Understanding the Primary Care Context
We recognise that Primary Care is under increasing pressure — juggling rising demand, complex patient needs, and limited time. At the same time, the sector is playing a central role in shifting towards more personalised, preventative care. A key part of this transformation is the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), which has introduced new roles like Health and Wellbeing Coaches, Care Coordinators, and Social Prescribing Link Workers into Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
The Increasing Importance of Integration
These ARRS roles are designed to relieve pressure on GPs, improve access, and strengthen person-centred approaches — but they need meaningful integration, supervision, and support. Without this, there is a risk of role confusion, isolation, and under-utilisation. We recognise the importance of embedding these roles within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) with a shared understanding of their value and contribution.
Current Challenges in Practice
Despite progress, many Primary Care teams face persistent challenges. High workloads and increasing demand have led to widespread fatigue and rising burnout among clinical and non-clinical staff alike. For many ARRS professionals, supervision and support are inconsistent, making it difficult to develop confidence or feel fully integrated. At the same time, the lack of protected learning time often means that workforce development is deprioritised — even when it’s most needed. Addressing these barriers is essential to sustaining a resilient, effective workforce.
Workforce Development Priorities
Effective workforce development in Primary Care must focus on:
Our Experience
TPC Health has worked extensively across Primary Care — partnering with PCNs, Training Hubs, and GP Federations to deliver tailored programmes for ARRS roles and wider MDTs. We have for example:
Our training focuses on practical skills, professional identity, and embedded application in practice. Whether you’re supporting new roles or building collaborative, person-centred teams, we bring the expertise and insight needed to make workforce development in Primary Care both meaningful and sustainable.
The Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Apprenticeship:
