A health inequalities improvement framework for Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) is set to launch on 12 February 2025.
The framework, which was tested in four ICS areas between September and November, will be voluntary and is intended to help ICSs to understand how well their engagement with people and communities is helping to tackle health inequalities.
It hopes to have a practical application for ICSs to improve services and reduce health inequalities among their populations.
The four ICSs that tested the framework are the Black Country ICS, Gloucestershire ICS, Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICS.
CQC said that during the testing phase ICSs appreciated the framework’s adaptable structure but highlighted the need for ‘clear guidance’ and examples to support implementation. They also fed back the need for measuring tangible outcomes and to integrate the framework with existing strategies for population health.
A spokesperson for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB said: ‘We found it incredibly valuable being one of the four pilot sites to test the CQC health inequalities framework. This involved working with a number of our partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to use the framework to review a range of community involvement activities and their impact on reducing health inequalities.
‘This highlighted where we are doing well and need to think about adopting in other programmes of work as well as highlighting opportunities to work even more closely together with our partners and those communities most at risk of experiencing health inequalities.’
They added: ‘The findings from the pilot will continue to inform our work going forward to ensure that we are always making progress towards reducing health inequalities for people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.’
Alex Ball, director for communication and engagement at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, said: ‘NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are delighted to be part of the pilot process for this new approach by the CQC. We’re committed to listening to our communities to tackle health inequalities and this new framework is a really innovative way of supporting best practice in this area. We hope to see the framework adopted widely by systems when it is launched in the new year.’
Chris Day, director of engagement at CQC, said: ‘I am pleased to hear the positive feedback from the four ICSs who participated in the testing phase. Incorporating their perspectives has helped strengthen the framework, ensuring it better supports ICSs in measuring the impact of their engagement efforts on reducing health inequalities. Throughout the testing phase, a wide range of stakeholders and people with lived experience have continued to provide valuable insights and feedback.
‘The framework is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing population health strategies, enabling ICSs to better understand how people access and experience care. It also provides a foundation for using this understanding to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities. This focus aligns with what truly matters to people accessing and using services.’
Earlier this year, the CQC appointed Sir Julian Hartley as its new chief executive as part of an overhaul of the regulator.
The changes came in response to an interim report into the effectiveness of the CQC from Dr Penny Dash, which found that there was a ‘lack of consistency’ and transparency in CQC ratings.
