Navca has produced a newsletter briefing about proposed changes to health structures.
In this briefing, it explains that NHS England has published a Model Integrated Care Board (ICB) Blueprint, developed rapidly by a working group of ICB leaders representing all regions and a mix of system sizes, demographics, and levels of maturity.
The group worked at pace, focusing on system-led design to provide early clarity on the future shape and function of ICBs.
Importantly, this initial version was produced without workforce involvement or wide stakeholder engagement, future iterations will be refined through consultation in the coming weeks.
The blueprint aligns with the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, which will outline a simpler, more integrated NHS architecture where each part of the system is clear on its role and accountability.
ICBs are repositioned as strategic commissioners, with a renewed focus on prevention, neighbourhood-based care, and digital innovation.
This addresses concerns that, since their creation in 2022, many ICBs have defaulted to acute-focused commissioning rather than the broader, larger ambitions of integrated care.