A new operating model proposed by the government’s 10-Year Health Plan will radically reform the role and governance of foundation trusts and integrated care boards.
HSJ has seen a recent draft of the plan, which states that the strongest foundation trusts will be allowed to become “integrated health organisations”. These will be given the responsibility of managing the budget for the health and care of a designated population.
Meanwhile, the plan says elected mayors will take over from local authority leaders on integrated care boards, and the new role of the boards will often involve shaping the provider market.
The draft plan says the Department of Health and Social Care will seek to approve the first “new FTs” in 2026.
The authorisation will be undertaken by a unit within the DHSC, whose work will be overseen by an independent group of experts. There will be no return for Monitor, the standalone FT regulator.
The plan reveals FTs will no longer be required to have governors. The public and staff representatives will be replaced by more “dynamic” ways of reflecting their views.
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Source: HSJ, 23 June 2025
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