Background The role of the general practitioner (GP) is central to the UK National Health Service, with the vast majority of healthcare being delivered in the community. Although a range of policy initiatives aim to address the immense pressures on GPs, the GP workforce in England is struggling to keep pace with demand. GP retention is therefore key.

Objectives In the light of these issues, a confidential coaching programme for GPs at risk of leaving the profession or who had recently returned to practise after some time out was commissioned.

Methods A structured impact evaluation of the programme was carried, which included interviews and surveys of both GP participants and coaches.

Results Coaching was found to be very beneficial for the GPs, with many indicating it had helped them to address workplace issues and encouraged them to stay in their job role.

Conclusions This paper reports on the evaluation of the pilot programme and sets out recommendations for future action, including how to introduce coaching as a means of retention of GPs.