NHS Improvement published a consultation on its proposed approach to overseeing and supporting NHS foundation trusts and trusts. The single oversight framework sets out: the main areas of focus in overseeing trusts; how information will be collected from trusts; how potential concerns with a trust's performance will be identified; how the trust sector will be segmented according to the level of challenge each trust faces. The framework also sets out how NHS Improvement will identify where trusts may benefit from, or require, support in the key areas of quality of care, finance and use of resources, operational performance, strategic change and leadership and improvement capability

Our response is informed by feedback from an engagement event hosted with NHSI and attended by over 50 senior representatives from providers and by written feedback on the consultation document from 20 members from a range of provider types.

KEY MESSAGES

• In the current climate it is understandable that NHSI is seeking to create one coherent framework for NHS Providers.
• We welcome the efforts made by NHSI and the CQC to align their approaches.
• We particularly welcome the emphasis on support within the consultation document.

However,

• The SOF cannot be viewed in isolation from recent announcements such as the introduction of financial special measures.
• The statutory basis for the regulatory frameworks no longer aligns seamlessly with an agreed policy focus on collaboration rather than organisational sovereignty.
• We are keen to continue our dialogue with NHSI, the CQC and other national bodies to clarify the direction of travel for regulation and improvement support over the medium to longer term.
• NHSI should maintain its commitment to ‘earned autonomy’ and clarify its approach to FT authorization.
• NHSI needs to ensure coherency and objectivity in its approach to regulation and support.
• There is a need to develop the SOF to better reflect the requirements of mental health, community and ambulance sectors.