Mandatory training requirements for general practice

Here at The Mandatory Training Group, we receive many enquiries regarding statutory and mandatory training requirements for general practice (GP practice) staff. Many GP practices often need clarification on which course their clinical and non-clinical staff should complete and how often. It does not help that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) does not have a specific list of subjects that should be considered.

In this article, Dr Richard Dune discusses the mandatory and statutory training considerations for general practices. He will also include the latest guidance from CQC, which was issued in January 2023.

CQC mandatory training requirements for GP practices

Contrary to common beliefs, the CQC does not have a specific list of statutory and mandatory training courses for GP practices. It is not the CQC's responsibility to identify mandatory and statutory training requirements for members of the GP practice team.

The exact training requirements will depend on the following factors:

• The GP practice’s role and specific responsibilities
• The needs of the individuals using the service.

GP practice responsibilities for mandatory training

GP practices are responsible for determining what statutory/mandatory and additional training is necessary for their staff. They must also determine how the identified training will be delivered. Online training may be acceptable if the providers have evidence that their staff possess the necessary competencies, skills, and knowledge.

Individual GP practices must meet the following requirements:

• Decide what training is mandatory and how it will be delivered
• Make it clear to staff what training they should complete
• Keep track of how staff engage with training
• Maintain the training records for all their staff.

Supporting GP practice staff with mandatory training

To deliver safe, high-quality care and treatment, GP practices must take reasonable steps to support their staff. The purpose of this is to ensure the safety of both patients and practice staff. The CQC will take regulatory action if this does not occur.

GP practices should only ask someone to work outside their regular scope of practice if it is within their competence and not against their will. In addition, they must be adequately supported and supervised.

It is inappropriate for healthcare workers to be expected to perform activities for which they have not been trained or need to possess the necessary skills. A GP practice may need to offer staff training or development to ensure their skills and knowledge are current.

The clinician must be registered with a professional organisation to perform specific roles. It is still necessary for service providers to comply with the requirements of that professional regulator.

Health and Social Care Act mandatory training requirements

A new legal requirement was introduced by the Health and Care Act 2022 on 1 July 2022. It is the responsibility of all providers registered with the CQC to ensure that their staff receive training to provide support to autistic people and persons with learning disabilities. It is not the responsibility of the CQC to tell providers precisely how they should comply with your legal requirements regarding this training.

COVID-19 and GP practice training

A recent update to the Care Quality Commission (CQC)'s guidance has removed Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic training from statutory and mandatory requirements for general practitioners.

The CQC has updated its website with information about the new requirement for staff to receive training to support autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities.

CQC inspections and mandatory training

The CQC uses their regulations to review whether the practice is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.

During inspections, they may not be able to assess every regulation. However, the CQC will use Regulation 18 (Staffing) if staffing concerns exist.

CQC Regulation 18 (Staffing)

The CQC will examine whether the practice has the sufficient qualified, competent, skilled, and experienced staff to meet the needs of the people using the service at all times, including:

• When they begin employment
• Upon taking on new responsibilities
• On an ongoing basis.

A CQC inspection focuses on identifying and addressing the learning needs of staff and ensuring that they have the appropriate training to meet these needs and perform their duties properly.

Evidence of mandatory and standard training

Although the CQC does not have a definitive list of mandatory training for GP practices, they expect to see evidence of training to minimise workplace risks.

The core statutory and mandatory training subjects for general practitioners are:

• Basic life support
• Infection prevention and control
• Health, safety and welfare
• Fire safety awareness
• Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Safeguarding adults at risk and safeguarding children training at the appropriate level
• Information governance/data security awareness.

CQC inspectors may ask the GP practice to provide documentation demonstrating that clinical staff have been trained in their specific clinical responsibilities. For example, nursing staff would be expected to have received training in taking samples for cervical screening or administering vaccines. Clinical staff should also be appropriately trained in treating minor illnesses and long-term conditions for extended roles.

Conclusion

In summary, general practices must determine what training is mandatory for staff members and what additional training is required. Providers must also specify how the training will be delivered. Online training may only be accepted if the provider has evidence that their staff possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to ensure providing safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led services.

Click here to see online courses and resources that will help you and your organisation to comply with your mandatory training requirements.

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