The power of three: Working as a triumvirate in primary care

Leadership roles in general practice have traditionally been filled by GPs and practice managers. However, increasingly practice nurses are being recognised for their unique contribution in steering commissioning and clinical decisions.

A new model piloted in the West Midlands is experimenting with giving all three positions the same level of leadership responsibilities.

The Triumvirate Leadership Programme was developed by Karen Storey, primary care lead nurse at Health Education West Midlands, Dr Martin Wilkinson, director of GP postgraduate education at Health Education West Midlands and Ararna, a healthcare consultancy business. The aim was to explore a new path of shared leadership in general practice. Health Education England commissioned Ararna to deliver the programme around the concept developed by Health Education West Midlands. The course took place over six months, between March and September 2015.