Buy Me A Coffee page: https://buymeacoffee.com/locumpm.

💌 You can also stay up-to-date with The Halfway Point podcast by subscribing to the Locum PM Newsletter: https://locumpm.co.uk/newsletter.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙 Change has always been part of general practice. But for many Primary Care leaders, the pace and scale of change has never felt greater.

In this episode of The Halfway Point, Ben Scorer is joined by Danielle Hann, Director of GPMplus, to explore what effective leadership looks like in an environment shaped by workforce pressures, financial challenges, digital transformation, neighbourhood working and ongoing NHS reform.

Together, they discuss the difference between simply managing change and truly leading people through it. From supporting teams during uncertain times to identifying opportunities for innovation and growth, this conversation focuses on the practical realities facing Practice Managers and Primary Care leaders today.

Drawing on Danielle's experience supporting practices across the country, the episode explores the leadership behaviours, skills and mindsets that help organisations remain resilient and adaptable, even during periods of significant change.

Whether you're new to primary care leadership or have years of experience behind you, this episode offers practical insights, reassurance and encouragement for anyone helping to shape the future of general practice.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

☕️ If you would like to support the work of The Halfway Point podcast, you can do so via our Buy Me A Coffee page: https://buymeacoffee.com/locumpm.

💌 You can also stay up-to-date with The Halfway Point podcast by subscribing to the Locum PM Newsletter: https://locumpm.co.uk/newsletter.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙 Conferences, networking events and training sessions are often viewed as a day away from the practice. But are we overlooking their true value?

In this episode of The Halfway Point, Ben Scorer is joined again by James Bowman to explore why networking remains one of the most important professional development opportunities for those working in primary care. Drawing on their recent experiences speaking at events including Management in Practice, Best Practice and the Primary Care Show, they discuss how some of the most valuable learning often happens away from the presentation slides.

From conversations with fellow Practice Managers and delegates, to insights from sponsors and industry partners, Ben and James reflect on how networking can help tackle isolation, share best practice, identify emerging trends and create opportunities that simply wouldn't happen from behind a desk.

They also discuss why investing time in conferences and events can help Primary Care Managers stay ahead of change, build lasting professional relationships and return to their practices with fresh ideas and renewed confidence.

🎧 Whether you're new to primary care or have years of experience behind you, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most valuable thing you can bring back from an event isn't a handout or presentation. It's a conversation.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🎟️ For more information on Locum PM’s New to Practice Management Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/new-pm-conferences.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙 In this episode of The Halfway Point podcast, Ben is joined by Locum PM’s own and experienced IPC Nurse expert Steph Bouckley to explore why effective Infection Prevention Control in general practice is never a one-person job.

Bringing together both the operational and clinical perspectives, Ben and Steph discuss why Practice Managers and IPC leads must work together to create safe, compliant, and effective systems that protect both patients and staff.

The conversation explores the realities of IPC in modern general practice, common challenges teams face, practical ways to embed good IPC habits, and why culture, communication, and shared responsibility matter just as much as policies and audits.

Whether you’re a Practice Manager, IPC lead, nurse, deputy manager, or anyone involved in keeping your practice safe and compliant, this episode is packed with practical insights you can take back to your team.

🎧 Listen now and discover why IPC really does take a team.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🎟️ For more information on Locum PM’s Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Training, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/ipc-training.

🎟️ For more information on Locum PM’s New to Practice Management Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/new-pm-conferences.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙️ The NHS App is now a key part of the digital front door to primary care. But while many practices are promoting it, are patients actually using it, and are practices making the most of what it can offer?

In this episode of The Halfway Point, Ben is joined by fellow Locum PM Director and NHS App Ambassador, James Bowman, for a practical conversation about how practices can move beyond simply promoting the NHS App and towards meaningful patient adoption.

Together, they explore how the NHS App has evolved, the role of the NHS App Ambassador Programme, and most importantly, practical ways practices can increase engagement. This episode is packed with realistic tips that you can start using straight away.

They also discuss the wider benefits of successful NHS App adoption, including reducing admin burden, supporting self-service, improving communication, and helping patients take greater ownership of their care.

For busy Practice Managers and primary care teams, this episode offers realistic, practical ways to increase NHS App adoption and support smarter digital patient engagement.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🎟️ For more information on Locum PM’s NHS App Training, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/nhs-app.

🎟️ For more information on Locum PM’s New to Practice Management Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/new-pm-conferences.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore what modern general practice really means in today’s NHS.

We’re joined by Andy King from Unity Practice Solutions, who brings over 25 years of experience across primary care, from Practice Manager to Managing Partner, and now supporting practices, PCNs, and federations through complex change and quality improvement.

Together, we move beyond the usual buzzwords to unpack what “modern” actually looks like on the ground. From leadership and culture to workforce pressures and patient expectations, this conversation takes an honest look at the realities facing general practice today.

We also discuss the importance of supporting teams through change, the roles of coaching and mentoring, and the impact of initiatives such as the Healthy Practice Programme delivered by GPMplus.

This episode is a must-listen for Primary Care Managers and anyone working in or alongside general practice who wants to better understand what good looks like and how we move from simply coping to truly thriving.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🎟️ For more information on LPM’s New to PM Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/services/training-development/new-pm-conferences.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙️ Rota management in general practice is often one of the most time-consuming and frustrating parts of the job. Spreadsheets, last-minute changes, gaps in cover, and the constant balancing act between demand and capacity.

In this episode of the Halfway Point Podcast, we explore how practices can move from chaos to clarity when it comes to workforce planning.

We’re joined by the team behind Tempo, a GP rota software designed specifically for primary care. Together, we unpack the real challenges practices face with rota management, why traditional approaches are no longer fit for purpose, and how digital solutions can support more efficient, sustainable ways of working.

We also discuss the real-world impact of smarter rota planning. From reducing admin burden and saving time, to improving staff wellbeing and ultimately supporting better patient access.

This episode highlights Tempo’s recent selection for the 2026 cohort of the NHS Innovation Accelerator programme, recognising its potential to scale and support transformation across the NHS.

If you’re a Practice Manager, GP Partner, or part of a primary care team looking to improve how your workforce is planned and managed, this episode offers practical insight and a fresh perspective on what “smarter rotas” can really look like.

*****

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🎟️ For more information on LPM’s New to PM Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/services/training-development/new-pm-conferences.

💬 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

🫶 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.

🎙️ In this episode, we explore what neighbourhood health looks like in action, through a live example from Nottingham City Place-Based Partnership. We’re joined by Michelle, Phillip and Jez to talk through a collaborative project bringing digital health checks directly into community settings using the SISU Health Station.

We discuss the local need driving the work, how the project was supported through Health Innovation East Midlands Grow Digital Innovation Programme, and how partners came together to deliver something practical, visible and impactful. The conversation also explores how the technology works, how it’s engaging people in more deprived communities, and how it’s linking individuals into wider support services.

Most importantly, we look at the early signs of success, from increased patient awareness to behaviour change and growing ownership of health. A great example of prevention, partnership working and digital innovation coming together to support neighbourhood health.

****

🎟️ For more information on LPM’s New to PM Conferences, please go to https://locumpm.co.uk/services/training-development/new-pm-conferences.

ℹ️ Full resources and the show notes for this episode can be found at https://locumpm.co.uk/the-halfway-point.

🤗 This episode may contain affiliate links that are part of partner or referral programs. If you choose to explore or purchase something through these links, LPM may receive a small thank-you in return, at no extra cost to you. These contributions enable us to continue producing high-quality content and resources for the primary care community. As a result, please mention LPM and The Halfway Point podcast when purchasing.

(At LPM, we only recommend what we genuinely believe will bring value to your practice.)

🫶 Drop a comment, let us know your thoughts on this episode and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share with colleagues to help spread the word!

💬 If you have a topic you would like covered on The Halfway Point, let us know in the comments or email us at TheHalfwayPoint@LocumPM.co.uk.

The Halfway Point

https://www.LocumPM.co.uk/The-Halfway-Point

(The advice and content discussed in this episode are shared in good faith and for general information purposes only. We recommend that practices carry out their own due diligence before taking any action based on this content. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors or organisations involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Locum PM or any affiliated organisations. All links and content / resources referenced were accurate at the time of the episode’s recording / release.)