Overview

The 2025/26 GP contract introduces significant updates to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), making it more flexible and expanding the types of staff that practices and PCNs can recruit. This guide covers the key changes, funding updates, and what practices need to do next.

Key ARRS Changes

·      GPs and practice nurses are now included in ARRS funding, with no recruitment caps.

·      ARRS funding allocation flexibility has increased, allowing PCNs to tailor their workforce more effectively.

·      GP reimbursement under ARRS rises to £82,418 per FTE, aligning with the salaried GP contract uplift.

·      PCNs will have more control over distributing workforce resources, ensuring a better fit for local patient needs.

Action Points:

·      Assess practice staffing needs and whether hiring GPs or practice nurses under ARRS is beneficial.

·      Work with your PCN to plan workforce expansion under the new funding rules.

·      Review ARRS claims and reimbursements to ensure maximisation of funding.

ARRS Funding & Reimbursement Updates

·      No recruitment caps on GP and practice nurse roles, removing previous restrictions on hiring numbers.

·      Total funding for ARRS roles continues to increase, with greater flexibility in how funds can be allocated across different roles.

·      Increased reimbursement for salaried GPs employed under ARRS, reflecting contractual uplifts.

Action Points:

·      Ensure your PCN understands new workforce funding flexibility.

·      Review current ARRS workforce allocation and adjust hiring plans accordingly.

·      Ensure contractual and reimbursement processes are aligned with updated funding guidance.

Workforce Expansion & Flexibility

·      Practices and PCNs can now recruit more flexibly, adapting to local patient needs.

·      More focus on continuity of care, with ARRS-funded staff encouraged to provide long-term patient support.

·      Enhanced integration of ARRS roles with digital tools such as GP Connect to support patient management.

Action Points:

·      Work with PCNs to determine best staffing models under the new ARRS flexibility.

·      Ensure GPs and nurses employed under ARRS are integrated into patient care pathways.

·      Plan for training and onboarding new staff under ARRS funding.

Impact on PCNs & Practices

·      Greater autonomy for PCNs in deciding how to allocate workforce funding.

·      More funding to support salaried GP roles, reducing reliance on short-term locums.

·      Increased emphasis on integrating ARRS roles within multidisciplinary teams.

Action Points:

·      Collaborate with PCNs to optimise ARRS workforce planning.

·      Monitor recruitment impact to ensure ARRS staff are contributing effectively.

·      Align PCN workforce strategy with continuity of care and digital integration goals.

Next Steps

🗓 April 2025 – Updated ARRS contract and funding rules take effect.

🗓 October 2025 – Practices should have ARRS workforce expansion plans in place.

Immediate Actions:

·      Review staffing models to integrate more GPs and nurses under ARRS.

·      Ensure PCNs are aware of updated reimbursement rates and funding rules.

·      Plan recruitment and onboarding strategies for new ARRS roles.