Leadership Framework for health inequalities improvement for NEDs and Chairs of NHS Trusts and ICSs PIN

We are looking to appoint a supplier to provide support and guidance to Chairs and Non-Exec Directors of provider trusts and 42 ICSs in their leadership roles to lead stronger NHS action on health inequalities as defined in the NHS Long Term Plan.

The appointed supplier will develop and deliver a bespoke programme of educational leadership tools and datasets to Chairs and NEDs of provider organisations, this should include acute, community, mental health, specialist providers and primary care as well as Chairs of Integrated Care System Partnerships. The supplier will utilise existing relationships with the Race and Health Observatory, NHS EDI networks and commissioners and providers of services to develop a robust leadership training model and educational support materials, to ensure local leadership action on health inequalities.

The supplier will also use their expertise and networks to provide a series of bespoke leadership educational learning sessions for NEDs and Chairs to equip them with the skills and knowledge to address the five key priorities set out in the 21/22 NHS Operational Planning Guidance, specifically focussing on leadership and accountability for addressing Health Inequalities, in addition to: restoring services inclusively; mitigating against digital exclusion; ensuring datasets are timely and complete; and accelerating preventative programmes. The bespoke learning sessions will equip NEDS and Chairs with the skills and knowledge to hold the provider and ICS SROs for health inequalities to account.

The supplier will ensure Chairs and Non-executives have the insight and expertise they need to provide effective leadership and challenge on the Health Inequality agenda. The programme will provide them with the skills and tools they require to critically evaluate evidence presented to them and provide robust informed challenge to achieve assurance that executive plans are robust and delivering required outcomes. As part of this programme products and tools will be provided to support them in their governance role, for use at both Board level and in relevant Board sub-committees. These products will provide a legacy in organisations for the future, as well as tools for immediate application by participants in the programme.

The supplier should have extensive experience of providing leadership in health inequalities and expertise to commissioners and service providers across the NHS. Access to an established group of NHS networks of commissioners and providers of services across England is essential. The supplier should have an existing profile within NHS provider and commissioner organisations and the ability to bring together key stakeholders and subject matter experts to inform the leadership education and support package to address health inequalities.