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 105 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.
Our work programme is organised around three priorities:
This website provides all the latest news and information about foundation trusts and the Foundation Trust Network, along with regular updates for FTN members.
About foundation trusts
NHS foundation trusts (FTs) were established as part of a wider NHS reform agenda, through the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003.
Our members
Membership of the network is open to all NHS trusts that are already members of the NHS Confederation.
Workstreams
Workstreams
Networks and Groups
The FTN hosts six networks for different professional groups from our member organisations, a group for chairs and chief executives and a mental health group.
FTN events
Information regarding all upcoming FTN events.
Preparation programme
This new programme is open to all NHS trusts and mental health trusts which have entered the formal Department of Health foundation trust preparation phase. The programme consists of a series of free events and resource books.
Media centre
Media centre
Publications
Here you will find the most recent FTN briefings and publications specifically for members:
Contact us
Your contacts at the Foundation Trust Network:
Discussion forums
These discussion pages give professionals from authorised and aspirant foundation trusts the opportunity to share learning, debate and request information from peers in other trusts.
FTN Benchmarking
Run in partnership with McKinsey, FTN Benchmarking is an initiative which provides a more complete and balanced assessment of service improvement opportunities than other benchmarking services, by analysing trusts' performance in three areas:
Joining the FTN
NHS foundation trusts and NHS trusts applying for, or considering an application for, foundation trust status are eligible for membership.
FT Governors' Development Programme
The Foundation Trust Network, working in partnership with the Foundation Trust Governors' Association, is pleased to announce the launch of a new programme of learning, development and networking -exclusively for FT governors.
Foundation Trust Network
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 107 authorised NHS foundation trusts in England.
Last reviewed 1 Aug 2008