As Parliament passes the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would allow terminally ill individuals with fewer than six months to live to request an assisted death, public debate is intensifying. Polling shows widespread public support—but from inside the NHS, the picture is far more nuanced, says a Retired Practice Manager.

The new 10-year plan for the NHS, released July 2025, contains many measures which may require staff to be trained in new and developing ways. In this article, Thornfields healthcare training specialists, part of FPM Group and the Stericycle family, explore some of the main measures announced. What new ways of working will they bring, and how can you get ahead of the curve by anticipating the training you and your staff will benefit from?

FPM members can access a comprehensive selection of policies, templates and toolkits on our flagship FPM Core software.

Constructive dismissal remains one of the most challenging and often misunderstood areas of employment law. It occurs when an employee feels compelled to resign because their employer has fundamentally breached the terms of their contract,  damaging implied term of trust and confidence. But how can you avoid such claims in the first place?

In an era of tightening regulations, heightened scrutiny, and growing public demand for transparency, a “tick-box” approach to compliance is no longer enough. Many organisations proudly point to their compliance policies as proof of integrity — but when was the last time you asked: Is this policy actually fit for purpose?

Plastic Free July is fast approaching, a month dedicated to reducing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics. But as a GP practice, what can you do to reduce the plastic waste in your surgery?

Another month is about to begin, which means even more Awareness Days are on the horizon. Take a look at what is coming up this month and click below to download a PDF.

After more than 20 years as a Practice Manager across three very different NHS practices, I finally retired earlier this year. Having spent years contributing articles and shaping policies for FPM, I once imagined retirement would leave me restless—struggling to fill the time I once devoted to work. But, as many before me have discovered, life quickly finds ways to fill the gaps.

Getting the balance right when keeping in touch with an employee who is off sick can be tricky. Many managers worry about saying the wrong thing, or making the situation worse. Some avoid contact altogether or are unsure who is responsible for maintaining communication. Being too cautious can mean employees return to work without the right support, and some may even leave the organisation altogether.

Managing a healthcare practice is demanding enough without the added stress of meeting Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and staying on top of policy updates. For many practice managers, compliance isn't just a task—it’s a constant source of anxiety.