What is DDLMC?
Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC) is an independent organisation with a statutory obligation to represent the interests of all Derbyshire NHS General Practitioners. We comprise of:
A democratically elected group of grassroots GPs passionate about supporting the diverse interests of local GPs and surgeries.
A highly skilled and trusted operational team supporting and acting on behalf of the committee and providing rapid, responsive, relevant support to all our practices.
DDLMC can signpost levy paying practices to a range of support services.
Our Mission
To represent and support general practice, to ensure that GPs are properly valued, and their skills properly utilised; and that, while serving the public, they are able to uphold appropriate standards of practice, and enjoy a standard of living commensurate with their profession, commitment and training.
Position of Influence
Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (LMC) has a major role to play in the provision of primary care and offers a unique position of influence within the NHS. With over 100 years of corporate intelligence and memory, we are experienced in a wide range of GP practice issues. If in doubt, contact us.
Meet the Team
Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee’s Operational Team acts on behalf of the DDLMC Committee and is responsible for operational delivery of DDLMC’s strategic objectives and priorities.
Below you can find out about the people that make up DDLMC’s Operational Team:
Operational Team
Dr Ben Milton
Medical Director & Interim Chief Executive
Alex Bevis
Accounts Administrator
Beth Hagan
Executive PA
Hayley Scott
Practice Liaison Officer
Lily Southern
Practice Liaison Support Officer
Tim Skinner
Practice Liaison Officer
Representation
With over 100 years of corporate intelligence and memory:
Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC) serves as the link between levy paying GPs and their sole national negotiating body the General Practitioners Committee (GPC).
GPC is a standing committee of the British Medical Association (BMA), with members directly elected representatives of Local Medical Committee's (LMCs).
GPC meets monthly and is guided by policy decisions determined by the LMC Annual Conference of Representatives of LMCs.
More than 300 LMC representatives from across the country attend annual and special conferences to debate motions which reflect local GP concerns and aspirations.
Individual GPs can influence policy through the LMC.
Resolutions are referred to the GPC to consider and implement.
Funding
We believe in the principle of voluntarism.
All DDLMC activities are financed by the DDLMC voluntary levy contributions paid by 90% of GP practices in Derbyshire.
For over 100 years Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC) has always believed in the principle of voluntarism and our levy has always been a voluntary one ever since our inception in 1913. Although DDLMC has the legal power to impose a statutory levy, we have invoked it as we prefer voluntarism to compulsion.
Value for Money
DDLMC has a track record of wise financial management is recognised throughout the LMC world in the United Kingdom. The LMC Officers seek continued support for its longstanding financial policy of maintaining at least one year’s operating costs in reserve....
DDLMC has a track record of wise financial management is recognised throughout the LMC world in the United Kingdom. The LMC Officers seek continued support for its longstanding financial policy of maintaining at least one year’s operating costs in reserve. Derby and Derbyshire LMC was highlighted in the 2004 University of Sheffield study into the structure, function, and financing of LMCs. That study indicated that Derbyshire LMC is one of the most innovative, cost effective, value for money LMCs in the United Kingdom yet has a relatively moderate cost base. On a national level Derby and Derbyshire LMC is regarded by the GPC as being in the Premier League of LMCs for the quality of its work even though we are only medium sized.
Does the levy actually cost GPs anything in reality?
DDLMC has chosen to ask for a voluntary levy contribution from its constituent practices. 104 out of 112 practices currently pay the levy which is based on an amount per patient. This is reviewed annually. The levy is a tax-deductible...
DDLMC has chosen to ask for a voluntary levy contribution from its constituent practices. 104 out of 112 practices currently pay the levy which is based on an amount per patient. This is reviewed annually. The levy is a tax-deductible expense and is also considered in practice expenses calculations by the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB). This resource funds the office and officers of DDLMC. It also funds GP representation at various committees across the Derbyshire health and care system. DDLMC contributes part of its levy to fund the national negotiating committee (GPC) through the GP Defence Fund (GPDF) which supports national negotiations regarding general practice and the legal advice required for this. This rate is set by GPDF and is based on an amount per total patient population, not just levy paying practices.
Collection of the levy
The levy is collected through a GP practice mandate which authorises DDLMC to collect the levy through a monthly basis deduction.
Reserves Policy
DDLMC's policy is to keep one year’s operating costs in reserve. This ensures that if the current mandate system were to be disrupted in any way that there are enough funds in reserve to enable DDLMC to continue to...
DDLMC's policy is to keep one year’s operating costs in reserve. This ensures that if the current mandate system were to be disrupted in any way that there are enough funds in reserve to enable DDLMC to continue to meet the needs of its constituents.
Increasing the levy
To increase the levy requires a resolution of Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC). Constitutionally DDLMC only has to give 3 month’s notice, however as a matter of principle DDLMC officers prefer to give 6 month notice. If and...
To increase the levy requires a resolution of Derby and Derbyshire Local Medical Committee (DDLMC). Constitutionally DDLMC only has to give 3 month’s notice, however as a matter of principle DDLMC officers prefer to give 6 month notice. If and when there is a need for an increase DDLMC will look for the customary solidarity demonstrated by Derby and Derbyshire General Practice's where over 90% pay the levy.