In the 2006 member census, members ranked influencing policy as their top priority for the NHS Confederation.

Our approach

The Confederation's policy work consists of:

• influencing the design of policy and its implementation.
  • upwards (to central government)
  • downwards (to our members)
  • sideways (by connecting members).
    
    
• leading edge policy - trying to define the future agenda and develop our thinking on areas that we identify as up and coming or where there is a gap in current thinking.
  
  
• sector specific issues and cross-cutting/whole system areas.

Why we do it

We apply some key tests before we start a new piece of policy work:

• Are members interested? Is this important to them?
• Do we have or could we develop a coherent policy position - do our members share a common view?
• Are there other stakeholders working on this issue? Would we add value?
• Can we influence government direction?
• Does it strengthen our positioning as leading edge, an independent voice and a representative of the whole NHS family?

How we do it

We work closely with the Department of Health to influence developing policy and get a feel for what's on the horizon whilst also working closely with members to assess their priorities and capture their innovation and best practice.

We hold policy seminars and the mental health policy committee to work through ideas with members, stakeholders and government and form our policy lines.

The team produces the briefings, reports and discussion papers that are circulated to all members and develops conference programmes.