What is a fellowship and why am I being encouraged to enrol?
The General Practice Fellowship programme is a national commitment announced in the NHS Long Term Plan, and restated in the February 2020 ‘Update to the GP Contract agreement 2020/21–2023/24’.
It is a two-year programme of support, available to all newly qualified GPs, newly qualified nurses and nurses who are new to general practice, working substantively in general practice, with an explicit focus on working within and across a primary care network (PCN).
The HIOW Fellowship will build on the groundwork set in the foundations course and give you an opportunity to consolidate, reflect and advance your learning, enabling professional growth and confidence to work autonomously in primary care.
The expert led clinical workshops are designed to enable you to develop insight into the complexities of clinical procedures that are unique to primary care.
The trainers, with lived experience of primary care and having faced similar challenges will provide you with the tools to enable you to feel more prepared as you progress in your career through education, discussion, and shared learning.
Who is eligible for GPN fellowship?
General Practice nurses who have been employed in general practice, in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, within the last 12 months.
Is this a funded offer?
Yes, funding is provided for the teaching sessions and action learning sets, including backfill for attending the teaching and action learning sets, mentorship backfill for the mentor and fellow, to attend the new to practice conference and to undertake project and development.
How often are the teaching sessions/action learning sets?
The sessions run approximately every six weeks and are in person sessions in Portsmouth.
How are the teaching sessions delivered?
All sessions are delivered in person. There will be workshop-based sessions with case studies, quizzes and group work as well as action learning sets and reflective supervision. The specific topics will be focused on patient care / general practice guidelines/ resources/ strategies of care.
What happens if I miss a session?
There is an expectation to attend 100% of the study days as your practice will be paid for your attendance however, we understand that life happens, and this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the course lead at J2S
When and where are the teaching sessions?
The first teaching session is on Wednesday 18th March 2026. The workshops will be held face to face at a training centre in Old Portsmouth. The centre is easily accessible by car and walking distance from Portsmouth Harbour train station.
The sessions will be all day with registration and coffee at 9am and prompt start from 09:15am until 3.30pm
They are spaced approximately 6 weeks apart for continuity.
What support is available to complete the fellowship?
The fellowship will require the ongoing support of your in-practice supervisor who has supported you in the GPN foundations course.
You will also be assigned a mentor who will support with coaching and mentoring your further professional development. Backfill funding is provided to your practice to cover mentoring, attendance to teaching sessions, attendance at conference and project development.
For more FAQs on the fellowship: