Transform your career with Damar Training and IGPM’s bespoke management programme
Developed exclusively for general practice leaders in partnership with Damar Training, the Level 6 Service Designer Apprenticeship combines strategic leadership development with IGPM professional accreditation – giving you the qualifications, recognition and capabilities to lead transformational change in primary care.
What You’ll Achieve
In 25 months, you’ll gain a level 6 qualification (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) that positions you as a strategic leader capable of designing and implementing sustainable service improvements across general practice.
You’ll develop:
- Strategic leadership capabilities to drive service transformation
- Evidence-based design methodologies applied to real practice challenges
- IGPM professional accreditation for career-long recognition
- Progression pathways to master’s-level study
With 95-100% government funding available, this apprenticeship represents a significant investment in your professional future – without the financial burden (for you or your practice) of traditional programmes.
Who This Is For
This apprenticeship is designed for managers and leaders within general practice such as:
- Practice Managers
- Deputy Practice Managers
- Operations Managers
- Dispensary Managers
- PCN Managers
You’ll need:
- A substantive management role in general practice
- Employer support and commitment to your development
- Dedication to 6 hours per week for learning and practice-based projects
- Ambition to transform services and advance your career
Why Choose This Apprenticeship
Real Impact, Real Practice
Every module centres on projects within your own practice. You’ll apply what you learn immediately, delivering measurable improvements while building your portfolio for IGPM accreditation.
Personalised Expert Coaching
One-to-one coaching sessions via Teams provide tailored support for your development, complemented by peer learning with fellow practice leaders facing similar challenges.
Dual Qualification Pathway
Your apprenticeship work integrates seamlessly with IGPM accreditation requirements. Complete both simultaneously – maximising your time investment and professional recognition.
Career Progression Built In
Upon completion, you’ll have direct progression to master’s-level study, opening doors to senior leadership, consultancy and strategic roles across primary care.
Flexible, Work-Based Learning
Designed around the realities of practice management, the programme requires an average of 6 hours per week – structured to fit your working patterns through online resources, scheduled coaching and practice-based projects.
The Learning Journey
Your development follows a carefully structured pathway that mirrors the service design process itself.
You’ll begin by setting strong foundations – understanding service design principles, stakeholder engagement and the strategic context of general practice. This grounds your work in evidence-based methodology and prepares you to lead change effectively.
Next, you’ll survey the landscape of your practice environment, developing skills in data analysis, needs assessment and opportunity identification. You’ll learn to see your practice through multiple lenses – patients, staff, systems and strategic objectives.
With this understanding, you’ll map current services in detail, identifying pain points, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This diagnostic phase builds your capability to analyse complex systems and communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.
Armed with insights, you’ll design innovative solutions that are both ambitious and achievable. You’ll develop business cases, prototype new approaches and build stakeholder buy-in for transformation.
Then comes leading development – where you’ll implement your designs, manage change and navigate the human and operational challenges of service transformation. This is where theory meets practice and your leadership capabilities truly develop.
Finally, you’ll focus on sustaining success – embedding improvements, measuring impact and creating systems that ensure your innovations endure beyond initial implementation. You’ll become a leader who doesn’t just initiate change, but makes it stick.
Throughout this journey, you’ll build a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating your strategic leadership capabilities and readiness for IGPM professional accreditation.
IGPM Accreditation: Your Professional Recognition
This apprenticeship is uniquely designed to integrate with IGPM’s accreditation pathway, giving you dual recognition for your development work.
Why IGPM Accreditation Matters
Being on the IGPM register provides:
- Professional recognition as a qualified practice manager
- Representation by the leading voice for practice management
- Peer networks connecting you with practice leaders nationwide
- Resources and support for your ongoing professional development
- Career credibility valued by employers and commissioners
Flexible Pathways
This apprenticeship adapts to your career aspirations. If you’re already IGPM accredited or prefer not to pursue accreditation at this time, you can undertake the apprenticeship independently.
If IGPM accreditation is your goal, you can combine the apprenticeship with additional masterclasses. Your apprenticeship work integrates seamlessly with accreditation requirements, creating a cohesive development journey.
What’s Included
- One-to-One Coaching: Regular Teams sessions with your dedicated coach.
- Peer Learning Sessions: Collaborative workshops with fellow practice managers, sharing challenges and solutions.
- Comprehensive Online Resources: Access to learning materials, templates, case studies, and tools that support your development.
- 12-Weekly Progress Reviews: Structured check-ins to assess your development, celebrate achievements, and ensure you’re on track.
- Real Practice Projects: Every module centres on meaningful work within your practice.
- Ongoing Support: Email and platform support throughout your apprenticeship, ensuring you’re never stuck and always progressing.
Ready to Transform Your Career?
Expressions of interest close 28 August 2026
This is your opportunity to gain professional recognition, develop strategic leadership capabilities, and position yourself for senior roles in primary care – with government funding covering 95-100% of costs.
Complete the enquiry form and one of the Damar Training team will be in touch to discuss the programme with you in more detail.
