NHSE’s new blueprint for ICBs has been published; setting out a revised approach from 2025/26 as part of the 10-Year Health Plan delivery.
The Model ICB Blueprint outlines a significant shift in the role of ICBs. Going forward, ICBs are to act as “strategic commissioners” in place of previous roles within operational management, direct service oversight, and delivery functions. Their role will centre on long-term, evidence-based planning and system leadership to carry out the “core model ICB priorities”: prevention, reducing inequalities, and improving population health outcomes/ensuring more consistent access to high-quality care.
The blueprint makes clear that a number of functions, such as oversight of provider performance, digital leadership, strategic workforce planning and development, research and innovation, and green plan/sustainability will be transferred to regional teams or providers over time.
ICBs are also instructed to streamline their boards, reducing headcount and ensuring the right leadership capacity is in place to deliver on their new remit. Alongside this, there is a renewed focus on embedding population-level clinical risk management and commissioning best-practice care pathways.
Please see the full document for your reference here. HTA will be looking into ways to discuss these changes and how they will affect our members within our event series. In the meantime, if you have any immediate questions or would like to discuss specific aspects, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.