Leaving a GP Partnership?

Before you get into the details, take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask:

• Would you join this partnership again today, knowing everything you now know?
• Are you staying out of guilt, fear, or a sense of duty?
• What would change if you gave yourself permission to leave?

If you're feeling torn, that’s normal. This article isn’t here to push you - it’s here to help you make a clear, confident choice.

You’re not the only one thinking about leaving. Here are some of the most common (and valid) reasons GP partners step away:

• Burnout - The workload has become too much.
• Retirement - You’re ready to step back, or stop altogether.
• Partnership tension - It’s no longer a good working relationship.
• Desire for flexibility - You want to work as a locum or reduce clinical time.
• Health or family - Life outside work needs more of your time.
• Premises and risk - You no longer want the financial or legal responsibility.

Whatever your reason, it’s okay. You’ve done your part.

It can be tempting to just hand in your resignation and walk away. But that can cause problems - for you, your partners, and your patients.

Here’s what can go wrong if you leave without a plan:

• You may lose out financially if drawings or capital aren’t sorted
• You could trigger partnership dissolution (especially if you're in a small practice).
• Staff and patients might feel shocked or unsupported.
• You could create legal headaches for everyone.

It’s always better to exit with a clear, thought-through plan.

Here’s a quick pre-exit checklist:

✅ Have you reviewed your partnership agreement?
✅ Do you know your notice period and financial obligations?
✅ Are you clear on what happens with premises ownership or lease?
✅ Do you know who needs to be informed (PCSE, NHS England, indemnity provider)?
✅ Have you spoken to an independent advisor?

✅ Do you have a clear understanding of what you are personally liable for?

Not sure where to start? We can help you review your agreement in confidence.

‍

Step 1 - Review your partnership agreement

• Check your notice period, exit clause, personal liabilities, and financial terms.
• Understand how your capital will be paid back.
• If there’s no agreement, things can be trickier - get advice.

Step 2 - Talk to your partners

• Be honest and respectful.
• Set a positive tone - how you leave will be remembered.
• Agree on when and how the team and patients will be told.

Step 3 - Submit formal written notice

• Use a resignation letter.
• Stick to the terms in the agreement.
• Keep everything documented.

Step 4 - Plan the handover

• Hand off clinical responsibilities smoothly.
• Share key systems, contacts, and ongoing issues.
• Support your team in preparing for the transition.

Step 5 - Finalise financial and legal items

• Settle drawings and liabilities.
• Sort out pensions and indemnity cover.
• Handle property issues and remove your name from contracts.

‍

You're leaving after a disagreement

• What to say - “I’ve thought hard about this and believe it’s the right move for me”
• What not to say - “I can’t work with you anymore”

You’re worried about team impact

• What to say - “I want to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone”
• What not to say - “It’s not my problem after I leave”

You’re not sure about timing

• What to say - “I’m still thinking about the best timeline and want to work with you on it”
• What not to say - “I might be gone next week”

Leaving well matters. It protects your relationships and your reputation.

It’s normal to feel mixed emotions - relief, guilt, sadness, even fear. Here are some things that can help:

• Talk to other GPs who’ve left
• Write a letter to yourself explaining why you’re making this choice
• Make a plan for what’s next, even if it’s just a break
• Know that this decision doesn’t define you - you’re still a great GP

‍

Maybe you’re not quite ready. That’s okay. Here’s what you can do now to prepare for the future:

✅ Update your partnership agreement
✅ Document your roles and processes
✅ Discuss succession planning with your partners
✅ Keep a record of what’s working-and what isn’t
✅ Set a review date to revisit your decision

Future-you will thank you for planning ahead.

‍

Just because you’re leaving a partnership doesn’t mean you’re leaving medicine. Here are some common next steps:

• Salaried role in the same or another practice
• Locum work for flexibility
• Portfolio career with teaching, leadership, or non-clinical roles
• Retirement or semi-retirement
• Working part-time or consulting via Archvale

We’ve supported partners at all stages and we’d be happy to talk through what might suit you.

‍

It’s worth asking: what happens if you stay?

• You may become more stressed or disengaged
• The partnership may suffer if tensions grow
• Your wellbeing, and that of your patients, may be affected
• Opportunities outside may pass you by

Sometimes, staying feels easier. But change can be the better path.

‍

Not sure what to do next? We’re here to help-no pressure, no obligations. Here’s what happens when you talk to us:

• We’ll listen to your goals and concerns
• We’ll walk you through your options (even if it’s not us)
• We’ll give you clear, honest advice
• And you stay in control, every step of the way

‍

Leaving a GP partnership is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.

With the right plan and the right support, you can step away with dignity, protect your team, and start a new chapter that works for you.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Talk to Archvale for free advice

‍

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.

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.

‍