• Over 400 appointments made
• Database of 2000+ appointable candidates developed.
• 42 Primary care networks supported across an entire ICB footprint.

The Challenge 

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) was introduced in 2019 as a key part of the government’s commitment to improve access to general practice.

Through the scheme, primary care networks (PCNs) could claim reimbursement for the salaries (and some on costs) of 15 new role types within their primary care teams, selected to meet the needs of the local population. 

An Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned MIAA Solutions to generate an appointable pool of candidates to support the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to meet their recruitment ambition for the ARRS programme.

The Outcome 

Estimated saving of £1m in agency frees as a result of the service. MIAA delivered an increase in high calibre, appointable candidates, and improved vacancy fill rates across the ICB footprint. We shared learning across the system, such as the potential use of General Practitioner Assistants, to reduce the pressure and responsibilities of the GPs and supported career development pathways for Healthcare Assistants to become Trainee Nursing Associates. 

In supporting the PCNs to expand general practice capacity, patient access was improved, this also enabled PCNs to offer a wider the range of services to patients in primary care. This meant that more patients could be seen in the general practice environment and did not default to A&E.

The Approach 

MIAA designed and delivered a solution to develop a skilled candidate pool supported by a dedicated recruitment website created specifically to support the programme. We promoted the vacancies via social media and provided monthly reporting across the footprint.
MIAA provided expert recruitment advice and guidance to the PCNs that delivered efficiencies in a variety of ways. 

• We built a database of 2000+ appointable candidates, and we able to circulate relevant CVs to PCNs to align with their vacancies.
• We also advertised Expression of Interest job adverts – to ensure a consistent supply of suitable candidates were available.
• We ensured the candidate sift criteria was smart and tailored to each PCN culture and requirements.
• We screened the candidates to check their right to work and suitability to the role.
• We helped with candidates to prepare for interview, sharing insight of working in the sector, preparing interview questions to ensure the job was right for them.
• We also helped the PCNs plan their recruitment timetables and encouraged flexibility in the recruitment process i.e. conducting online interviews where suitable and convenient for candidates and recruitment teams. 

The NHSE funding for this programme ended on 31st March 24, however MIAA will share the learning and the formula of generating candidates to avoiding agency fees and benefits of resourcing at-scale, to other systems and sectors.

Taking learning from the resourcing at scale formula we are enhancing the service to support redeployment between Trusts which will assist the collaboration programmes.

For more information about our how we can support your organisation, contact Steve Warburton, Director of Director of Delivery – Healthcare & Transformation.