Primary care career: case studies

Over the last few decades, the idea of having a ‘job for life’ has shifted as organisational, societal, political and environmental structures are changing and allowing for more fluid movements between careers and organisations. At a time where Primary Care staff have experienced intense working conditions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions of this are still being felt, it is important that staff feel valued and supported in their roles especially when recruitment and retention of staff is a key concern. Questions then turn to whether enough time and support is provided to Primary Care staff to think about, discuss and manage career decisions, and what resources staff have available to them to explore opportunities and understand potential career pathways.

Through talking to five Primary Care employees, this case study selection provides insights into career pathways and career decision making in Primary Care. They explore what Primary Care employers can do to help support career development, what employees perceive would be helpful both in terms of formal and informal career management practices to navigate careers in healthcare, and the implications this has for both individual and professional growth, employment relationships and staff retention.

In this report five case study participants discuss their career journeys to date, the tools and resources they have used and found beneficial, and their considered thoughts and ideas with regards to how Primary Care can help other healthcare staff navigate their careers in the future. The client, NHS England, has supported IES with this and wider research into Primary Care careers. This research provides helpful insights to current and future Primary Care employees, managers and policy makers alike, and is a tool to help develop career management pathways going forward.