Independent, Integrated, Agile: The Growing Role of the Independent Sector in Supporting the NHS By Matt Currall, Deputy CEO Post Date : July 23, 2025 Healthcare , News 4 minutes read By Matt Currall, Deputy Chief Executive Officer A Consensus for Integrated Public Services Having spent last week meeting with some key contacts in London and having valuable conversations with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner at the Local Government Association (LGA) reception, it is clear to me that there is a growing consensus around the need for locally empowered, integrated public services. As the NHS moves from planning into delivering its 10-Year Plan and the Devolution Bill moves through Parliament, the focus must now shift to how these ambitions are translated into real, local impact. The independent sector has a clear role to play in this evolution, not as an alternative, but as a delivery partner, integrated into the system, aligned with NHS values, and able to adapt to changing local needs at pace. Without this kind of partnership, our health system risks stagnation – delayed delivery, growing backlogs, and increasing pressure on already overstretched services. Aligning with NHS Ambitions: Community Care and Local Empowerment The NHS 10-Year Plan rightly focuses on delivering more care in community settings. It recognises that health needs vary regionally and that care must be shaped around the population it serves. The Devolution Bill strengthens this direction, empowering local leaders to make decisions that reflect the priorities of their communities. But autonomy alone is not enough: it must be paired with delivery models that are scalable, efficient, and responsive. Without that, the ambition behind both strategies risks falling short of impact. The Independent Sector’s Crucial Contribution That is where the independent sector comes in. We provide additional capacity that meets NHS standards, supports national goals, and is tailored to local priorities. It was greatly encouraging to hear NHS England Chair Dr Penny Dash last week acknowledge what many across the sector already feel: whether a provider is NHS or independent, we’re all part of the same healthcare ecosystem. And at the Independent Healthcare Provider Network summer drinks, CEO David Hare also raised a key point: at a time when Integrated Care Boards are facing intense financial pressure, the independent sector is playing a crucial role. Independent providers are treating record numbers of patients, entering new markets like occupational health, and achieving some of the highest quality and safety outcomes to date. I agree with David that even despite the challenges, there’s real optimism in the sector – and as the 10 Year Health Plan makes clear, no single part of the system has a “monopoly on good ideas”. The Hub-and-Spoke Model: A Collaborative Approach One of these good ideas, the new hub-and-spoke model of care, embodies the collaborative approach present in the Plan and in Dr Dash’s remarks. NHS hospitals must remain at the centre for complex or acute care. Routine assessments and procedures are delivered closer to home, improving access and reducing pressure on overstretched services. The independent sector fits into this model by offering flexible, high-quality care where the NHS can’t. We are not here to replace NHS provision, but to strengthen it through integration and local responsiveness. CHEC’s Principles and Commercial Agility CHEC’s work is underpinned by the same principles that define the NHS: care that is free at the point of use, focused on need, and responsive to patient needs. We do not represent private healthcare in the traditional sense – but rather are part of the public delivery system, contributing to patient outcomes, reducing waiting times, and delivering value to the taxpayer. Our key differentiator is commercial agility. We can adapt service models quickly to meet local needs and respond to ICB and Trust priorities. Whether than means launching services in underserved areas, scaling up to address backlogs, or adjusting our offer to align with local health strategies, our flexible, effective delivery means CHEC can move forward at the pace the delivery of the 10-Year Health Plan requires. The Devolution Bill is bringing communities one step closer to having greater control over their public services, including healthcare. Working with independent sector partners like CHEC means those communities can design accessible services that not only reflect local need but are also delivered efficiently and sustainably. CHEC Ready To Support NHS 10-Year Plan CHEC stands ready to support this future. We are already helping to bring the 10-Year Plan to life, and we welcome the opportunity to continue working with NHS partners to build a system that is integrated, responsive, and built around the needs of every community. Partner with CHEC to support the NHS 10-Year Plan. Find out more