A message from NHS North West London CEO, Rob Hurd: Update on changes to ICBs

Dear all,

As promised, I am writing to keep you up to date with the latest national developments around changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).

Overview

On Wednesday 12 March 2025, Chief Executives of all 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) were briefed by NHS England that ICBs would face significant (approx. 50%) cost reductions in 2025/26. This is because the government wants to focus resources on frontline care. All parts of the NHS, including providers and national bodies, are being told to further reduce non-frontline spending.  

It was later announced that NHS England – the body which leads the NHS – will close and a number of its functions will move into the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). Find out more about the NHS England announcement.

At the start of April, NHS England provided some further updates on the next steps. Find out more in the NHS England letter.

This letter emphasises the important role of ICBs going forward whilst confirming the cuts previously set out for both ICBs and NHS providers. It confirms ICBs' role in strategic commissioning and maintaining financial control. It also notes some of the core areas in which ICBs will need to maintain their skills and capabilities, and makes suggestions as to where savings could be made. It indicates a future direction of travel of the neighbourhood health becoming a provider function over time.

The letter confirms that work is now starting nationally to design a 'model ICB' by the end of April. As an organisation, NHS North West London will then need to submit an operating model that aligns with the national approach and set budget, before implementing this model towards the end of this calendar year.  

What does this mean for services and programmes of work?

ICBs will remain, but until we have a better understanding of what a new operating model looks like we will not be able to confirm our priorities for the coming financial year and how programmes of work will be delivered based on the resources available.

In the meantime, we will continue to deliver on our key priorities as a system and work with our partners to support the health and care of residents in north west London.

Wherever possible, will also continue planning for key programmes of work for 2025/26, recognising that there might be changes to this as we receive more guidance from national NHS bodies. We are grateful for your support and collaboration.

What does this mean for involvement of people and communities?

ICBs have legal duties to involve the public. We are waiting for further detail on the budget and model for ICBs, which will help us determine how we deliver this in future.

What does this mean for ICB staff?

We have been told that a national redundancy scheme for ICB staff will be put in place. We are waiting for details on this and are providing wellbeing support for colleagues.

We understand that, as our partners, you may have queries about what this means for you and your organisation. We will share more information as it emerges. In the meantime, please do speak to your contact at the ICB or alternatively email nhsnwl.communications.nwl@nhs.net

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Best wishes

Rob Hurd, Chief Executive, NHS North West London