Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS)

Derbyshire’s Local New to Practice Scheme

Home Training & Development Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS)

New to General Practice? Start Your Career With Confidence

Your first year in General Practice can be exciting, rewarding and challenging in equal measure. Whether you're a newly qualified GP or Nurse, having the right support around you can make all the difference.

The Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS) is a funded development programme from The Hub Plus Derbyshire, designed to help clinicians build confidence, strengthen clinical skills and develop professional networks during their first year in practice.

Through education, coaching, networking and funded learning opportunities, EPSS helps you make a successful transition into General Practice while supporting your long-term career development.

Who Is EPSS For?

You may be eligible to join EPSS if you:

  • Are a GP who qualified within the last 12 months
  • Are a Nurse who qualified, or transferred into General Practice, within the last 12 months
  • Work within a Derbyshire General Practice

How EPSS Supports You:

Develop Your Knowledge and Confidence

Join a programme of expert-led educational sessions designed to support the realities of day-to-day General Practice.

Topics are chosen to help newly qualified clinicians build confidence, broaden their clinical knowledge and develop the skills needed to thrive in Primary Care.

You'll also have opportunities to:

  • Learn from experienced professionals
  • Network with colleagues across Derbyshire
  • Share experiences and challenges
  • Reflect on your professional development

Sessions are delivered online, with up to four face-to-face events each year.

Connect With Other Nurses

Coffee and Connect is a dedicated quarterly networking session for Nurses new to General Practice.

These informal online meetings provide a supportive space to:

  • Meet fellow Nurses from across Derbyshire
  • Discuss real-life scenarios
  • Learn from guest speakers
  • Share experiences and good practice
  • Build lasting professional connections

Many participants tell us these sessions become an invaluable source of support throughout their first year.

Access Professional Coaching

All EPSS participants can access free one-to-one coaching to support their transition into practice.

The coaching offer includes:

  • Six one-hour online sessions
  • An experienced professional coach
  • Personalised support focused on confidence, wellbeing and career development

Whether you're adapting to a new role, managing change or exploring future career opportunities, coaching can help you navigate the journey with greater confidence.

Protected Learning Time Funding

To support attendance at EPSS activities, funding is available to help practices release staff for learning and development.

Funding available:

Nurses

  • Up to £960 per year

GPs

  • Up to £1,440 per year

£500 Learning and Development Bursary

Participants can apply for a bursary of up to £500 to support additional learning opportunities that align with local neighbourhood priorities.

Funding can be used towards:

  • Conferences
  • Educational courses
  • Training events
  • Professional development activities

You can find information about local population health priorities and neighbourhood needs here.

Supporting Clinicians Across Derbyshire

What Participants Say:

 

"The Hub Plus team have been amazing and supportive throughout the scheme. They are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, and all the team have been fantastic. I’m so glad I’ve had them to support my journey to becoming a GPN." - Derbyshire GPN

"The scheme was incredibly helpful, with really relevant topics and the flexibility to catch up through recordings when childcare responsibilities meant I couldn't attend in person. The Hub Plus team were always quick to respond to any queries, making this an excellent scheme that I'd highly recommend to others." - Derbyshire GP

Education and networking programme:

Join a programme of learning, networking and professional development opportunities designed specifically for clinicians in their first year of General Practice.

Date & Time

Topic

 Format Audience

21 October - 12-2pm

Palliative Care

 Online

GP and Nurse

19 November - 12-2pm

Coffee and Connect

 Online Nurse

25 November - 12-2pm

Celebrating your journey

In person

GP and Nurse

9 December - 12-2pm

 Menopause

Online

GP and Nurse

20 January - 12-2pm

Leadership

 Online

GP and Nurse

10 February - 12-2pm

Portfolio careers

Online

 GP and Nurse

February (date to be confirmed)

Coffee and Connect

 Online

Nurse

17 March - 12-2pm

 Wellbeing In person GP and Nurse

The programme from April onwards is currently being developed and will be published here once confirmed.

Why Choose EPSS?

Starting your career in General Practice shouldn't mean navigating it alone.

EPSS provides the support, development opportunities and professional connections that help newly qualified clinicians feel confident, capable and connected.

By investing in your development now, you'll build strong foundations for a rewarding and sustainable career in Primary Care.

Apply Today

Ready to get started?

Complete our short Expression of Interest form and a member of The Hub Plus team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility and next steps.

Apply for the Early Practice Support Scheme

Meet the EPSS Team: 

Georgia Bourne

Georgia is the New to Practice Nurse Lead for Derbyshire. She supports newly qualified and new-to-General Practice Nurses through mentoring, networking opportunities and career development support.

Passionate about helping Nurses thrive in Primary Care, Georgia also contributes to workforce development initiatives across Derbyshire, including the New to Practice Portal and clinical pathway development projects.

Dr Eilise Brogan

Eilise is a Derbyshire GP with a portfolio career spanning clinical practice, Quality Improvement and support for newly qualified GPs.

Alongside her clinical work, she works with the University of Nottingham and has a particular interest in professional development, sustainable careers and supporting healthcare professionals to thrive throughout their working lives.

Dr Gail Walton 

Gail was a GP Partner for 34 years and has held a number of leadership, mentoring and educational roles throughout her career.

As the long-standing lead for Derbyshire's New to Practice programme, she remains passionate about supporting clinicians as they begin their careers in General Practice and helping them build confidence, resilience and professional fulfilment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a minimum attendance requirement?

Yes. Participants are expected to attend at least one EPSS Educational Session and/or Coffee and Connect session each quarter.

If you're unable to attend live, session recordings are available through the Hub Plus Learning Portal.

How does protected learning time funding work?

At the end of your 12-month programme, you'll complete a self-declaration confirming you've met the programme requirements. Once approved, your employer can submit an invoice using the EPSS project code.

I'm completing the Fundamentals of Practice Nursing PG Cert. Can I still join EPSS?

Yes. You can participate in both programmes at the same time or choose to join EPSS after completing the Fundamentals course.

How do I apply for the training bursary?

Simply email a brief summary of the educational activity you'd like to undertake, explaining how it aligns with local neighbourhood priorities.

Do I have to access coaching?

Coaching is strongly encouraged but entirely flexible and can be arranged around your individual needs and workload.

What happens if I move to another Derbyshire practice?

You can remain on the scheme. Please let both your new practice and the EPSS team know so funding and programme records can be updated.

What happens if I move outside Derbyshire?

Unfortunately, EPSS is only available to clinicians working in Derbyshire General Practice. We recommend contacting your new Training Hub or Integrated Care Board for information about local support programmes.

Can I leave the scheme if my circumstances change?

Yes. Simply contact the EPSS team and we'll update your records.

Is Tier 2 Visa reimbursement available?

Yes. The Hub Plus Derbyshire offers reimbursement of up to £590 towards Tier 2 Visa costs. Please contact the team for more information.