Letter from Sir Ian Carruthers: Introducing Documents on the Future Roles of SHAs and PCTs
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Text of Letter
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Human Resouces Framework for PCT Chief Executive Posts
PCT Fitness for Purpose Programme
Dear Colleague,
STRENGTHENING COMMISSIONING
‘Health Reform in England: Update and Next Steps’ outlined a framework for taking forward the reform of the NHS. The framework outlined:
i. more choice and a much stronger voice for patients (demand-side reforms);
ii. money following the patients, rewarding the best and most efficient providers, giving others the incentive to improve (transactional reforms);
iii. more diverse providers, with more freedom to innovate and improve services (supply-side reforms);
iv. a framework of system management, regulation and decision-making which guarantees safety and quality, fairness, equity and value for money;
The next stage of implementation is being progressed and I would like to draw your attention to the following documents which are now available on the Department of Health website.
1. PCT and SHA Functions and Roles
The attached set of slides sets out a definitive high-level version of PCT and SHA functions and roles. This has been worked up with input from a very large number of NHS and other stakeholders.
As promised in Health Reform in England: update and next steps (December 2005), a forthcoming publication this summer will provide further elaboration of the respective roles of DH, independent regulation and SHA system management. It will also provide more detail on the development of commissioning.
2. PCT CE Supplement to the CPLNHS HR Framework
The CPLNHS HR Framework, published in December 2005, promised that supplementary information about the implications of CPLNHS for PCT chief executives would be published at a later date. This information is now available at:
Human Resouces Framework for PCT Chief Executive Posts
As with the CPLNHS HR Framework itself, this supplement has been produced in partnership with NHS Employers, and is also available on their website. Comments and questions about the CPLNHS HR supplement should be e-mailed to cplnhs@nhsemployers.org With regard to the PCT Chief Executive appointments process, NHS Employers have consulted with Managers in Partnership, and will continue to do so.
3. PCT Fitness for Purpose Programme
In February 2006 the Department announced that it had awarded a contract to develop an Organisational Assessment Tool and Commissioning Diagnostic Tool for PCTs.
These tools are currently being rolled out in West Midlands, North West and part of London SHAs. The first phase of this work is due to be completed by June. Roll out of the programme to the rest of London and all other non-reconfiguring PCTs, will begin in late June 2006, completing by the end of September at the latest. Reconfiguring PCTs will commence the assessment in October 2006, with as many as possible complete by the end of December 2006. In exceptional circumstances a short delay to this timetable may be agreed with the SHA.
The Organisational Assessment Tool will give PCTs a rating of green, amber or red. PCTs with amber or red ratings will be required to develop a recovery plan, agreed with the SHA. The Commissioning Diagnostic Tool will result in a development programme for all PCTs. Work is underway on a comprehensive development programme, which will provide a national framework for local delivery.
Full copies of the tools and PCT Chief Executive competency framework are now available, along with a short summary and overview of the process.
PCT Fitness for Purpose Programme
I hope that these documents, along with further guidance on the Operating Framework for 2006/07, published yesterday will clarify a range of issues for
people in the local NHS. It is important to progress the reform programme so that benefits can be realised in improving the health and healthcare of each local population.
Best wishes
Sir Ian Carruthers OBE
Acting NHS Chief Executive