Event insight: Shaping population health, the strategic role of Advanced Foundation Trusts

Shaping population health continues to be a key priority across the NHS, with the 10-year health plan setting out a new direction for high-performing providers to take on a greater role in improving outcomes and tackling health inequalities. The introduction of Advanced Foundation Trust (AFT) status offers increased autonomy, financial flexibility and a stronger leadership role for trusts to deliver place-based care shaped around local need. 
 
This interactive online peer learning event explored how NHS trusts are preparing for the Advanced FT model and how boards and senior leaders can use these new freedoms to improve population health, strengthen neighbourhood working and support more integrated care. 
 

Chair

• David Williams - Head of policy and strategy, NHS Providers 

Speakers 

• Andy Snell - Consultant in public and emergency medicine, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
• Dr. Richard Brown - Chief of population outcomes and governance insight, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust  
  
  

The session explored

Leadership in action 

Trust leaders shared how organisations are preparing for the AFT model, including how increased autonomy and financial flexibility can support prevention, reduce inequalities and strengthen local leadership across systems 

Policy and system insight 

David Williams outlined the strategic intent behind the AFT programme and how statutory freedoms, alongside a capability-based approach to oversight, can enable trusts to take on broader leadership roles locally and nationally 

Facilitated peer learning discussions 

Delegates engaged in interactive breakout sessions to share experiences and emerging practice. Conversations explored how trusts are developing neighbourhood working, supporting more integrated care delivery and using new freedoms to improve population health outcomes while working in partnership with Integrated Care Boards.