Rules and guidance around the selection processes for health and care services has changed. This is broadly being seen as a positive for the third sector.
The NHS Provider Selection Regime (PSR) came into force on 1 January 2024. We will share more details through updates and in meetings as we increase our understanding of the new policy and what this means for the third sector.
Background
The NHS has been making changes to commissioning since the structural NHS changes from Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) to Integrated Care Boards (ICB).
This is happening with a view to taking a more strategic, place-based approach to commissioning. Integrated care systems, devolution and co-commissioning will all play key roles in ensuring that the value of each pound spent in local areas is maximised.
The following is an extract from the NHS England webpage: The Provider Selection Regime (PSR)
The Provider Selection Regime (PSR), which came into force on 1 January 2024, is a set of rules for procuring health care services in England by organisations termed relevant authorities. Relevant authorities are:
- NHS England
- Integrated care boards (ICBs)
- NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts
- Local authorities and combined authorities.
The PSR does not apply to the procurement of goods or non-health care services (unless as part of a mixed procurement), irrespective of whether these are procured by relevant authorities.
The PSR was introduced by regulations made under the Health and Care Act 2022. In keeping with the intent of the Act, the PSR has been designed to:
- introduce a flexible and proportionate process for deciding who should provide health care services
- provide a framework that allows collaboration to flourish across systems
- ensure that all decisions are made in the best interest of patients and service users.
Continue reading on the NHS England webpage: The Provider Selection Regime (PSR)