Service change

As part of our approach to service change, we have to ensure that we have robust processes to give careful consideration of the impact of changes, that they align with our system and organisational priorities and to ensure we are complying with our statutory duties.

On this page you will find our Service Change Policy and Process and information about our Service Change Panel. We advise that you refer to your internal organisational guidance on completing Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Quality Impact Assessments (QIAs). These documents will be required to be completed and approved internally before any documentation can be included for consideration by the ICB Service Change Panel.

Service Change Policy and Process

It is essential to ensure that when a recommendation has been made to initiate a service change, both internally and externally to the ICB, that a clearly defined process is followed, with clear lines of accountability and responsibility.

The purpose of this policy is to describe the process to manage significant changes to the commissioning of services, in a safe, fair and transparent manner. It provides guidance on the process and outlines best practice to follow when considering changes to the commissioning of a service. 

Service Change Panel

The purpose of this panel is to ensure the steps articulated within the Service Change Policy and Process are adhered to, and ensure proposed changes to the commissioning of services, are undertaken in line with  ICB governance, in a safe, fair and transparent manner and to consider and evaluate the wider impact to the population of Cheshire and Merseyside.

Equality Impact Assessments

When implemented without inclusive design, change can unintentionally embed or worsen inequality. When done well, Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) enable fairer, safer and more transparent decision-making, supporting our legal duties and moral leadership.

The guide below supports NHS managers to carry out meaningful EIAs during reform, from early planning through to implementation and review.

Quality Impact Assessment

A Quality Impact Assessment (QIA) is a continuous process to ensure that commissioning decisions, business cases, projects and other business plans are assessed for the potential consequences on quality with any necessary mitigating actions outlined in a uniformed way. It ensures a consistent approach to assessing the impact of change.