Terms of reference and ways of working
1. The Committee reviewed the draft Terms of Reference outlining the primary purpose as ensuring that NHSE delivers on its strategic priorities. The ToR focuses on approximately 15 core topics of highest priority for both NHSE and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), while maintaining oversight of a broader portfolio of ongoing projects.
2. It was agreed that the ToR would be strengthened to ensure its authority, including establishing an explicit mandate to commission analysis and work across both NHSE and DHSC is emphasised.
Policy and strategy projects operating model
3. The Committee discussed the ongoing work across the strategy and policy teams empathising a multidisciplinary approach, involving system leaders and frontline staff in strategy development and embedding technology from the outset.
4. The Committee discussed the importance of ensuring that there is a fact-based, analytical approach that evaluates options, defines measurable outputs and demonstrates patient impact.
DHSC and NHS England current policy and strategy work overview
5. The Committee reviewed the list of ongoing projects noting the need to align with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
6. Members highlighted the requirement to develop a strategic framework to guide future priorities, focusing on cross-cutting themes such as system operating model, finance, productivity, estates, quality, digital, workforce and the definition of impact. The Committee agreed that this framework should maintain a strong emphasis on patient and citizen perspectives.
Structuring current DHSC and NHS England policy and strategy work
7. The Committee reviewed the current policy and strategy work noting the importance of embedding productivity considerations across all sectors.
8. The Committee emphasised the importance of defining a clear and shared understanding of impact, encompassing improvements in health outcomes, life expectancy, quality of life, reduction of inequalities and equitable access to care.