• To support high-quality training across Primary Care, a streamlined process is now in place for approving GP Practices as Learning Environments.
• Previously, Practices often had to complete multiple approval processes to meet the requirements of different regulatory bodies and Higher Education Institutions. This created duplication and added administrative burden for practices wishing to host learners.
• To address this, NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education Directorate introduced a single, streamlined process for the approval and ongoing quality assurance of Learning Environments (previously known as Training Practices).
• This approach has been recognised and endorsed by key regulatory bodies, including the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the Council of Deans.
• Under this simplified framework, GP Practices can now seek approval collectively within a Primary Care Network (PCN). This enables practices to work together as learning environments, sharing resources, supervision and estates to support a wider range of multi-professional learners.
• The new process supports the development of sustainable training capacity across Primary Care, helping practices play an important role in developing the future workforce.

• OPTION 1: If you are already an approved Training Practice – that is a Learning Environment but wish to seek approval to host additional multi-professional learners, a short desk top review may only be required and can be undertaken by the Staffordshire Training Hub team. For further guidance and information, please email the Staffordshire Training Hub Education Quality Lead, Dr Catherine Harris at mdat.staffordshire@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk

• OPTION 2: If your Practice wishes to join up with another Practice within your Primary Care Network (PCN), to seek approval as a Joint Learning Environment, then a new application must be completed and reviewed by the Staffordshire Training Hub Multi-disciplinary Assessment Team (MDAT). Please complete the Application Form below or email the Staffordshire Training Hub Education Quality Lead, Dr Catherine Harris at mdat.staffordshire@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk.

• OPTION 3: If you are not a Training Practice – that is a Learning Environment but wish to seek approval to host additional multi-professional learners, then a new application must be completed and reviewed by the Staffordshire Training Hub Multi-disciplinary Assessment Team (MDAT). Please complete the Application Form below or email the Staffordshire Training Hub Education Quality Lead, Dr Catherine Harris at mdat.staffordshire@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk.

• Please click here to download the Application Form.
• For further information, guidance or support, please email the Staffordshire Training Hub Education Quality Lead, Dr Catherine Harris at mdat.staffordshire@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk

For further information please click here to watch a short animated video