CLCH selected in first wave for assessment as advanced foundation trust

The 10 Year Health Plan, published in July, set out the vision of reinvigorating the foundation trust model for the modern integrated health system alongside an ambition that all NHS providers will achieve advanced foundation trust status by 2035.

We are delighted to share that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced on 12 November that Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust will be one of a small number of providers to be assessed in the first wave of applicants for advanced foundation trust status.

Securing advanced foundation trust status will require successful assessment as part of the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme and we will be working closely with NHS England over the coming months as part of that process to demonstrate how we meet the assessment criteria.

Successfully meeting the standard will enable us to benefit from greater strategic and operational autonomy, a streamlined approach to annual planning, financial flexibilities and a regulatory relationship that recognises our strong leadership capability.

The first advanced foundation trusts are expected to be confirmed in April 2026.

Speaking about the announcement James Benson, Chief Executive Officer at CLCH, said: 

“This is an exciting step in our journey as a leading provider of community healthcare services, and reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our staff. It is thanks to their outstanding work and commitment to our patients and communities that we are being put forward in this first wave for assessment.

“I look forward to continuing to work with partners across health and care, patients, and the public to help shift care from hospitals to the community, embrace digital solutions to improve access, and remain focused on early intervention to help people live healthier lives.”

Find the complete list of first wave applications on the NHS England website.