What are Local Medical Committees (LMCs)?
LMCs are the local independent voice of all GPs and their practice team members, with a role recognised in statute (a law passed by Parliament). LMCs negotiate local services and contracts with commissioners and other bodies including trusts and local authorities to improve the experience of working in general practice and outcomes for patients. An LMC is not a trade union, although they work closely together with the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the BMA (the trade union for doctors) and influence GPC policy through the conference of LMCs. LMCs also provide independent advice, guidance and support on a range of issues that affect general practice. LMCs are independent and funded by a statutory levy, normally set annually, and paid for by all practices. Charges are made on the basis of registered patients and cover all GPs and practice staff working in those practices.
Who are Londonwide LMCs?
Londonwide LMCs is the clinically-led independent voice of GPs in the capital. We aim to secure a bright future for general practice in London by supporting and representing over 7,000 GPs and 1,100 practices through elected LMCs covering 27 of the 32 London boroughs. The Londonwide LMCs team advises and supports these elected LMC representatives and constituent members at a borough, London and national level.
Londonwide LMCs support GPs as individuals as well as practices, including through the following services:
- Local and national representation and a negotiating ‘voice’ through LMC meetings and representation on other boards and committees.
- Support and advice for GPs in difficulty, including our dedicated GP Professional Support Network.
- Support and advice for practice teams (e.g. with CQC inspections, GP contracts).
- Regular newsletter and email updates including guidance and resources for GPs and practice staff.
- Education and training events for all practice staff members.
- London general practice jobs board.
How can you get involved in your LMC?
Elections are held every two years for LMC committee places. The aim is for inclusive membership, with GP partner, sessional (salaried and locum) and GP trainee representation on all committees. It is possible for trainees to stand for election as a full committee member for a two-year term, although it is recommended that trainees consider joining as a nominated GP trainee representative from their GPVTS scheme initially through co-option. This is a role specifically for GP trainees, with responsibilities different to those of an elected LMC member, usually designed for a shorter term to fit in with the training scheme schedule.
What does a typical LMC meeting involve as a member?
LMC meetings are usually held every one to two months depending on the area and may include ICS/ borough level representatives in addition to LMC members. They usually occur in the afternoon and last on average one to two hours, determined by each LMC. All LMC meetings are held virtually using Microsoft Teams. Agenda items vary and can include local and national contracts, workforce issues, commissioning, local authority and public health queries and operational issues including the interface with Secondary Care. Agendas are usually circulated via list servers (email lists) and members are encouraged to respond and contribute appropriately. Issues are raised by both LMC members, local practitioners and the LMC team and will cover both local, regional and national matters.
Why is it important to have a GP trainee representative on LMCs?
GPVTS representation ensures that there is a GP trainee voice present on committees, providing an invaluable perspective from practicing clinicians early in their career. It also helps maintain strong links with London GP training schemes. Each GPVTS is invited to put forward a representative using their own selection method and opportunities can be created for shared or rotating roles.
What are the benefits of being a GP trainee representative on an LMC?
Becoming a GP trainee rep provides a unique opportunity to get up to date information on national and local contract changes which can impact on GP trainees and the wider workforce. It can also help develop individual leadership skills and provide networking opportunities with senior medical leaders across organisations including the LMC, ICS, GP federations and acute providers. GP trainee reps can highlight issues which impact on GP trainees’ clinical practice, and help push for local and wider system improvement. Involvement with the LMC can also be used to evidence competencies around organisation, management and leadership as well as community orientation on a trainee’s ePortfolio. It is also helpful for building local contacts when considering job prospects and possibilities after completion of your VTS.
What does being on an LMC involve as a GP trainee representative?
The role of a GP trainee LMC member is developmental and understanding is gained through experience and support. We recognise that initially the work of the LMC might be unfamiliar to GP trainees and that it may take some time to fully engage with discussions, although contributions are very welcome. Meeting dates and times are usually published a year in advance and regular attendance at meetings is expected. Trainee reps should give their practice reasonable notice if the meeting is held during a regular clinical session so this can be swapped with a scheduled educational session so as to ensure that adequate clinical contact is maintained during training. It is expected that GP trainee reps feedback pertinent discussions from the LMC to their GPVTS colleagues either at educational events or through other means.
What training is provided?
The LMC Chair and LMC Medical Director are available to support the trainee rep’s development and can be contacted to arrange individual support, should the trainee wish to develop in this role.
Londonwide LMCs maintains a separate list server specifically for GP trainee reps to help them share experiences and learning opportunities, as well as support connection with colleagues across London.
Do GP trainees get paid for this role?
It is anticipated that GP trainees would attend LMC meetings as part of their GP trainee education sessions and therefore as part of contracted hours, so trainees would not usually be paid on top.
For more information on how to get involved with your LMC and to discuss if there are opportunities on your local committee please find your relevant LMC and contact details or email info@lmc.org.uk.
Londonwide LMCs are also keen to run sessions for local GPVTS schemes on the work of LMCs, including GP contracts, GMC/NHS England performance investigations, life after GPVTS, commissioning and representation; please email us on info@lmc.org.uk for further details or to request a session.