Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS)

Derbyshire’s Local New to Practice Scheme

Home Your Support Hub Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS)

Designed to ease your transition into the world of General Practice

Early Practice Support Scheme (EPSS) is a funded, high quality educational programme tailored to the needs of clinicians who are new to general practice in Derbyshire. An opportunity to join a supportive community, make valuable connections and get plugged into the Hub Plus’s essential resources and services.

This scheme is funded by the Hub Plus Derbyshire up to March 2027. It replaced the national New to Practice scheme when funding ceased in March 2024.

Is it for you?

You can join the scheme if you:

  • Are a GP or Nurse
  • Have qualified within the last 12 months
  • Work in General Practice in Derbyshire

What will you get?

  • Monthly educational sessions
  • Funding to release your time to participate
  • Access to Hub Plus coaching service
  • Bursary to support wider training

“It has given me the extra support needed in the initial phases post training as in most cases you’re just thrown into GP practice but this scheme has helped ease that transition process”

Funding to release your time

The scheme provides funding your employer can claim to release your time to participate in the educational sessions for a period of 12 months.

  • GP: up to £1440 per year
  • Nurse: up to £960 per year

Access to coaching services

You are eligible for free coaching sessions to facilitate your transition into your new role. The coaching service offers 6x 1hour online sessions with an experienced coach.

Wider training bursary

You can apply for a bursary of up to £500 for a specific educational activity that is in line with your neighbourhood priorities during your 12 months on the scheme. This could be attending a conference or training event.

2026 Educational Sessions:

Date: Weds May 20th 12-2pm

Title: Leadership in Medicine

Location: Online

Date: Weds June 24th 12:30-2:30pm

Title: Lunch with the Coroner

Location: Location TBC

Date: Weds July 22nd 12-2pm

Title: Summer Social

Location: TBC

Date: Weds Sept 23rd 12-2pm

Title: Palliative Care

Location: Online

Date: Weds Oct 21st 12-2pm

Title: Motivational Interviewing

Location: Online

Date: Weds Nov 25th 12-2pm

Title: Celebration Event

Location: TBC

Date: Weds Dec 9th 12-2pm

Title: TBC

Location: Online

Meet the EPSS Team 

Dr Eilise Brogan:

“I am a Derbyshire-based GP with a portfolio career spanning clinical practice, supporting newly qualified GPs and Quality Improvement. Alongside my GP role, I work within Nottingham University and have a strong interest in professional development, and sustainable ways of working in healthcare. I enjoy balancing hands-on clinical care with broader roles that support learning, growth, and long-term career satisfaction for healthcare professionals.”

Interesting / fun fact / hobby:
“Outside of work, I’m a mum of four who loves staying active — I've always loved running and I've just started fell running in the last year. My youngest just learnt to ride her bike so fingers crossed for some family bike rides this year!"

Dr Gail Walton:

"I was a GP partner for 34 years and during that time was also an appraiser, mentor, GPSI in substance misuse and a member of the LMC and GPPB Boards and worked for the Practice Support team at the RCGP. 

I have led the New to Practice scheme for Derbyshire since it started and, although no longer funded nationally, hope that we can continue to support our colleagues as they start their General Practice journeys in the years ahead." 

Interesting / fun fact / hobby:

"We've got one grandchild and another one on the way so I'm revisiting soft play climbing skills! For 6 months of the year I cook at a Warm Space for 70 people each week and I'm busy as a School Governor. I enjoy walking and have started running again. Life's busy!" 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum requirement to qualify for the funding?

In order to qualify for the funding we ask that you attend at least one educational session per quarter. If you are unable to attend the online events live you can access recordings through the Hub+ learning portal.

How and when does my employer claim the funding?

At the end of your 12 months on the scheme you will be sent a self declaration form to confirm you have met the minimum requirements. Once your form has been received and accepted by the Hub+ your employer can submit an invoice to ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net using project code EPSS.

How do I apply for the Bursary?

Send your request for Bursary funding to ddlmc.thehubplus@nhs.net with a summary of the specific educational activity you would like to take part in and how it aligns with your neighbourhood priorities.

Am I required to access coaching?

You are strongly encouraged to access the coaching service offered. However you can access this at any time to suit your needs and capacity.

Can I continue on the scheme if I move to another Derbyshire practice?

Yes. You’ll need to let your new employer know how to claim the quarterly funding. You’ll also need to let us know so we can update your records.

Can I continue on the scheme if I move to a practice outside of Derbyshire?

No. As the EPSS is a locally funded scheme for those working in General Practice within Derbyshire you will no longer be eligible for the scheme. You will need to contact your new local ICB or Training Hub to find out if they are running a scheme.

If my pay increases does the amount of funding I can claim increase?

No. The funding is capped at a maximum of £1440 per year for GP and £960 per year for nurses.

What do I do if I want to leave the scheme?

If you wish to leave the scheme for any reason please just get in touch to let us know and we will update your details.

Is the scheme open to clinicians other than GPs and Nurses?

At present the scheme is only open to GPs and Nurses.

Does The Hub Plus offer Tier 2 Visa sponsorship financing support?

Yes, we offer Tier 2 Visa reimbursement for up to £590.00 maximum. Please get in touch for more information.

How do employers transfer funding to the clinician?

Employers may wish to pay the clinician through their usual payroll services or as a one-off payment.

Apply to join the scheme

We’d love to help you build a strong foundation for your career in general practice.

Let us know you are interested in the scheme by completing our short form. We will be in touch to confirm your place on the scheme.