Oversight framework moves to greater system focus

The NHS oversight framework replaces the separate provider single oversight framework and clinical commissioning group improvement and assessment framework. It will be used to identify support needs.

Although the existing statutory roles and responsibilities of NHS Improvement and NHS England in relation to providers and commissioners are unchanged, the framework will have a greater emphasis on system performance. Where possible, problems will be tackled by ‘working with and through system leaders’ with greater autonomy for systems with a track record of success.

Quarterly system review meetings will be at the heart of the new system, with a focus on a merged set of metrics from the previous assessment frameworks – though more regular engagement will be triggered where necessary.

Proposals for a new oversight framework for 2020 onwards will be worked on during the year, focusing on the balance between organisational and system oversight and how system maturity affects this.

Miriam Deakin, NHS Providers’ director of policy and strategy, welcomed the moves as providers were concerned regulation was not keeping pace with developments.

‘This framework should help to support collaboration,’ she said. ‘But much will depend on ways of working and the development of positive relationships, particularly between frontline organisations, system leaders and NHS England/NHS Improvement’s new regional teams.’