NHS Foundation Trust Status – Applications

NHS foundation trusts were established under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003. They have grown out of the wider public service reform programme, offering greater autonomy and freedoms for NHS organisations within a national framework of standards and inspections.  In 2004, the Government invited NHS mental health trusts rated 3* by the Healthcare Commission to apply for NHS foundation trust status.

The Department of Health, Monitor, the first group of mental health NHS foundation trust applicants and their partner organisations have worked together to identify a number of common issues that need to be addressed through the application and authorisation process. There is also significant learning, relevant to mental health, from other trusts who have gone through the NHS foundation trust application process.  With the introduction of Foundation Trust Status within the NHS many Trusts are coming to terms with not only the challenges but also the opportunities that this poses for them over the coming years. The Trust needs to be engaged with the general public, the communities they serve, the carers and employees of the Trust and maintain this relationship in order to become successful.

CN Research has worked with a number of NHS Trusts including mental Health Trusts who have achieved or are in the process of applying for Foundation Trust Status.  Our understanding of what is required by the Trusts to achieve this status puts CN Research in a perfect position to help those Trusts moving towards Foundation Status.
Our services include designing the membership strategy, conducting the consultation, recruiting the members, communicating with the members, managing the membership database and supporting the governor elections and governor development.

If you require further information call Martin Simpson on;
01228 612272 or e-mail martin.simpson@cnresearch.co.uk