Three CSUs explore ‘partnership’

North West London, South London and Kent and Medway commissioning support units are exploring a three-way partnership to secure a place on the ‘lead provider framework agreement’ being developed by NHS England.

The two London CSUs have been looking at options for “joint working” since May and a business case is being developed.

However, NHS England’s announcement in October regarding the lead provider procurement has led them to “prioritise (their) efforts to get on the framework over organisational change”.

The new framework will allow clinical commissioning groups to purchase commissioning support services on a ‘call-off’ basis. Up to 15 organisations are expected to be on it, including CSUs, charities and private companies.

There are 18 CSUs still in operation, although a number are looking to merge.

“Kent and Medway CSU has also joined the discussions – with a view that a 3-way partnership will further strengthen our offer, expand our service portfolio, customer base and opportunities for staff,” a statement from the CSUs says.

“In order to progress these discussions, KMCSU has signed a memorandum of understanding with NWLCSU and SLCSU to ensure we can work on the options for joint working with a shared understanding of how we will collaborate over the coming months.”

The process for applying to be a lead provider will start in March 2014 and CCGs will be able to procure support services via the framework by early 2015.

Accredited lead providers must offer: business support and transactional services; healthcare procurement and provider management; service specific redesign; communications; and business intelligence, data management and information governance.

A document explaining the rationale for the framework agreement says that 76% of CCG respondents to a survey over the summer supported its development.

The framework is expected to significantly reduce the timescales for buying commissioning support and give CCGs assurance that the organisations meet high standards.

The document says CCGs are spending more than £550m on commissioning support services from CSUs. Based on current CCG running costs allowance, NHS England estimates the total potential size of the market is just over £1 billion.

South London CSU employs 600 staff and supports 15 CCGs and providers across London, Surrey and Sussex.

North West London CSU employs 400 staff and supports eight CCGs, while Kent and Medway employs 420 staff and provides a range of services to 11 CCGs.