Reorganisation due diligence
In any major structural reorganisation in the NHS in Scotland a due diligence process including risk assessment, should be undertaken by the Board or Boards responsible.
- The Scottish Government's response confirmed that clinical and care governance frameworks, including due diligence and risk assessment processes, should be undertaken during any major structural reorganisation. The 'Governance for Quality Healthcare in Scotland' agreement provides the framework for governance during organisational change.
- The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 required formal governance arrangements for the integration of health and social care, including risk assessment and due diligence processes for the transfer of functions to Integration Authorities.
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland provides external assurance of governance arrangements, with powers to inspect and report on the quality of care during and after structural changes.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.2 of the Scottish Government's response describes the 'Governance for Quality Healthcare in Scotland - an Agreement' and a 'clinical and care governance framework for integrated health and social care services' to ensure good governance arrangements underpin service delivery. These frameworks provide an overarching national structure for how NHS boards are structured and governed. However, the text does not explicitly state that a due diligence process, including risk assessment, is mandated for major structural reorganisations in the NHS.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Scottish Government response noted that due diligence requirements for NHS reorganisations are addressed through existing governance frameworks and the Code of Corporate Governance for NHS Scotland.
View detailed findings
Due diligence processes including risk assessment are part of standard NHS governance arrangements but not mandated by specific legislation following the inquiry.