Ways of Working Survey

Ipsos were commissioned by NHS Clinical Commissioners to undertake an independent survey of CCG leads in England, in order to understand how the ways of working designed to frame relationships between NHS England and CCGs are being modelled. Clearly, as new organisations developing new relationships, implementing the ways of working within six months is challenging. The survey is therefore intended to provide a baseline, serving to stimulate conversations between CCGs and NHS England about how relationships can develop further. NHS Clinical Commissioners will be seeking to repeat the survey in 2014 to track progress from this early stage. CCG leads were positive about how effectively the area teams work with them to enable them to do a great job. On the whole, they described close relationships with their area teams, relationships that both CCGs and NHS England had been working hard to develop. However, opinion was more divided regarding how effectively the regional and national teams work with CCGs and area teams to enable them to do a great job.

Overall, CCG leads were very positive about NHS England’s assurance role, while working relationships around the provision of support and development were also largely thought to be working well. However, NHS England was seen to work less effectively with CCGs when co-commissioning, both for primary care and specialised services.

• Download the data tables here (PDF)

Technical note: Ipsos surveyed 272 leads from CCGs across England. Surveys were conducted online and by telephone between 9th October and 11th November 2013. Survey data are unweighted.