We wanted to provide a further update on organisational development affecting NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and how this impacts on Gloucestershire.

As we shared in a background briefing on 5 June, we submitted a high-level plan setting out our preferred option to cluster with Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire ICB (BNSSG).

Earlier this week we received a letter from NHS England (NHSE) confirming that our cluster proposals aligned to the new ICB geographies in the south west submission have been formally agreed by NHSE’s Executive and Ministers.

For the South West region, the agreed clusters are:

  1. Gloucestershire and BNSSG (Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire)
  2. BSW (Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire), Somerset, and Dorset
  3. Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and Devon.

Next steps

This means we now have national support to move forward on this basis, with the next steps being to appoint a cluster Chair and Chief Executive. Once these appointments have been made, an Executive structure for the cluster will be developed and detailed work will progress on the functions and structures of the new organisation.

The whole transition process will be overseen by a Joint Transition Committee made up of Executive and Non-Executive Directors drawn from both organisations.

While the overall pace of change is rapid, these changes will take time. We do not expect to be able to consult staff and teams on structures until August at the earliest.

As a leadership team, we will remain focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for our population and for our dedicated staff and teams working in Gloucestershire.

We remain committed to maintaining and developing our strong partnerships with all local stakeholders, during and beyond this period of transition.

You can read more about the model ICB blueprint and our future role as strategic commissioners in this briefing from 12 May.

We will continue to keep you informed of developments in the weeks ahead.