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Dr Clare Sieber on the RBP Podcast: The Benefits of Mediation in PCN Disputes
- Dr Clare Sieber
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
Dr Clare Sieber recently joined Kate Perry on the Accountancy on Prescription podcast by RBP Chartered Accountants to discuss growing need for PCN dispute mediation and the practical benefits of mediation within Primary Care Networks.
The episode explores how mediation differs from more formal legal routes such as arbitration, how disputes can be de-escalated even after legal involvement, and why structured dispute resolution is increasingly relevant in the complex governance landscape of modern PCNs.
You can listen to the full episode here:
Mediation vs Arbitration: A Softer, More Flexible Approach
One of the opening discussions focused on the distinction between mediation and arbitration.
Arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision. It is closer in nature to a private court process.
Mediation, by contrast, is framed as a more flexible and collaborative process. Rather than imposing an outcome, the mediator facilitates discussion, helping parties reach their own agreement. The emphasis is on dialogue, control, and preserving professional relationships wherever possible.
In the context of PCNs - where practices must continue working together - this distinction is significant.
De-escalating After Legal Involvement
The conversation also addressed a practical and common scenario: what happens when a dispute has already escalated?
Often, by the time parties consider mediation, legal advice has already been sought and costs incurred. Positions may have hardened. Communication may have broken down.
The discussion explored how parties can “step back” from that position and re-enter a space where mediation becomes possible. The process does not require abandoning legal advice, but rather creating a structured environment in which resolution can be explored constructively.
Managing Complex or Bitter Disputes
Where relationships have significantly deteriorated, direct conversation can feel unrealistic.
Clare described how mediation can sometimes take place “in silo” - working with individuals separately rather than bringing all parties into the same room at the outset. Shuttle-style mediation or structured one-to-one engagement can allow individuals to express concerns candidly without the emotional intensity of direct confrontation.
This can be particularly useful where disputes are long-running or deeply personal.
The Types of Disputes Emerging in PCNs
The episode also examined examples of more recent mediation situations within group partnerships and PCNs, including:
Clashes in ways of working between practices
Governance and decision-making disputes
Transparency concerns
Structural tensions arising from the way PCNs are configured
Unlike incorporated entities, many PCNs operate through layered agreements and relationships. This can create ambiguity around authority, accountability and responsibility.
In some cases, conflicts of interest arise - for example, where individuals hold leadership roles across overlapping organisations such as GP Federations and PCNs.
The discussion also highlighted differences in values between practices, such as tensions between income-driven priorities and patient-outcome-driven approaches.
These structural and cultural differences can generate friction even where all parties are acting in good faith.
Why PCN Dispute Mediation Matters
The episode reinforced a key theme: PCNs are collaborative by design. They depend on ongoing relationships between practices.
Where disputes arise, solutions that preserve working relationships - rather than impose external judgments - can be particularly valuable.
Mediation offers a process that is confidential, structured, and focused on practical resolution.
Listen to the Episode
🎙️ Benefits of Mediation | Accountancy on Prescription | Episode S03 E06 | Jan 8, 2026
Featuring Dr Clare Sieber
About General Practice Mediation
General Practice Mediation supports GP partners, practices and PCNs in resolving disputes constructively and confidentially.
If your PCN or practice is facing governance or relationship challenges, you can book a free 30-minute consultation at a date and time convenient for you.
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