Practice Managers: Implementing the 2025/26 GP Contract Changes

Practice Managers: Implementing the 2025/26 GP Contract Changes

Overview

Notes
The 2025/26 GP contract introduces significant operational changes that impact appointment access, workforce planning, and funding. This guide is designed to help practice managers navigate the key updates and ensure compliance with new requirements.

Financial & Funding Changes

  1. £889m additional investment in the core contract.
  2. Global Sum per patient increases to £121.90.
  3. QOF indicator removals redistribute £298m, including increased funding for CVD prevention.
  4. Locum reimbursement increases to cover sickness, parental leave, and prolonged absences.
  5. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service introduced (£20 per pre-referral request).

Action Points:

  1. Review financial impact on your practice's budget.
  2. Plan for QOF changes and new funding allocations.
  3. Ensure your practice is set up to claim enhanced service payments.

 Workforce & ARRS Expansion

  1. ARRS now includes GPs and practice nurses with no cap on recruitment.
  2. GP salary reimbursement under ARRS increases to £82,418.
  3. PCNs given more flexibility to allocate workforce funding.
  4. Incentives introduced for continuity of care (patients seeing the same GP where possible).

Action Points:

  1. Work with your PCN to optimise workforce planning.
  2. Consider hiring additional roles under ARRS.
  3. Align workforce strategy to continuity of care incentives.

Digital & Access Requirements

  1. Online appointment requests must be available during core hours from October 2025.
  2. GP Connect must be enabled to share patient records with NHS and private providers (with consent).
  3. Community Pharmacy consultation summaries must be integrated into GP workflows.
  4. Patient Charter must be published on practice websites.

Action Points:

  1. Ensure online booking system is in place by October 2025.
  2. Update IT systems to enable GP Connect compliance.
  3. Publish the Patient Charter on your practice website.

Reducing Admin Burden & QOF Reform

  1. 32 QOF indicators permanently retired (212 points removed).
  2. Admin reporting requirements reduced, removing staff wellbeing meetings, IT reviews, and other non-clinical reporting.
  3. £198m redirected into CVD prevention incentives.

Action Points:

  1. Identify which QOF indicators are no longer required.
  2. Adjust workflows to align with new CVD prevention targets.
  3. Reduce administrative overhead where possible.

Enhanced Services & Incentives

  1. £80m Advice & Guidance Enhanced Service (£20 per pre-referral request).
  2. Weight Management Enhanced Service continues (£11.50 per referral).
  3. Additional funding for continuity of care initiatives.

Action Points:

  1. Identify eligible patients for enhanced services.
  2. Ensure referral pathways are aligned to maximise funding.
  3. Track new income streams and reporting requirements.

Next Steps & Deadlines

  1. April 2025 – Contract changes come into effect.
  2. October 2025 – Online appointment access must be live.

Immediate Actions:

  1. Review financial impact on your practice.
  2. Align workforce planning with ARRS and PCN strategy.
  3. Ensure IT systems are compliant for GP Connect & online bookings.
  4. Publish the Patient Charter on your website.