Become a GP partner in Scotland

What is a GP partner?

A GP partner is a self-employed business owner who holds a share of the GP practice. Partners are responsible for the overall management of the practice, its staff, and its finances. They also provide clinical care to patients.

Unlike salaried GPs who are employees, partners have the autonomy to make key decisions about the practice's services, direction, and future.

The benefits of a GP partnership role

Choosing a partnership role offers you the chance to lead, innovate, and build a business asset. It gives you direct control over the care you provide to your community.

Shape the future of your practice

As a partner, you have a direct say in how the practice is run. You and your fellow partners decide on the strategy, the services you offer, and the culture of your workplace. This autonomy allows you to respond directly to the needs of your patients and staff.

Potential for higher earnings

Your income as a partner is a share of the practice’s profits. While this is variable and carries more risk than a salary, it also offers the potential for significantly higher long-term earnings. A successful and well-managed practice can be a valuable financial asset.

Design services for your community

Partnership gives you the freedom to develop and introduce new clinical services. You could create specialist clinics, improve access for certain patient groups, or lead public health initiatives. This is your opportunity to have a positive impact on the health of your local community.

Invest in your professional future

Being a partner means you are building equity in a business. You are investing your time and expertise into an asset that can grow in value. This role develops your skills in leadership, business management, and strategic planning, which can provide new career opportunities.

What to expect in your GP partner role

Your role will be a blend of clinical leadership and business management.

Your responsibilities will usually include:

• Clinical responsibilities:
  • Providing patient consultations and ongoing care.
  • Overseeing the clinical quality and safety of the practice.
  • Mentoring and supervising trainee GPs and other clinical staff.
• Business responsibilities:
  • Managing practice finances, budgets, and accounts.
  • Staff recruitment, HR, and team leadership.
  • Strategic planning for the practice’s future.
  • Ensuring compliance with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) standards.

These dual responsibilities make the role both challenging and highly rewarding.

The partnership agreement

Instead of an employment contract, you will have a legally binding partnership agreement. This document sets out the rights and responsibilities of all partners in the practice. It should cover areas like:

• profit-sharing arrangements
• leave entitlement
• decision-making processes
• what happens when a partner joins or leaves

It is essential to get specialist legal and financial advice before signing a partnership agreement.

Your income

As a partner, you do not receive a salary. Instead, you receive a share of the practice's profits, known as 'drawings'. Your income can vary depending on the practice's financial performance. Your share will be determined by what is agreed in your partnership agreement.

Working in a GP out of hours service

As a GP partner, your practice may hold a contract that includes providing GPOOH services. You can also choose to work extra OOH sessions as an individual. This can offer a different clinical focus away from practice management responsibilities.

Before you start GPOOH work

Working OOH in Scotland is straightforward. You just need to be aware of a few practical points:

• Performers’ List—To work in any GP role in Scotland, you must be on a health board's Performers List.
• Indemnity cover—GPs who hold a contract with a health board and who are working in Scottish OOH services are covered by the state-backed CNORIS indemnity scheme for that work.
• Flexibility—OOH shifts offer flexibility, particularly for work during evenings and weekends.

Find out more about GPOOH services in Scotland.

Opportunities in remote and rural Scotland

Working as a GP partner in Scotland’s remote and rural areas offers a unique and fulfilling career path.

Key benefits include:

• Financial incentives—The Scottish Government often provides financial support, such as 'Golden Hello' payments and relocation packages, to attract GPs to rural areas.
• Broader clinical scope—You will often manage a wider range of clinical challenges with greater autonomy, developing skills in emergency and pre-hospital care.
• Community integration—You become a central and highly valued member of a close-knit community, offering true continuity of care.
• Work-life balance—While the work is demanding, the lifestyle benefits of living in some of Scotland's most beautiful areas are unmatched.

Find out more about rural practice in Scotland.

Is a GP partnership role right for you?

This career path is a great choice if you have a vision for how primary care should be delivered.

A GP partnership could be a good fit if you:

• enjoy leadership and strategic decision-making
• have an interest in business, finance, and management
• want the autonomy to shape the care you provide
• are comfortable with taking financial risks for potentially greater rewards
• are committed to the long-term development of a practice and community

If this sounds like you, a partnership could be a satisfying career move.

GP partner vs salaried GP

To help you make an informed career decision, it's useful to see a direct comparison between the GP partner and salaried GP roles.

Choosing the right path depends on your personal and professional career goals.

How to become a GP partner in Scotland

The path to partnership involves more than applying for a job.

Typical steps include:

• Gaining post-qualification experience as a salaried or locum GP.
• Networking with GP partners.
• Finding GP partnership vacancies on websites like GP Jobs.
• Due diligence on the practice by reviewing its accounts, premises, and staff structure.
• Seeking specialist legal and accountancy advice on the partnership agreement.

This will help you make sure you’re making a well-informed business decision.

Related content

The following resources are related to becoming a GP Partner in Scotland:

• NHS Education for Scotland (NES): GP training and rural fellowships
• Scottish Rural Medicine Collaborative
• BMA Scotland: GP partnership guidance

These resources provide guidance and support for your journey into GP partnership.