CSP policy statement on Transforming Community Services

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Published: 1 Apr 2009

CSP Council has agreed a statement on the Transforming Community Services policy in England

CSP Council, at its March meeting, agreed a revised CSP policy statement on the Government’s Transforming Community Services initiative in England. The CSP’s position reads:

The CSP strongly supports service redesign and innovation aimed at improving patient care, but also believes that mainstream NHS services are best delivered by NHS-employed staff.

The CSP notes that by 1 October 2009, Primary Care Trusts in England must have decided on their future organisational structures for delivering community services as part of the ‘Transforming Community Services’ initiative. These decisions should be preceded by proper consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including NHS staff and their representatives.

The CSP encourages members and local representatives in England to take an active part in local consultation processes. Where members conclude that a different model of service delivery is genuinely in the best interests of the users of the services, and of the staff employed within them, the CSP will support members in their choice. The CSP believes it is essential, however, that decision making is supported by the following:                       

  • There must be demonstrable evidence showing that the alternative providers will deliver better quality patient care than NHS services;
  • The consultation must include genuine alternative choices between alternative providers and NHS services. Where no choice is being offered except to leave NHS Trusts, the CSP will oppose the proposals in principle;
  • There must be fully informed and proper consultation with CSP members and their CSP representatives concerned, including the opportunities to discuss the evidence base for patient care and sufficient time to consider the proposals in detail. Where this proper consultation is absent, the CSP will oppose the proposal in principle;
  • The CSP will continue to seek to defend members’ pay, conditions, union recognition and pension rights in existing or alternative providers of NHS services;
  • The CSP will provide factsheets, advice, support and training for representatives in dealing with alternative provider or social enterprise proposals

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