The government is planning to replace the NHS preferred provider policy with an Any Qualified Provider (AQP) scheme, which was originally referrred to as Any Willing Provider (AWP).
See the member briefing on Any Qualified Provider and the Frontline Q&A.
For further information, please also see the CSP policy statement on competition.
'Alternative providers' such as social enterprises or private sector companies, were encouraged by the previous Government under its Transforming Community Services programme, but to a limited extent. However, non-NHS providers are now seen as playing a much more central role in the delivery of NHS services in the future.
This approach is contained in the June 2010 amendments to the NHS Operating Framework and the subsequent Health White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS', which was published in July 2010 (see below for more information). The CSP has now responded to the government consultations on the white paper: see the CSP responses.
CSP members in England may now face significant changes to employment, conditions, pension and union recognition rights. There may also be an impact on future provision of student placements and opportunities for new graduates, as well as a possible fragmentation of services and patient pathways.
The CSP is working hard to support members through change and a number of resources are available on this website. Set out below is some specific advice for members and stewards.
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