New single oversight framework marks significant shift in approach from NHS Improvement
14 September 2016
- NHS Improvement has published the new single oversight framework, which will be operational from October
- The framework applies equally to NHS foundation trusts and trusts, placing emphasis on improvement and support
- We look forward to working with trusts and NHS Improvement to monitor the value of the new framework at the frontline
The framework is designed to help NHS providers attain, and maintain, Care Quality Commission ratings of 'good' or 'outstanding', but doesn't give a performance assessment in its own right.
The framework will help NHS Improvement identify NHS providers' potential support needs across five themes:
- quality of care
- finance and use of resources
- operational performance
- strategic change
- leadership and improvement
- Providers with maximum automony
- Providers offered targeted support
- Providers receiving mandated support for significant concerns
- Special measures
“Publication of the new single oversight framework marks a significant shift in approach from NHS Improvement. Operational from October, the new framework applies equally to NHS foundation trusts and trusts, and places much greater emphasis on improvement and support.
We are pleased to see that NHS Improvement has taken on board feedback from ourselves and trusts in the consultation
“It isn’t possible to separate the introduction of the single oversight framework from the context in which providers and their partners are operating though. While the framework better coordinates NHS Improvement and the Care Quality Commission’s regulatory regimes, trusts are facing increased financial and operational pressure alongside a greater sense of ‘grip’ from the national bodies. Improved clarity and less regulatory duplication are welcome in these challenging times, but providers would still like to see the national bodies take further strides to integrate and align their approaches.
“We are pleased to see that NHS Improvement has taken on board feedback from ourselves and trusts in the consultation. In particular there is now better recognition in the final document of the autonomy of trust boards and their freedom to act in the best interests of patients, and of the different statutory basis of foundation trusts.
“We look forward to working with trusts and NHS Improvement to monitor the value of the new framework at the frontline, and its impact for trusts in each of the four segments. Similarly to working with both NHS Improvement and trusts to help shape the areas of the single oversight framework still to be developed around strategic change and leadership.”
We have produced a briefing on the main features of the single oversight framework including the changes implemented since consultation. Among the key changes, providers will wish to note amendments to some of the finance and quality metrics to align the framework with special measures, and the introduction of use of agency spend as a metric much earlier than originally planned.