• Is coaching really for me?

We firmly believe that coaching enhances personal development and wellbeing overall and therefore is appropriate for all GPs. Our team of GP coaches receive excellent feedback and aim to support early career GPs with their personal and professional development. The coaching offer is flexible to the needs of the client and the timing of the sessions are at a mutually convenient time. Here are a selection of comments from previous clients who have had GP coaching via the Phoenix Programme:

“Great to get to know someone and gain a different perspective”
“Sensible and practical advice tailored to me”
“Being able to be honest and open about my issues without any conflict of interest”
“It’s a great way to discuss my experiences and plan my next steps.”

• Am I guaranteed a place if I am eligible and apply?

There are a limited number of spaces on the Early Career GP Support Scheme based on the funding available and therefore eligible early career GPs are encouraged to apply now. Whilst priority will be given to Nottinghamshire GPs who are within two years of CCT, Phoenix Programme will consider applications from Nottinghamshire GPs more than two years post-CCT and within five years of CCT on a case by case basis.

• Can I apply for the New to Practice Fellowship?

NHSE funded New to Practice Fellowship is no longer open to new applications from 1 April 2024. This is a national decision taken by NHSE, however the Phoenix Programme have fed back to regional and national teams and advocated for this decision to be reviewed. The Early Career GP Support Scheme offers GPs within the first two years of CCT an opportunity for fully funded coaching and mentorship and fully funded CPD sessions.

• Is there funding to take part in the scheme?

As there is no longer NHSE funding for the New to Practice Fellowship for new applicants from April 2024, there is no fellowship payment available for individuals. GPs on the Phoenix Early Career GP Support Scheme do however benefit from fully funded coaching and education programme as part of this local Nottinghamshire offer.

• I work as a locum both in and outside of Nottinghamshire, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, we welcome applications from locums who do some or all of their work in Nottinghamshire.

• Who will be my coach?

We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic and experienced group of coaches who are local GP colleagues from across Nottinghamshire. Our coaches have a broad range of personal experience and career paths and all coaches have undertaken appropriate training for this role.

• Can I change my coach?

We will endeavour to match you to a coach who will be best placed to support you, however there may be circumstances where you feel that you may wish to change your coach. Reasons may include if there is a recognised conflict of interest, difficulty in meeting up due to rota clashes or you simply feel that you do not “gel” or are not the “right fit” together. You are able to contact the Phoenix Team by email to discuss this further and any such requests will be dealt with sensitively.