Leadership and management
for all doctors
General Medical Council
standards@gmc-uk.org www.gmc-uk.org/leadership
Overview: Leadership and management for all doctors
Leadership and management for all doctors sets out the
wider management and leadership responsibilities of
doctors in the workplace, including:
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responsibilities relating to employment issues
teaching and training
planning, using and managing resources
raising and acting on concerns
helping to develop and improve services.
The guidance applies to all doctors, whether they work
directly with patients or in a formal management role.
Background: The GMC’s statutory power to advise
The Medical Act 1983 gives the GMC power to provide, in
such manner as the Council think fit, advice for members of
the medical profession on –
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standards of professional conduct;
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standards of professional performance; or
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medical ethics
Background: The GMC’s Guidance on good practice
Personal Beliefs
in Medical Practice
Reporting
Convictions
Good Practice in
Prescribing
Good practice in
Research &
Consent to research
Acting as an
Expert Witness
Development of Leadership and management
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Last review was 2004/6 – published Management for
doctors in 2006
Part of the regular review of all GMC guidance to
ensure it is:
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Up to date
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Reflects a consensus between doctors and the
public
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Is relevant to doctors’ practice
This review started in November 2009
New edition published in January 2012
Development: Initial scoping and Consultation
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Early scoping of likely issues between Nov 09 and Jan
10; Working group formed April 2010
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Consultation launched 7 March; closed 3 June 2011
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Two separate questionnaires (long and short)
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Also consulted on Raising and acting on concerns
about patient safety and Writing references
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Publication follows two years of development, Jan 2009
– Jan 2011
Summary of Leadership and management
Leadership and management for all doctors:
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Establishes a framework of principles within which
doctors can exercise professional judgement
Sets out the wider management and leadership
responsibilities of doctors in the workplace
Recognises that the implementation of principles
will differ depending on role/responsibilities
Emphasises promoting strong and effective
management and leadership for all doctors
The guidance was published in January and came
into effect 12 March 2012
What’s new in Leadership and management?
New guidance on:
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Duties of a doctor in the workplace
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Leadership
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Planning, using and managing resources
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Induction and mentoring
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Performance review and revalidation
And the guidance is separated to apply to ‘all doctors’ and
‘doctors with extra responsibilities’
What’s new: Duties of a doctor in the workplace
Doctors must:
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Engage with colleagues to maintain and improve the
safety and quality of patient care.
Contribute to discussions and decisions about improving
the quality of services and outcomes.
Raise and act on concerns about patient safety.
Demonstrate effective team working and leadership.
Promote a working environment free from unfair
discrimination, bullying and harassment, bearing in mind
that colleagues and patients come from diverse
backgrounds.
Contribute to teaching and training doctors and other
healthcare professionals, including by acting as a
positive role model.
Use resources efficiently for the benefit of patients and
the public. (para 2)
What’s new: Leadership
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Focus on wider management and leadership
responsibilities of doctors in the workplace
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Concept of ‘Shared leadership’:
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‘The formal leader of the team is accountable for
the performance of the team, but the responsibility
for identifying problems, solving them and
implementing the appropriate action is shared by
the team as a whole.’ (para 3)
What’s new: Using resources
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A new, clearer approach to the skills and competencies
that all doctors need to effectively manage resources:
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‘Whatever your role or level in your organisation,
whether you are a junior, non-training grade or other
doctor, you should be willing to demonstrate leadership
in managing and using resources effectively.’ (para 79)
What’s new: Induction
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Emphasis on the importance of access to induction and
mentoring for all doctors:
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‘You must take part in the induction offered by your employer
when you join an organisation or move into a new role. You
should also contribute to the induction of colleagues when
asked.’ (para 54)
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And, doctors with ‘extra responsibilities’ must ensure induction
is provided.
Learning materials
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Case study on raising and acting on concerns
about patient safety
Webpage exploring ‘shared leadership’
Online resources to help doctors with difficult
discussions with their patients
Good Medical Practice in Action
Do you want to know more?
Email: standards@gmc-uk.org
Web: www.gmc-uk.org/leadership