NHS Clinical Commissioners

Tom Kark QC and Jane Russell assess the application of the Fit and Proper Person Test and make recommendations on how it can be improved

26 / 3 / 2019 4.02pm

This paper scrutinises the application of the Fit and Proper Person Test for senior managers in the NHS. It finds that it had been inconsistently applied and that confusion and complacency over what the test constitutes and how to apply it are endangering patient safety and staff morale. In response, it suggests measures including; the creation of a regulator for board-level directors in the NHS, expansion of the test to commissioners and the creation of a central database for directors.

The National Audit Office measures the financial sustainability of the NHS, determining that it cannot reasonably be described as ‘sustainable’

29 / 1 / 2019 4.02pm

This report summarises the financial position of the NHS in 2017/18. Concluding that it is not on a sustainable footing, in spite of the addition funding promised, the report determines that this funding will not be used to it’s optimum potential due to staff shortages and a lack of clarity over where this funding will be allocated. The paper recommends changes including; the redesign of tariffs, national regulatory alignment to support local system working and better support for the worst performing trusts.