We are now consulting on all aspects of the proposed 2019/20 national tariff. Have a look at our proposals and supporting documents and let us know what you think.

The consultation closes at midnight Thursday 21 February. If you have any questions on the process or proposals please email pricing@improvement.nhs.uk.

In response to the NHS Long Term Plan, we have produced a new guide to help you increase professional diversity at board level.

It includes key questions and ideas to consider across five areas: building confidence, widening perspectives, talent management, organisational culture and practical levers, which are supported by examples of real experiences in these areas.

Our chair Dido Harding has been asked by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to lead the development of the NHS Workforce Implementation Plan. Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is the Senior Responsible Officer for the programme.

Find out about the programme’s progress in our first weekly bulletin on workforce, and sign up to receive it into your inbox each week.

Earlier discharge from hospital and reducing cancelled operations leads to improved experience for back pain patients and could deliver cost efficiencies of up to £27 million.

The new report on spinal services from the GIRFT programme identifies 22 recommendations aimed at improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and reducing unwarranted differences between hospitals.

• Provider bulletin: 23 January 2019