Action for regions/integrated care boards

Integrated care boards (ICBs) need to ensure digital tools are available to practices that support the modern general practice model (MGP) throughout 2025/26.

The approach for 2025/26 is to continue to align the selection and buying of products with the new capabilities that support the MGP. These are detailed in annex A. These capabilities will cover digital pathways tools. The expanded scope includes demand and capacity management tools. This aligns with the existing process and requirements of the GP IT operating model. It ensures that ICBs can use products with a richer functionality set to deliver the MGP locally.

ICBs must engage with the NHS England national commercial and procurement hub to ensure that only products meeting the required capabilities (see annex A) are in place and/or purchased. The contracts agreed must be able to transfer to new frameworks once available. The hub can support ICBs in signposting to appropriate routes to market that are fit for purpose and are in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

Regions will provide support to ICBs to ensure practices have the tools they need to support the MGP. They can also enable participation in general practice improvement programme offers.

NHS England national commercial and procurement hub will continue to provide enhanced advice and support. They will review local digital strategies and ensure products selected by ICBs meet the required capabilities. Please continue to engage with the hub at [email protected].