Lee Peart 08 May 2025

Blueprint document sets out changes to ICB functions

Blueprint document sets out changes to ICB functions  image
© Doidam 10 / Shutterstock.com.

A blueprint document has set out changes to integrated care board (ICB) functions with a number being transferred to neighbourhood providers and NHS regions.

The document also advises ICBs to streamline Boards and reduce headcount.

ICBs have been asked to submit plans by 30 May on how they intend to achieve a £18.76 operating cost envelope.

While vaccinations and screening are to be delegated by NHS England to ICBs in April 2026, the development of neighbourhood and placed-based partnerships and primary care operations and transformation are to be delegated to neighbourhood health providers over time.

The document follows a meeting last month in which ICB chiefs were reportedly asked to set out their merger plans with a guideline population of two million within existing NHS regions by the autumn.

Sarah Walter, director of the NHS Confederation’s Integrated Care Systems Network said the document, which has been developed with ICBs, set out a ‘helpful overview of the future role of ICBs’ and provided ‘much-needed clarity about the proposed future functions in the context of a changing health and care landscape’.

Walter added: ‘It is helpful to see ICBs’ role as system leaders confirmed, with a focus on improving population health, reducing inequalities and ensuring the best use resource, both now and in the future. ICBs will perform a crucial role as strategic commissioners in delivering the Government’s plans for the future as they drive reform and deliver against the ambitions set out in the forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan.’

Walter said the 10-Year Plan will ‘contain a new operating model, giving clarity on the future role of the centre, regions and future neighbourhood health model’.

She added: ‘It is vital to ensure that the progress made by ICSs in fostering a collaborative approach to supporting the health of the population is preserved amidst these changes.’

Lee Peart is editor of Hemming Group’s Healthcare Management magazine.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner