Strategic commissioning

The role of ICBs has changed. This year’s cuts to running and programme costs, the Model ICB blueprint, and the Ten-Year Health Plan have all signalled a shift towards a new type of ICB that is leaner, more analytical, and uses its levers to manage markets and neighbourhood health delivery.  

Our Pioneers of Reform report, released in March 2025, outlined the sector’s vision for strategic commissioning: a process that involves better understanding populations, working collaboratively, contracting innovatively, and transforming care for improved outcomes. 

We know our members are eager to seize this new opportunity but need support to build the skills and capabilities they will need to become strategic commissioners.  

The Strategic Commissioning Cycle

Strategic Commissioning Forum

To support our members in this new role, we are launching a new Strategic Commissioning Forum.  

Chaired by Hannah Iqbal, chief strategic, digital and transformation officer at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB, and Sarah Mansuralli, chief strategy and population health officer for North Central London ICB, the forum will bring together directors of commissioning, strategy, and population health to move towards this new vision of commissioning.  

Each monthly meeting will be focused on a step within the strategic commissioning cycle, and will bring together key speakers, examples of good practice, key insight from system partners, and opportunities for peer learning to support you to move to strategic commissioning.