The Department of Health has been reviewing the standard contract for mental health and learning disability services.
Drawing on the outcomes of this review, a revised version of the contract has now been drafted. The contracts team is seeking feedback on the draft by Tuesday 15 September.
The most significant proposed changes are to:
- Schedule 2 Part 1: a mandatory template for service specifications has been added
- Schedule 3 Part 4: the quality schedule has been updated, with Part 4 c (CQUIN) moved to Schedule 18 Part 2
- Schedule 5: the information schedule has been updated
There are also a number of minor changes that have been made throughout the contract, while certain clauses and schedules are still subject to further review. In particular, work is ongoing to consider how the contract can be made fit-for-purpose for use by local authorities, or under joint commissioning arrangements.
The revised contract and associated supporting documents can be downloaded below. Feedback and comments should be sent to paula.d’agostino@dh.gsi.gov.uk using the comments template provided.
It would be extremely helpful if you could also send copies of any comments to Rebecca.cotton@nhsconfed.org so that we can collate and reinforce commissioners’ feedback.
Letter from Jim Lusby, Head of Commercial Team, Department of Health
April 2010 standard contract for mental health version 2
DeltaView comparison between draft April 2010 version 2 and 2009 standard contract for mental health
Draft guidance – information requirements
Standard contract comments template