Model contract for salaried GPs
The BMA has produced the following guidance on 'Model contract for Salaried GPs'
Although there may be some differences in process in each of the four countries of the UK, the principles of this guidance apply to all.
This guidance will explain and provide advice on:
- Minimum T&Cs for salaried GPs
- APMS salaried GPs
- Changing hours of work in light of extended DES
- Negotiating salary and appropriate uplifts
- BMA salaried GP handbook - Salaried GP contract - BMA
The GMS contract negotiations led to the NHS Confederation, Departments of Health and the GPC agreeing a model offer letter and set of minimum terms and conditions (which together are known as the model contract) to be used by a GMS practice or PCO when employing a salaried GP on or after 1 April 2004.
The model contract represents good employment practice and was designed to ensure a common standard for all GPs employed by GMS practices and PCOs.
The aim is also that this standard will have a knock-on effect with those employed by APMS being able to negotiate improved terms where those offered do not meet the minimum set out in the model contract.
The NHS England Standard Personal Medical Services Agreement 2015/16 set out that PMS practices shall also offer salaried GPs terms and conditions which are no less favourable than those in the model contract.
October 2024
The LMC sent a joint communications to practices regarding the Model Contract for Salaried GPs, which a copy can be read below:
We have received some feedback that practices may not be honouring the spirit of the BMA Model Contract for salaried GPs. Given the challenge there has been in recruiting and retaining GPs in LLR, it is important that our salaried GPs are well supported and made to feel valued members of the team.
Below is an extract from the NHS regulations by way of reminder that a contract with a salaried GP must be on terms and conditions no less favourable than within the BMA model contract. This applies to both GMS and PMS practices equally. We know that most practices respect the spirit of these regulations and often go above and beyond to demonstrate their appreciation of salaried GPs working in their practice.
If there is any variation to the standard terms of the contract these should be jointly agreed when the salaried GP is employed, and a practice should consider using their usual HR advisors.
If any salaried GP is unsure or has concerns, we suggest they contact the BMA for advice or otherwise the LMC.
Many thanks for your consideration
Dr Grant Ingrams Chair of LLR LMC and Dr Nil Sanganee ICB Chief Medical Officer.
Regulation 49 of The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2015 states:
“The contractor may only offer employment to a general medical practitioner on terms which are no less favourable than those contained in the document entitled “Model terms and conditions of service for a salaried general practitioner employed by a GMS practice” published by the British Medical Association and the NHS Confederation as item 1.2 of the supplementary documents to the GMS contract 2003(103)”
In addition, clause 20.20 of the NHS England Standard Personal Medical Services Agreement August 2024 states:
“The Contractor may only offer employment to a medical practitioner who is to be appointed as a salaried general practitioner on terms and conditions which are no less favourable than those contained in the document entitled “Model terms and conditions of service for a salaried general practitioner employed by a GMS practice” published by the British Medical Association and the NHS Confederation as item 1..2 of the supplementary documents to the new GMS contract 2003 (this document is available at salaried-gp-handbook-updateoct2022.pdf ).”.