Methodology, latest segmentation and scoring results

The NHS Oversight Framework sets out how NHS trusts and foundation trusts are automatically allocated to a segment (1 to 4) based on performance, with full details set out in the Methodology manual. A dashboard and downloadable file with segmentation results, supporting data, and league table comparisons are available, for more details see: NHS England » Segmentation and league tables

The framework sets out how the Recovery Support Programme will be replaced by the Provider Improvement Programme with the most challenged organisations placed into a new segment 5.

A full list of the scoring metrics used for segmentation, along with their published data sources, can be found in our NHS oversight framework technical metric specification document 

Performance improvement

We will use segmentation and our assessment of capability to determine how we will support providers to improve. We plan to finalise our approach to the assessment of provider capability and issue guidance during Q2.

NHS England will align our targeted improvement support offer to organisational delivery scores. Regional teams will coordinate the response to segmentation working with NHS England national teams and wider system partners.

Where performance falls below an acceptable standard and/or has governance concerns that may lead NHS England to step in and use our regulatory powers to secure improvement.

Provider capability

Given their frontline role in the delivery of care and the use of resources, the NHS needs strong and self-aware provider boards capable of delivering its priorities for patients and taxpayers.

To support this, NHS England has developed an approach to assessing provider capability which forms part of the NHS Oversight Framework (NOF). This is intended to both strengthen board assurance and help regional oversight teams take a view of boards’ grip and awareness of the challenges their organisations face and their track record of addressing them. Our view of capability will, alongside each trust’s NOF segment, inform our relationship with the organisation and any necessary support actions.

As part of the process trusts must first self-assess against a set of criteria across 6 domains derived from The insightful provider board (2024):

• strategy, leadership and planning
• quality of care
• people and culture
• access and delivery of services
• productivity and value for money
• financial performance and oversight

Trusts must return this completed self-assessment and associated evidence underpinning it (for example, a board paper) to their regions by 5pm on Wednesday 22 October. Regions will then use this self-assessment along with the trust’s historic track record of delivery and any relevant third-party assessment to arrive at a view of provider capability, which will be shared with the trust.

As the year progresses, oversight teams will monitor the trust’s track record against these self-assessments, taking account of any relevant information as it emerges in order to maintain a real-time view of provider capability to inform the relationship with the organisation.

The self-assessment form and dedicated guidance on carrying out the self-assessment are available on the NHS England website.

If you have any questions, please contact your regional oversight team in the first instance