Health

Our expertise 

CfGS has taken a lead on the local scrutiny of health services since we were established, and over the years we have developed this practice into providing direct assistance on governance to NHS bodies as well.  

With the establishment of statutory integrated care boards (ICBs), we are committed to supporting the development of a system-wide approach to governance, accountability and scrutiny. Given our background, this starts from a place of seeking to support health and care systems to engage with democratic systems in the local area, and ensuring that the voice of the local community is properly represented, and heard. We have carried out work in the past to support councils and health partners to productively investigate and take action on health inequalities, and on navigating the referral of NHS plans for substantial variations in health services to the Secretary of State. 

We continue to work closely with DHSC, NHS England and other national bodies as the implementation of the Health and Care Act continues. 

Our offer  

• Supporting councils to establish joint health scrutiny arrangements when NHS bodies propose substantial variations to local health services, and supporting councils to understand how powers will change in 2023; 
• Supporting system partners to develop agreed approaches to scrutiny and oversight in line with the ICS agenda; 
• Working with ICBs, ICPs and local health scrutiny to build and develop strong working relationships; 
• Supporting councils to carry out work on health inequalities, and in mainstreaming an understanding of health inequalities into their wider work.  

To discuss how we can help you please contact Ed.hammond@cfgs.org.uk