The Irish College of GPs' Professional Competence Scheme recognises the diversity of GP profiles among its enrolees. GPs work either full time or part time, in rural or urban practices, in single-handed practices or in practices with up to 10 GPs. Many GPs works as locums or in out of hours cooperatives. In terms of their patient profiles, these can be a mix of public (GMS list) or private. Several GPs are retired and still on the Medical Council register and others are temporarily on leave from practice for example, due to maternity leave, illness or bereavement. There are also those returning from working in General Practice abroad and others who are arriving to work in General Practice in Ireland for the first time.
In addition, many GPs carry out roles as CME Tutors, GP Trainers, faculty representatives or other leadership roles such as directors of specialisms or national leads for chronic diseases. The PCS offered by the Irish College of GPs provides supports to help all of these GPs to meet their requirements.