- Harrogate, Manchester
- corporate
- r.clark@hempsons.co.uk
- 01423 724012 (m: 07775 925078)
- London, Southampton
- practitioners, commercial
- j.cumberlege@hempsons.co.uk
- 020 7484 7575
Neighbourhood working, SNPs and MNPs in primary care
Neighbourhood working is at the heart of the NHS 10 Year Plan and represents one of the most significant shifts in how primary care and community services will be organised and delivered. Practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and federations are being asked to work at greater scale, collaborate more deeply with partner organisations, and consider new provider models – including Single Neighbourhood Providers (SNPs) and Multi Neighbourhood Providers (MNPs).
Hempsons advises GP practices, PCNs, federations, trusts and system partners on the legal, contractual and governance implications of neighbourhood models, helping organisations to protect their position while shaping neighbourhood services in a way that works locally.
How Hempsons can help
Neighbourhood models introduce complex legal, operational and strategic challenges. We provide clear, practical advice to help organisations move forward with confidence while protecting their long‑term position.
Our services include:
Strategic advice on neighbourhood models
Helping practices, PCNs, NHS Trusts, third sector providers and other system partners understand the implications of neighbourhood working and to assess the options available to them under the NHS 10 Year Plan.
Structuring Single and Multi Neighbourhood Providers
Advice on legal structures, joint contracting arrangements, risk‑sharing and governance, including the use of companies, CICs and collaborative models.
Contracting and commissioning support
Advising on neighbourhood, community and outpatient contracts, variations to existing arrangements, sub‑contracting, and engagement with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Trusts.
Practice mergers and collaboration
Legal support for mergers, consolidations and federated models to enable delivery at neighbourhood scale.
Workforce and employment advice
Guidance on TUPE, changes to roles and terms, consultation requirements, union engagement and workforce risk.
Governance and risk management
Designing governance frameworks that align clinical, financial and corporate decision‑making across multiple organisations.
Understanding neighbourhood working
Neighbourhood working is focused on delivering integrated care for defined local populations. The emphasis is on collaboration, multidisciplinary working and improved outcomes, rather than organisational form alone.
SNPs are intended to support a population of around 50,000, enabling general practice to take a leading role in neighbourhood delivery within the heart of their local community. MNPs operate at a larger scale, often around 250,000, providing infrastructure, coordination and support across multiple neighbourhoods.
Successful neighbourhood working depends on early clarity around purpose, governance, workforce impact, contracts and finance.
Frequently asked questions
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Do practices have to become a Single Neighbourhood Provider?
No. The traditional GP partnership model is expected to continue where it is working well. However, practices that do not engage with neighbourhood working may have less influence over how services are designed and commissioned locally.
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Can PCNs hold SNP or MNP contracts?
PCNs are not legal entities, but SNP and MNP contracts can be entered into by practices jointly or through an appropriate legal vehicle. Careful structuring is required to manage liability, workforce and governance.
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Is new funding available for neighbourhoods?
The NHS 10 Year Plan makes clear that neighbourhood working will largely involve re‑deploying existing funding, rather than introducing new revenue. Financial modelling and transparency between organisational partners are therefore essential.
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What are the risks of not engaging with neighbourhood working?
Risks may include loss of influence, exclusion from service redesign, or reduced access to enhanced and neighbourhood‑level services over time.
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When should organisations seek legal advice?
As early as possible. Many of the most significant risks arise during the planning and design stage, before contracts are signed or structures are finalised.
Insights and guidance
We regularly publish insight and analysis to support organisations navigating neighbourhood working, SNPs and MNPs. You may find the following resources helpful:
Practical guidance on designing and implementing neighbourhood teams, including workforce, governance and contractual considerations.
Are traditional GP partnerships at risk?
An exploration of how GP partnerships fit within neighbourhood working and the steps practices can take to protect their role.
Answers to common questions on neighbourhood models, funding, contracting and system reform.
