• NHS Foundation Trusts (FTs) are designed to decentralise public services and create a patient-led NHS.

    They have been created to devolve decision-making from central Government control to local organisations and communities. It is a radical change in the way in which hospital services had previously been managed

    The Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 established FTs as independent “public benefit corporations” modelled on co-operative and mutual traditions. FTs exist to provide and develop services according to NHS principles and standards and are subject to systems of inspection. The intention is to tailor services to best meet the needs of the local population and tackle inequalities more effectively.

    FTs have greater freedom to manage their own affairs and their purpose is to:

    • Devolve more power and responsibility to local level;
    • Devolve accountability to local stakeholders; and
    • Support patient choice.

    Monitor is the independent regulator of NHS FTs, making sure they are well managed and financially strong. Monitor receives and considers applications from NHS Trusts seeking FT status and once established, scrutinises their activities to ensure they comply with the terms of authorisation. Assessment of performance by FTs against healthcare standards is carried out by the Care Quality Commission, whose reports are published. In the event of failings in standards or significant breach in terms of authorisation, Monitor has powers to intervene.

    View the NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance which sets out the Code for Directors’ and Governors’ appointments and terms of office, information, development and evaluation, remuneration, accountability and audit, and relations with stakeholders and the role of the FT Secretary.

    Downloadable Files

    Download the file on Foundation Trusts Fact Sheet

    This content is correct at time of publication

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