Who should be responsible for policies in a GP practice?
Policy management needs clear ownership, appropriate expertise and oversight. Explore how Practice Managers, partners and clinical leads can share the work, with defined responsibilities for reviewing, approving and implementing policies.
How to evidence that staff have read important policies
A reading acknowledgement is useful, but it does not establish understanding or competence. Learn how to record policy reading, link acknowledgements to the correct version and check that staff understand the instructions relevant to their roles.
How should GP practices manage policy review dates?
Keeping reviews on track takes more than a date in a document header. Find out how a policy register, named owners, reminders and clear escalation arrangements can help practices manage deadlines and overdue work.
How often should GP practice policies be reviewed?
There is no single review interval that suits every GP practice policy. Learn how to set appropriate review dates, recognise changes that need earlier attention and record what a review has actually checked.
Policy versus protocol versus procedure: what is the difference?
Policies set expectations, protocols guide responses and procedures explain practical steps. Understand how these documents work together, when separate guidance is useful and how to avoid gaps, duplication or conflicting instructions.
How to prepare a policy library before a CQC assessment
Prepare your policy library by checking current versions, local accuracy and evidence of everyday use. This guide explains how to prioritise gaps, involve policy owners, brief staff and keep an honest record of outstanding work.
What does CQC expect to see regarding policies?
Policies help demonstrate governance when they reflect actual practice and staff understand them. Explore CQC’s expectations in England and the relationship between written guidance, clear responsibilities, implementation and supporting evidence.
What policies should a GP practice have?
The policies a GP practice needs depend on its services, responsibilities and risks. This guide explains how to identify the right documents, check for gaps and build a library that supports everyday work.
What happens when GP practice policies are out of date?
An overdue review date does not automatically mean a policy is wrong, but outdated instructions can create real risks. Learn how to assess the content, prioritise action and manage gaps while a review is completed.
How to organise a GP practice policy library
A useful policy library makes current guidance easy to find and maintain. This guide covers document categories, naming, version control and archiving, with practical steps for tackling duplicates and policies scattered across different locations.