Case Study: Mid & South Essex General Practice Provider Collaborative

Client: Mid & South Essex General Practice Provider Collaborative (GPPC)

Date: October 2024 - Ongoing

Challenges faced by the client:

The Mid and South Essex General Practice Provider Collaborative (GPPC) faced several challenges that necessitated the support of Mutual Ventures. The GPPC required extensive engagement at Primary Care Network (PCN), Alliance, and System levels. However, their internal capacity was limited, which made it crucial to listen actively to the concerns of GPs to ease remaining tensions and foster a collaborative environment.

Given the complexity and nuance of true Alliance and System working, the GPPC needed dedicated and objective external support. They had to balance stakeholder engagement with maintaining strategic momentum while overcoming scepticism regarding the effectiveness of historic initiatives.

Additionally, the GPPC needed to address concerns about GPs’ perception that the Left Shift (Out Of Hospital) agenda would add to their workloads. It was essential to ensure that discussions within the GPPC were connected to the realities faced by individual practices.

Mutual Ventures provided the necessary external support to help the GPPC navigate these challenges and achieve their strategic goals.

Support offered:

Mutual Ventures provided a comprehensive range of support to the GPPC to address their challenges and achieve their strategic goals. They conducted an in-depth review of existing programme documentation and assessed the progression of current governance proposals for the GPPC. Considering future options for the governance structure, Mutual Ventures supported the development of the structure, membership, and Terms of Reference for the proposed GPPC strategic forum.

Mutual Ventures also assisted in the development of reporting mechanisms, ensuring clear lines of sight and alignment with existing governance. This included assessing programme risks, determining risk appetite and tolerance, and proposing mitigation strategies.

Mutual Ventures engaged continuously with a wide range of stakeholders, attending and presenting at stakeholder and system forums as required. This engagement ensured that the GPPC's initiatives were well-informed and effectively communicated across all levels of the healthcare system.

Outcome achieved:

Substantial progress has been made in strengthening the GPPC's role in the local healthcare system. Key achievements include successful implementation of pragmatic and adaptable governance arrangements, ensuring ongoing effectiveness, in differing contexts and as the GPPC evolves. Approval of a high-level vision for the GPPC and a clear set principles, ensuring that Primary Care has a unified voice at system level and influences system strategies. System working has included a summit focusing on Neurodevelopment Challenges for Children and Families in January 2025 and a Left Shift workshop, using diabetes as a practical example.

 “To guide the establishment of the GPPC, we engaged Matt Carter from Mutual Ventures, whose experience in organisational development has been invaluable. His role has been central to refining our governance and strategic direction. Through his leadership, we have undertaken a series of consultations with GPs across the region, ensuring that our priorities reflect the needs and concerns of practices. This approach has allowed us to build a collaborative structure that truly represents GPs and fosters system-wide partnership.”

Anna Davey, Partner Member (Primary Care), NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board