What is an Integrated Care Board (ICB)?

An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a statutory NHS organisation established in 2022 that plans and commissions healthcare services for a defined population, replacing Clinical Commissioning Groups under the Health and Care Act 2022.

What is an Integrated Care Board (ICB)?

An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a statutory NHS organisation established on 1 July 2022 under the Health and Care Act 2022 that plans, commissions and procures healthcare services for a defined geographical population. ICBs replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) as the primary commissioning bodies in the NHS, with 42 ICBs now covering England.

Structure and Responsibilities

Each ICB operates as part of an Integrated Care System (ICS) alongside an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). The ICB serves as the statutory commissioning body responsible for NHS functions, whilst the ICP brings together the NHS, local government and voluntary sector to develop integrated care strategies. ICBs typically cover populations ranging from 500,000 to 3 million people.

ICBs hold significant procurement responsibilities, including commissioning primary care services, secondary care services, mental health services, and community health services. They manage substantial budgets—collectively responsible for approximately £120 billion of NHS spending—and must ensure services meet the health needs of their populations whilst delivering value for money.

Procurement Implications

For suppliers, ICBs represent major procurement opportunities as they commission services from NHS foundation trusts, private providers, and voluntary sector organisations. ICBs must follow NHS procurement regulations and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, ensuring competitive and transparent procurement processes. They often work collaboratively with neighbouring ICBs for larger procurements to achieve economies of scale.

ICBs are required to involve local authorities, NHS foundation trusts, and other partners in their decision-making processes, creating a more integrated approach to health and social care procurement than existed under the previous CCG system.

Key Differences from Previous Structures

Unlike CCGs, which were membership organisations led by GP practices, ICBs are statutory bodies with boards appointed by NHS England. This change provides greater accountability and alignment with national NHS priorities whilst maintaining local focus on population health needs. ICBs also have enhanced duties around reducing health inequalities and working with local government partners on wider determinants of health.