As a result of the 2022 Health and Care Act, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) were established in England, and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) were closed on 1 July 2022. Each of the ICSs includes two key parts: an Integrated Care Board (ICB) and an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP).
The ICB is the statutory organisation bringing the NHS together locally. It’s responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the local NHS budget, and arranging the provision of most health services within the ICS area. The ICB took over local commissioning responsibilities from the CCGs in the area and some direct commissioning that was previously undertaken by NHS England. The aim of the ICB is to improve health outcomes and to address inequalities and outcomes, experience, and access.
The ICP is the statutory committee jointly formed between an Integrated Care Board, local authorities (such as County Councils and Unitary Authorities), the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector (VCSE), and others within the ICS area. This brings together a broad alliance of partners concerned with improving the healthcare and wellbeing of the local population. Its focus is to produce an integrated care strategy on how to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the population in the ICS area.
The previous structures in England, established by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, originally had over 200 clinical commissioning groups. This number had reduced over recent years via mergers. However, this latest shift to just 42 commissioning entities means a significant change to significantly larger geographies and populations covered by each ICS. Although each ICS and its activity can be subdivided into ‘places’, and within places into ‘neighbourhoods’, it is at the ICS level that the employer is formed. A map of the 42 ICS areas can be found here.
Whereas CCGs previously employed many local health professionals, including pharmacists, the new arrangements mean that ICBs are now that employer. The PDA is supporting members who have contacted its Service Centre about the impact of these changes. The PDA is providing members with help and advice on re-organisation, role changes, TUPE transfers, and assisting members with finding alternate jobs in the employer. As with any programme of change of this type, it can be expected that further adjustments will occur as the new organisations settle into their role and responsibilities.
Members with concerns about their employment or role in an ICS should contact the PDA Service Centre on 0121 694 7000.
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