New Model Constitution for CCGs

Published 30 October 2018

NHS England publishes a new model constitution for CCGs – we look at the key changes and what this means for CCGs.

NHS England has published an updated model constitution for CCGs, the first update since the original version was issued in 2012. It has also published helpful guidance to assist CCGs when making any changes.

The new template is a welcome update – it is more flexible and concise, making it much easier for CCGs to make changes and to tailor the Constitution to reflect local practices. The changes are particularly important for CCGs involved in new models of care or joint commissioning projects that require swift changes to governance arrangements.

Key changes

This update article focusses on the key changes in the new model constitution, which are as follows:

• Amendments have been made to reflect recent health and social care developments – including the ability for CCGs to form joint committees, participate in new models of care, develop primary care commissioning committees and work in collaborative commissioning arrangements.  Model wording has been included to help CCGs with such arrangements.
  
  
• There is a reduced burden on administration for CCGs – CCG members can agree which provisions are "material" and require CCG members' approval before changes are made. We understand that collecting signatures from member practices for all changes can be onerous and this will help expedite the process.
  
  
• The updated constitution is more stream-lined, focussing on the terms that are legally required. There are guidance notes explaining which provisions CCGs may want to remove. It provides flexibility for CCGs to make arrangements outside the specific form of the model Constitution. For example, committee terms of reference and the Scheme of Reservation and Delegation could now be included in a separate governance handbook. CCGs will be able to easily update these without going through the NHS England approval process as the changes will not be to the Constitution.

How can we help?

The new model is not mandatory but CCGs should use this opportunity to review their current constitutions and consider whether they remain relevant and appropriate. The new constitution aims to remove some of the administrative burden for CCGs and is much more suitable in the current landscape of collaboration and integration.  Our specialist health team regularly advises commissioners not only on their existing constitutional arrangements but also the challenges presented by the ever-changing commissioning landscape, which includes the current drive towards integration.  We are well-placed to advise CCGs on the opportunity to review their existing constitutions to take advantage of the new model version to realise more adaptable and effective commissioning arrangements.  

Please contact us for any support or advice you require as part of this process.