PCN Strategy, Business Planning & Finance (F2F Venue TBC)

Maximum Capacity: 15

Summary:

This module develops the strategic, business planning and financial skills required to translate PCN priorities into credible and sustainable plans. 

Delegates explore how PCNs can move beyond short-term operational delivery towards clearer medium-term strategic planning. The course considers how population need, workforce, finance, service priorities, organisational capacity and wider system expectations can be brought together to establish realistic PCN priorities. 

The session introduces a practical approach to developing business plans and business cases and considers how financial information should inform strategic decisions. Delegates will also explore the principles of commissioning and contract management where PCNs are delivering or purchasing services. 

The emphasis throughout is on enabling PCN Managers to move confidently from identifying a need through to presenting a structured, evidence-based recommendation for decision. 

Course content:

• Explore the distinction between operational activity and strategic management and consider how PCNs can establish clear priorities within a changing primary care environment
• Consider population need, workforce, finance, service demand, estates, digital capability, member practice priorities and wider system expectations when determining future PCN priorities
• Produce a structured approach to translating strategic priorities into a practical 12-36 month business plan incorporating objectives, resources, risks, measures and delivery requirements
• Explore the components of an effective PCN business care including problem definition, evidence, options, costs, benefits, risks, recommendation and implementation considerations
• Develop understanding of budgets, forecasting, variance, financial commitments, workforce and service costs, sustainability and the financial implications of strategic decisions
• Produce the principles of service specifications, deliverables, outcomes, KPIs, mobilisations, performance monitoring and managing contractual risk within a PCN context

On completion of this course delegates will be able to (expected outcome):

• Translate population, organisational and system needs into clear and achievable PCN strategic priorities
• Develop structured business plans and business cases that integrate evidence, finance, benefits, risks and implementation requirements
• Financial and contractual information more confidently to support sustainable PCN decision-making