The 10 year health plan published by the Government signalled important changes to the NHS provider sector. Safron describes the aspirations as “back to the future” with freedoms and accountability being described together. However the difference is the context with the need for foundation trust model to be fit for a new age. This must allow providers to innovate, but within a modern and update governance model. The model must be judged against outcomes and freedoms to linked to accountabilities.

Saffron reflected that many of the ‘group models’ had been born out of the desire to meet local needs differently. However there was a need to have a national set of principles guiding the development and instigation of groups - potentially around: value, staff benefit, improvements in population outcomes and being well governed.

All models need great leadership at CEO and chair levels. The group chair needs great experience and therefore is probably not suitable for those without great executive or non executive experience already. The pipeline for future CEOs is bright, but the reality is that some of the sub accountable officer group/site role are as good training and development as a smaller accountable officer role could be.

Matthew Winn, podcast host and an experienced leader in healthcare in the UK.