2025/26 Contract – Implementation Guide

2025/26 Contract – Implementation Guide

Overview

Notes
The 2025/26 GP contract brings a range of changes, including funding increases, workforce flexibility, digital access requirements, and QOF reforms. This guide outlines the key implementation steps practices and PCNs need to take to ensure compliance and maximise funding opportunities.

Key Deadlines & Compliance Requirements

  1. April 2025 – New GP contract changes come into effect.
  2. October 2025 – Online GP appointment requests must be available during core hours.
  3. By 2025/26 – Practices must align with new QOF and Enhanced Services requirements.

Action Points:

  1. Identify contractual obligations and ensure your practice is ready for key deadlines.
  2. Implement staff training on new funding and reporting structures.
  3. Monitor ICB and NHS England updates for additional compliance requirements.

Financial Planning & Maximising Funding

  1. £889m additional investment into GP services.
  2. Global Sum per patient increases to £121.90.
  3. QOF redistribution moves £298m into Global Sum (£100m) and CVD prevention (£198m) funding.
  4. Enhanced Service payments updated, including new Advice & Guidance funding (£20 per referral).

Action Points: 

  1. Conduct financial impact analysis to assess funding changes.
  2. Ensure timely claims for Enhanced Services and QOF payments.
  3. Align PCN workforce strategies with ARRS funding flexibility.

Workforce & ARRS Integration

  1. ARRS expanded to include GPs and practice nurses, with no recruitment caps.
  2. Salary reimbursement for ARRS-funded GPs increased to £82,418.
  3. Greater PCN autonomy in distributing workforce funding.

Action Points:

  1. Work with your PCN to review current spend and develop recruitment strategies under ARRS.
  2. Ensure all new hires are onboarded efficiently to meet contract targets.
  3. Monitor workforce allocation to maximise efficiency and patient outcomes.

Digital Access & IT Compliance

  1. Online GP appointment requests must be live by October 2025.
  2. GP Connect integration is required for patient record sharing with NHS and private providers.
  3. Community Pharmacy consultation summaries will be automatically shared with practices.

Action Points:

  1. Configure practice IT systems to support GP Connect
  2. Ensure your practice is ready for routine appointment online booking (always on).
  3. Ensure staff training on digital tools and new workflow integration.
  4. Monitor compliance to avoid contractual penalties for digital access non-compliance.

QOF Adjustments & Reducing Administrative Burden

  1. 32 QOF indicators retired, removing 212 reporting points.
  2. Focus shifts towards CVD prevention and proactive patient management.
  3. Admin workload reduced, with fewer mandatory reports on staff wellbeing and IT reviews.

Action Points:

  1. Review and adjust QOF performance tracking to meet new requirements.
  2. Ensure clinical teams focus on CVD prevention initiatives.
  3. Reduce redundant administrative processes and focus on patient care.

Enhanced Services & Incentive Schemes

  1. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service (£20 per pre-referral request).
  2. Weight Management Enhanced Service continues (£11.50 per referral).
  3. Continuity of Care funding available for high-risk patient management (via CAIP).

Action Points:

  1. Identify eligible patients for targeted Enhanced Services.
  2. Develop effective referral pathways to claim Advice & Guidance funding.
  3. Ensure Enhanced Services workflows align with NHS England guidelines.

Next Steps & Monitoring

  1. April 2025 – Contract changes come into effect.
  2. October 2025 – Online booking systems and digital mandates must be in place.

Immediate Actions:

  1. Review your practice’s readiness for contract changes.
  2. Implement financial and workforce planning strategies.
  3. Ensure digital compliance for online access and GP Connect.