ARRS Funding stands for Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme Funding. It's an NHS England initiative that provides financial support to Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to employ additional healthcare professionals across various specified roles. The scheme aims to expand the primary care workforce, bringing new skills and capabilities into general practice to improve patient care and reduce GP workload.
ARRS Funding covers a range of healthcare professionals including clinical pharmacists, social prescribing link workers, physiotherapists, physician associates, paramedics, dietitians, podiatrists, occupational therapists, nursing associates, mental health practitioners, and health and wellbeing coaches. The eligible roles have expanded since the scheme began, with NHS England periodically reviewing and updating the list to address evolving primary care needs.
PCNs can receive up to 100% reimbursement of the actual salary and employer on-costs (including National Insurance and pension contributions) for eligible roles, up to a maximum amount set by NHS England for each role. Each PCN has an annual financial entitlement based on its patient population size. The funding cannot be used for training, equipment, or other expenses beyond direct employment costs, and PCNs must follow the national terms and conditions for each role.
ARRS Funding has enabled PCNs to significantly expand their multidisciplinary teams, bringing in specialists who complement GP services and address specific patient needs. This has improved access to care, enhanced the management of long-term conditions, and provided more holistic support for patients. The scheme has also helped alleviate pressure on GPs by shifting appropriate work to specialist professionals, although challenges remain around workspace limitations, recruitment difficulties in certain areas, and the integration of new roles into established practice systems.
To maximise ARRS Funding benefits, PCNs should conduct thorough population health needs assessments to identify which roles will have the greatest impact on their patient population. Developing clear job plans, supervision structures, and integration pathways before recruitment helps ensure new staff can work effectively across network practices. Collaborative working with neighbouring PCNs can also be beneficial, potentially sharing specialists where full-time roles aren't needed. Regular evaluation of the impact of ARRS roles helps demonstrate value and inform future workforce planning decisions.
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