Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 71
Unclear how government will monitor professional representation on Integrated Care Boards
Conclusion
We have heard a range of compelling arguments for particular professions to have greater representation on Integrated Care Boards and are sympathetic to the concerns that have been raised with us about the exclusion of expertise. However, we are also sympathetic to the Government’s intention to give ICSs flexibility when determining which professions are most relevant to their local needs. Our concern is that it is unclear how the Government will monitor and evaluate whether its approach is the correct one. If data is not held centrally on how many, for example, public health experts or social care providers or clinicians, are on ICBs and no assessment is made of the adequacy of the representation, it is not possible to understand whether the Government’s flexible approach is yielding the results it intends. It will also not be clear whether there are any patterns of under-representation.
Government Response Summary
The government supports the Hewitt Review's vision for ICS ratings and states DHSC and CQC will work with partners to develop and start testing these ratings in 2024-2025, but does not specifically commit to monitoring professional representation on ICBs.
Paragraph Reference:
71
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We support the vision set out in the Hewitt Review (paragraphs 3.117 and 3.118) and will consider the best approach regarding ICS ratings. This would build on existing plans and development work led by CQC and include ratings on the quality of services within the ICS across the key domains of care and ICS leadership; and we agree that the highest ratings would not be given to a system where the financial position is not being well-managed. DHSC and CQC will work with NHS England and other partners to develop these measures and CQC will start to test the ratings as suggested by the Hewitt Review (paragraphs 3.117 and 3.118) in 2024 to 2025. DHSC and CQC will also consider the factors listed on page 58 of the Hewitt Review. The Secretary of State has now set objectives and priorities for both CQC ’s assessment of local authorities’ exercise of their Care Act functions and of ICSs .