About me

Robert VarnamHi, I’m Dr Robert Varnam. I am an improvement and leadership coach with a background as a GP and Director of Primary Care Improvement at NHS England. I live in Manchester, UK and work across the UK and internationally. 

Over the last decade, I have been at the forefront of national NHS policy for integrated care, primary care transformation and improvement leadership. Most recently I worked as national Director of Primary Care Improvement at NHS England and NHS Improvement.

I supported the creation of Next Generation GP and funded its first two years. I have had the privilege of contributing to over 40 programmes so far, and I am more committed than ever to encouraging and equipping early career GPs in leadership. You don’t have to wait to be The Boss to make an impact.

Me and Nikki Kanani at one of the first Next Generation GP programmes

I have designed and delivered a large number of national and regional change leadership development programmes, helping leaders and teams use the best in improvement science, social movement theory and compassionate leadership. In England this has included The Productive General Practice, the General Practice Forward View and Time for Care. I also work internationally, providing ideas, coaching and training for healthcare policy, large scale change and quality improvement.

In 2021 I stepped down from my national director role in the NHS to spend more of my time providing hands-on support to leaders and teams in health, care and community development. It’s very different being out of a big national team, but I’m loving it – not least because I’m getting to devote more time to NextGen GP. It really is a huge privilege.

Register for personal support

No obligation. We will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your needs and book at date. 

Register

Register your interest. This is not a commitment. We will be in touch very soon.