Central East Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissions a wide range of clinical and non-clinical services across a large and diverse geography. To do this safely, transparently, and effectively, the ICB must operate a clear, consistent, and legally compliant approach to procurement, contracting, decommissioning, and disinvestment.
The policy ensures that all procurement and contracting activity complies with the Provider Selection Regime (2023) for clinical services and the Procurement Act (2023) for non-clinical goods and services. It also ensures alignment with the ICB’s Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions, Scheme of Reservation and Delegation, and wider governance framework.
The ICB operates in a complex commissioning environment, with significant variation in population need, provider capacity, market maturity, and service models across the system. This policy provides a unified, harmonised approach that replaces all legacy procurement policies from former ICBs. It ensures that all staff follow a single, consistent set of rules and processes, regardless of directorate, place, or service area.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- support robust governance and legal compliance;
- ensure transparent, fair, and defensible decision making-making;
- promote best value, quality, and improved outcomes;
- strengthen market sustainability and provider resilience;
- reduce unwarranted variation and support system priorities;
- ensure that procurement activity is proportionate, evidence based, and aligned to population need-based, and aligned to population need; and
- provide clarity for staff, providers, and partners on how procurement decisions are made
This policy applies to all staff involved in commissioning, procurement, contracting, service redesign, transformation, or any activity that may lead to a procurement or contract change. It provides the framework through which the ICB will deliver safe, effective, and sustainable services for its population.