The Governance manual sets out how NHS England is governed and consists of the standing orders, the scheme of delegation and the standing financial instructions.

Standing Orders

The Standing Orders are the rules of procedure which govern the NHS England board.  

Scheme of Delegation

The Scheme of Delegation sets out the formally delegated responsibilities of NHS England’s functions, duties and powers to directors and officers of NHS England.  

Standing Financial Instructions

The Standing Financial Instructions detail financial responsibilities, policies and procedures adopted by NHS England. They are designed to ensure that our financial transactions are carried out in accordance with the law and government policy in order to achieve probity, accuracy, economy, efficiency and effectiveness. 

Board members register of interests and declarations

In accordance with the standing orders, NHS England is required to maintain a publicly available register of board members’ interests. The register contains, as they become available, the  declarations of interest made by NHS England members.

Details of business expenses, gifts and hospitality and external meetings held with non-NHS/non-public sector organisations are submitted quarterly by board members.

• expenses incurred by board directors 
• a register of gifts and hospitality 
• details of external meetings held by our board directors with non-NHS/non-public sector organisations. 

Board Committees

NHS England’s board has delegated some of its duties and responsibilities to Board Committees. These Committees provide regular assurance to the board on their specific areas delegated to them and, by exception, escalate issues that merit full board discussion and decision. They are led by non-executive directors and include:  

Audit and Risk Assurance Committees

The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee reviews and monitors the integrity of the financial statements, financial and regulatory compliance, the systems of internal and control and the external and internal audit process. 

Quality Committee

The Quality Committee objectively reviews of quality, to ensure continued improvements to patient care, experience and safety. The Committee provides assurance that NHS England ensures continued improvements in quality of services and outcomes in relation to the safety of services, patient care and experience. Membership will include a number of Patient and Public Voice members.

People and Remuneration Committee

The People and Remuneration Committee’s duties include overseeing the delivery of the overall workforce strategy for the NHS, ensuring there is a single coherent remuneration policy for NHS England and approving remuneration for senior executives. 

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee oversees succession planning for the Board and other National and Regional Director and leads on appointments to NHS England’s Board.

New NHS England Committee

The committee oversees the work of the ‘new NHS England’ organisational change programme, including ensuring NHS England meets its duties as a receiving organisation of employees and functions from NHS Digital and Health Education England.