We know that selecting the best applicant is one of the most important decisions for a practice. The right choice will be key to the future development, performance and stability of the business. The wrong choice can have disastrous and long-lasting consequences.

The process of selecting the right candidate can be a daunting one. The practice may not have the resources or expertise to manage such an important and time-consuming recruitment project. There may be pressures to appoint a doctor already known who may not necessarily be the best person for the job. There may be uncertainty or differences of opinion about what is needed or the terms to be offered. In today’s job market, practices looking for a new GP can be swamped with enquiries and indiscriminate applications making it difficult to decide on a short-list.

Every practice is different. We understand this and we pride ourselves on our customised, confidential and expert service. We develop a close and trusted relationship with the practice which is responsive to their needs and delivers high quality.

Since the introduction of the new GP Contract practices have had more discretion when a GP vacancy arises. Deciding on a partner or salaried GP, full or part-time, is often the starting point. There may be special skills, either clinical or managerial, which would be useful for the practice. We can talk through the options and advise on the benefits and how to avoid the pitfalls.

Our service is tailor-made to each practice and includes:

• Meeting with the partners and other members of the practice team
• Discussing the practice’s requirements
• Advising on the options
• Preparing a comprehensive practice profile and personal specification
• Advising on advertising
• Marketing the vacancy on our website
• Providing information to potential candidates
• Dealing with enquiries
• Using our specially designed application form
• Assessing applications
• Advising on a short-list of the best applicants
• Providing information to the partners on relevant legislation
• Ensuring avoidance of discrimination
• Running a two-day structured interviewing process
• Assessing clinical, communication, managerial and team-working skills
• Offering personality profiling or other resources as required
• Facilitating the final decision
• Advising on the offer
• Advising on the final offer
• Providing on-going support and advice
• Providing a service guarantee