In this session, Esther Venning and Emma Stockwell, Partners at Hill Dickinson, explored the implications of the current provisions in the NHS Modernisation Bill (Health Bill) and the emerging direction of travel outlined in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.

As the NHS enters a period of significant transformation, understanding the potential impact on governance, accountability and system leadership has never been more important.

Key topics covered

The session examined how the proposed Health Bill is intended to reform the way the NHS is led and managed, including:

• The abolition of NHS England and transfer of responsibilities
• Changes to the role and function of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
• New approaches to data sharing and digital transformation
• Developments in patient voice and patient safety structures
• Governance implications for NHS organisations and systems

Speakers also reflected on the challenges presented by the proposed legislation and the practical considerations for organisations now.

The future operating model for the NHS

The event explored what the emerging NHS operating model could look like and how responsibilities may shift across organisations, systems and neighbourhoods. Discussion focused on how these changes could reshape accountability, decision-making and leadership arrangements across health and care services.

Strategic commissioning and the role of ICBs

A key theme of the session was the future role of Integrated Care Boards as strategic commissioners. The discussion highlighted how ICBs need to increasingly focus on:

• Shaping and developing local provider markets
• Commissioning for outcomes and prevention
• Supporting integration across services and sectors
• Providing system leadership rather than direct operational management

Advanced Foundation Trusts

The session explored the concept of Advanced Foundation Trusts and their potential role as platforms for wider system leadership.

Speakers considered how these organisations could be empowered to take on greater responsibilities within integrated care systems and support the delivery of large-scale transformation.

Prevention and Community-Based Care

The 10-Year Health Plan signals a significant policy shift towards prevention, early intervention and care closer to home.

Attendees heard how:

• Neighbourhood health is becoming the primary delivery vehicle for moving care out of hospital settings
• Services are expected to become more integrated around local population needs
• Community partnerships and collaborative working will play an increasingly important role in improving outcomes

Integrated Health Organisations and Neighbourhood Providers

The session also examined emerging delivery models, including:

•  Integrated Health Organisations (IHOs)
• Multi-Neighbourhood Providers (MNPs)
• Single Neighbourhood Providers (SNPs)

Speakers discussed how these models could transform the organisation and delivery of health and care services, with neighbourhood contracts potentially reshaping who leads local care delivery at Primary Care Network (PCN) and place level.

Key takeaways included the opportunities and governance challenges associated with greater integration, provider collaboration and local accountability.

As NHS reform continues to evolve, sessions like these provide valuable opportunities for governance, audit, risk and organisational development professionals to stay informed and prepare for the changes ahead.

Watch the recording below to catch up on the discussion and explore what these developments could mean for your organisation.