NHS foundation trusts are transforming health services in England and giving local communities a real say in how their hospitals are run. Currently there are 96 authorised NHS foundation trusts in England.

The Foundation Trust Network (FTN) was established as part of the NHS Confederation to provide a distinct voice for NHS foundation trusts. We work to raise the profile of the issues facing existing and aspirant foundation trusts and to improve the influence of FTN members.

The NHS Confederation is the independent membership body for the full range of organisations that make up today's NHS across the UK. Its ambition is excellence for patients, the public and staff by supporting the leadership of today's NHS. As the national voice for NHS leadership, it meets the collective needs of the NHS and addresses the distinct needs of all parts of the NHS through its networks and forums. The FTN is one of these. We are hosted by the NHS Confederation but our work programme is steered by an independent board elected from and by our members.

The next FTN Annual General Meeting will be held on 18th June 2008 in Manchester.

Our work programme is organised around three priorities:

• representing views - as the national voice for foundation trusts, we provide a single point of contact for those wanting to know more about the foundation trust movement
• shaping policy - our policy agenda focuses not just on the immediate issues facing foundation trusts but on the changes needed to ensure the success of the wider NHS reforms
• sharing learning - a key part of our mission is to enable foundation trusts to share innovation and learning within the FT movement and across the health service.

This website provides all the latest news and information about foundation trusts and the Foundation Trust Network, along with regular updates for FTN members.