GP Partner Resignation Letter Template

Resigning as a GP partner is a big moment.

You’re closing a big chapter in your career, so it’s important to carefully manage relationships and make sure your patients and team are supported.

Whether you're stepping back for health reasons, planning your retirement, or simply ready for a new phase of life, this guide will help you do it properly, with clarity, respect, and a clear plan.

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Common reasons GP partners resign

Before you download the template, take a moment to reflect. These are some of the most common signs GPs share before they resign:

  1. You feel constant dread before going to work
  2. You’ve stopped caring about solving practice issues
  3. You’re staying only out of guilt or obligation
  4. You daydream about quitting, and it feels like relief
  5. You’ve started pulling away mentally or emotionally

If a few of these sound familiar, it might be time to start planning your exit.

Explore your options

When should you submit a resignation letter?

Only submit your GP partner resignation letter after you've done these things:

  • Reviewed your partnership agreement
  • Spoken to your accountant or legal advisor
  • Had a conversation with your fellow partners
  • Thought carefully about your timeline and goals

A letter should never be a surprise. It should confirm a conversation, not replace one.

How much notice should you give?

Most partnership agreements require between 3 and 6 months' notice. If yours doesn’t specify, you may need to rely on standard contract law or take the opportunity to update this section of your partnership agreement.

Be clear in your letter. Say exactly when your notice begins and what your final working day will be.

What should your resignation letter include?

Keep it short and professional. Here's what to cover:

✅ That you're resigning from the partnership
✅ When your notice period starts and ends
✅ Your final working date
✅ A willingness to help with handover
✅ A message of thanks or goodwill (optional but appreciated)
✅ Your name, signature, and the date

What not to put in your resignation letter

Your letter isn’t the place to vent or settle scores. Avoid:

❌ Criticism of your partners or staff
❌ Legal threats or demands
❌ A list of everything wrong with the practice
❌ Emotional stories or long explanations
❌ Instructions about how the practice should replace you

Keep it brief, respectful, and focused. Anything else can be said in a separate conversation.

GP partner resignation letter template 

We've created a simple GP partner resignation letter template you can use:

[Your Full Name]
[Practice Name]
[Practice Address]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Dear [Partner(s)’ Name(s)],

I am writing to formally resign from my role as a partner at [Practice Name]. As outlined in our partnership agreement, I am providing [X months]’ notice, with my final working day being [insert date].

I am committed to supporting a smooth transition and will be happy to assist with handover planning during this period.

I am grateful for the years we’ve worked together and everything we’ve achieved as a team. I wish you and the practice continued success.

Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]

Resignation email version

If you're remote or prefer to email first, here's an example you can use:

Subject: Resignation from GP partnership - [Your Name]

Hi [Partner Names],

I wanted to formally let you know that I’ve decided to step down from the partnership at [Practice Name]. As per our agreement, I’m giving [X months] notice. My last working day will be [insert date].

I’d welcome the chance to speak further and support a smooth transition. I’m really grateful for our time working together and wish you all the best.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

How to say goodbye to your team and patients

Leaving well means leaving people informed and reassured. Here's how to do it well:

  • Tell your team early, ideally in person or in a group meeting
  • Follow up with a short, warm email explaining your decision
  • Offer to say goodbye to patients through a short note on the website or a farewell message in the waiting room
  • Thank people - your exit is part of your legacy

You don’t have to make a big deal of it, but don’t just disappear either.

How to resign without burning bridges

  • Speak to partners before you send the letter
  • Be honest but respectful - focus on your goals, not their flaws
  • Offer to help with handover planning
  • Stay professional until the very end
  • Remember the bigger picture - NHS general practice is a small world

Your future references and relationships may depend on how you leave.

What happens after you resign?

Here's a rough timeline of what usually follows:

  1. Partners acknowledge your resignation
  2. You agree on financial terms (drawings, capital, liabilities)
  3. Legal and NHS contract variations begin
  4. Handover is planned and underway
  5. Staff and patients are notified
  6. Final working day
  7. Post-exit paperwork or pension claims

Every partnership is different. Check your agreement and seek advice if unsure.

Book a confidenial call


Want to step back but not walk away?

You might not be ready to leave completely. That’s okay. Consider these alternatives:

  • Become a salaried GP at the same practice
  • Take a short sabbatical while the practice is supported
  • Join forces with an organisation like Archvale to manage the operations while you scale back

How Archvale can help

We support GP partners looking to exit or step back from their liabilities. Here’s how we help:

  • Provide clinical and operational support to relieve pressure
  • Manage your premises or help with sale and leaseback
  • Keep the practice running while you exit gradually
  • Protect your staff and ensure continuity of care

Get in touch today

Stories that inspire

Here's what our GP partners have to say about Archvale.
“What I couldn’t do for three or four years - like increase the list size - has been achieved unbelievably in the last six months.
"The support and investment in infrastructure, IT and staffing have made a massive impact on patient care.”
Dr Manish Singh
Former GP Partner at Carrfield Medical Centre
Joined Archvale March 2023
“...As for ‘how am I’? Fantastic is the answer. I love working with Archvale. All the team are so friendly & helpful. Proud to be part of it. Absolutely giving my all to patients without the other stuff to worry about. I am the most calm I think I have ever been. Enjoying my work at Castlefields and the team there are going from strength to strength. Feel blessed.”
Dr Samuel Holden
Former GP Partner at Castlefields Surgery

Final Thoughts

Resigning from a partnership doesn’t mean giving up. It means being honest about what you need and making a choice that’s right for you, your health, and your future.

Done well, a resignation is a respectful handover, not a messy exit. Use this guide to do it with professionalism, clarity, and care.

👉 Talk to Archvale

Disclaimer - This content is for general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. We’ve done our best to ensure it’s accurate at the time of writing, but rules and guidance may change. Always seek advice from qualified professionals before making decisions. If you spot an error or something that needs updating, please contact us.

Authored by Thomas Thornton

Thomas has dedicated his 20-year career to making NHS primary care more sustainable. In his roles at Push Doctor, Medloop, GPCA, and Archvale, Thomas helped practices improve efficiency and quality of care, ultimately leading to happier clinicians, GP partners, and patients.

He works closely with clinical governance, operations, recruitment, and product teams to help GP partners seamlessly transition into salaried or locum roles, achieving the work-life balance they deserve. By introducing GP partners to trusted surveyors, lawyers and accountants, Thomas also helps GP partners unlock the equity in their property and transition lease liabilities to new partners.

Ready to secure your practice’s future?

Contact us today to explore your options.

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