As a membership organisation the NHS Confederation represents all parts of the NHS through its cross-cutting work programme to benefit the whole system for patients and the public. This overarching aim is supported by the need to represent the specific parts of our membership wherever possible.
At the NHS Confederations AGM in June 2007 it was formally agreed that members in the Affiliate category would now be classified as 'core' members. This decision follows on from the results of the full membership consultation earlier in the year that supported the change. All Affiliates are now referred to as ‘Independent Sector’ Members to reflect this change.
NHS Partners Network
The NHS Partners Network (NHSPN) was established in 2005 and incorporated into the NHS Confederation in June 2007.
Our vision
The Confederation believes that independent and not-for-profit sector providers are part of the NHS family and are making significant and wide-ranging improvements to the lives of NHS patients in their care. We believe that the plurality agenda presents an opportunity to re-shape provision of services more closely around the needs of patients.
About independent sector providers
The Government declared: 'The NHS cannot remain a monolithic, centrally-run monopoly provider. Ideological or institutional boundaries should not stand in the way of better care for NHS patients.'
Become an Independent Sector member
Membership is open to commercial and not-for-profit providers of frontline NHS or social services. Membership is designed to incorporate the increasing diversity of service providers in the modern NHS.
Work programmes
Both Independent Sector and NHS members have voiced the need for a genuinely level playing field in the provision of care under the NHS banner. The choice agenda and the current focus on a plurality of different providers at local level to meet patient needs are key strategic issues for Independent Sector members. Our work in this area has focused
Key achievements
Over the last 12 months, we have worked on your behalf ? both publicly, but more often behind the scenes ? on a range of Independent sector-specific and across the board issues.
Get involved
As a membership organisation, member involvement is our lifeblood. Members are responsible for steering the direction and content of our work, and ensuring that we meet their needs.
Last reviewed 12 Aug 2008