Non-Clinical Roles in Primary Care
What you need to know…
About Non-Clinical Roles
While many people think of doctors and nurses when they picture the NHS, there are also a wide variety of non-clinical roles that play a vital part in keeping everything running smoothly – especially in Primary Care and General Practice.
From managing appointments and patient records to coordinating services or supporting finance, IT, HR, and communications, non-clinical staff help ensure patients receive safe, effective, and timely care. These roles are essential to the daily running of GP surgeries, health centres, and wider Primary Care Networks.
Whether you’re organised, creative, people-focused, or analytical, there’s a non-clinical role that could be the perfect fit for you. With opportunities to learn, grow, and make a real difference in your community, a career in Primary Care could be your next step.
The General Practice Assistant role assists in routine admin tasks and basic clinical duties, such as arranging follow up appointments, managing post / emails, completing paperwork for the GP to approve and sign and helping the GP to liaise with other organisations.
- Worked in General Practice and is already considered competent in good patient care
- Be DBS enhanced level checked
- Make a commitment to 6–9-month GPA learning programme (minimum 1 day per week)
- Confirm a dedicated, named GP mentor who can guarantee regular tutorials
A Medical Secretary provides essential administrative support to GPs and other healthcare professionals in a practice setting. They are responsible for tasks such as typing and sending referral letters, managing correspondence, handling medical reports, and ensuring patient records are accurate and up to date.
They often liaise with hospitals, specialists, and other healthcare providers to coordinate appointments and follow-ups for patients. Discretion and confidentiality are key, as they work with sensitive medical information daily.
Strong typing skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of medical terminology are important in this role. A calm, organised approach and the ability to prioritise work effectively make a Medical Secretary an invaluable part of the practice team.
Health Records Staff and Summarisers play a crucial role in managing and maintaining accurate patient records within a GP practice. They ensure that vital health information is correctly recorded, organised, and easily accessible to clinicians when needed.
A key part of the role involves summarising new patient records—reviewing incoming medical notes (often from previous GP practices or hospitals) and entering important clinical information into the patient’s digital record using appropriate coding systems.
They may also be responsible for scanning, filing, updating existing records, and supporting the practice team with data searches and audits. Accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail are essential, as this information directly supports safe, effective patient care.
This behind-the-scenes role is ideal for someone who is organised, methodical, and interested in the information side of healthcare.
A Care Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting patients—especially those with long-term conditions or more complex health and social care needs. Working as part of a GP practice or Primary Care Network (PCN), they help to organise care, keep patients informed, and make sure everyone involved in a patient’s care is working together.
This might include arranging appointments, following up on test results, helping patients understand their care plans, and connecting them with community services or support. Care Coordinators are often the link between patients, GPs, nurses, hospitals, and social care teams.
The role requires excellent communication and organisation skills, a caring approach, and a genuine interest in improving patients’ experiences. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a direct difference in people’s lives—without being in a clinical role.
A Finance Manager in Primary Care is responsible for managing the financial health of a GP practice or group of practices. They oversee budgets, monitor income and expenditure, process payroll, and ensure the practice meets financial regulations and reporting requirements.
Their work includes preparing financial reports, managing claims for NHS funding (such as QOF or enhanced services), and advising the management team on financial planning and sustainability. They may also liaise with external accountants, NHS commissioners, and suppliers.
This is a key strategic role that supports decision-making and long-term planning, ensuring the practice can continue delivering high-quality patient care. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of NHS finance systems are essential.
An Administration Manager in a GP practice or Primary Care setting is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative operations of the service. They manage a team of admin staff (such as receptionists and medical secretaries), coordinate rotas, ensure patient records are maintained accurately, and support the smooth running of appointments, referrals, and communication systems.
They play a key role in making sure the practice runs efficiently and meets NHS standards, while also helping to improve the patient experience. This role often involves problem-solving, staff management, data reporting, and working closely with clinical and management teams.
Strong organisational, communication, and leadership skills are essential – and it’s a great role for someone who enjoys responsibility, variety, and making a difference behind the scenes.
Practice managers are vital to the successful running of GP surgeries. You’ll manage the business aspect of the surgery, making sure that patients are at the centre of the surgery’s operations.
- Educated to high grade GCSEs and/or work experience
- Educated to A levels/equivalent
- Educated to a graduate level
- Experience working as a Manager in Primary Care
- Relevant qualification in Business Management or equivalent (MBA, DMS or AMSPAR)
Receptionists are often the first point of contact for patients at a GP practice, playing a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment. They handle a wide range of tasks, including booking appointments, answering phone calls, managing patient queries, and supporting the day-to-day running of the practice.
As the “front desk” of the practice, receptionists help patients access the care they need—whether that’s arranging to see a GP, signposting to other services, or dealing with prescription requests and admin tasks.
The role requires excellent communication skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Confidentiality is also crucial, as receptionists handle sensitive personal and medical information.
It’s a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys helping others, working as part of a team, and being at the heart of a busy healthcare setting.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and employers to build a workforce with future ready skills. Apprenticeships are a great option for current staff development and to recruit and develop new staff. Find out more about Apprenticeships and T-Levels Here.
Resources & Information
There are plenty of helpful tools out there to explore your options – from role guides to career quizzes and info on how to get started. Whether you’re into people, planning, or problem-solving, there’s a role for you in Primary Care.
Primary Care
Click the links below to find out more about Primary Care Roles in the NHS…
Whether you’re already working across the region and you’re looking for local training and education opportunities or if you’re thinking about joining our local workforce, then we hope our pages will help you to find out more about what a great place this is to work.
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