Boards told to rate their own ‘capability’

Trust leaders have been told to rate their own boards’ “capability” under new rules that could influence which providers are put in a new special measures regime.

Trusts must complete the provider capability self-assessment – which is part of the new NHS Oversight Framework – by 22 October, according to guidance published by NHS England this week.

HSJ understands the requirement is intended to help boards prepare for the governance standards required to achieve the “new” foundation trust status promised in the 10-Year Health Plan, as well as feeding into NHSE’s day-to-day regulation.

The principles behind the new self-assessment were broadly welcomed by trust leaders, but NHS Providers said it was “concerned returns may not capture the actual quality of leadership seen across the trust sector”.

The lobby group said this was because of the format of the assessment. It also called for more clarity to ensure the process was “transparent and that providers feel the rating given is fair”.

The guidance says provider boards must assess their capability against expectations in six areas: strategy, leadership and planning; care quality; culture; access and delivery of services; productivity and value for money; and financial performance and oversight.

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Source: HSJ, 29 August 2025