The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to receive an update on the establishment of a new Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB). The committee will also review its forward work plan.

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board Update

The committee is scheduled to consider an update on the establishment of a Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB). Sam Burrows, Chief System Development & Engagement Officer for the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB & Frimley ICB, and Caroline Corrigan, Chief Transition Officer for the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB & Frimley ICB, have been invited to present. The report pack indicates that this item will cover the national context for these changes, the dissolution of the Frimley ICB and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) ICB, and the establishment of the Thames Valley ICB.

Discussions are expected to explore the evolving role of the ICB as a strategic commissioning organisation, its commissioning intentions, and its future operating model, including design choices. The report pack also states that the presentation will address what these developments mean for ICB staff and partners. The committee is invited to consider the report, raise questions, and agree any recommendations.

The report pack notes that the national picture driving these changes includes a refreshed role and focus for ICBs to improve population health outcomes and reduce inequalities, a revised resourcing envelope requiring ICBs to reduce costs by an average of 50%, and a greater focus on collaboration across regional footprints. It also mentions expected changes to local government, including the establishment of Strategic Authorities and the creation of large unitary authorities.

The document highlights that the Boards of Frimley ICB and BOB ICB have committed to closing their existing organisations to form a new entity with a Thames Valley footprint. This new configuration will see Berkshire East merge with BOB ICB to form the Thames Valley ICB, while Surrey Heath and Farnham will transfer to Surrey and Sussex ICB, and North East Hampshire will transfer to Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB. The report pack states that the purpose of the ICB as a strategic commissioner is to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities by shaping services across whole pathways of care.

The Thames Valley Innovation Fund is also mentioned, with an ambition to seed fund change, prioritise interventions, pilot new payment approaches and evaluate impact. This fund is intended to identify high-performing solutions that can be scaled, move money to support evidence-based offers, and attract wider investment. Priority areas for the fund in 2026/27 include improving access to elective care, accelerating the roll-out of neighbourhood health services, and strengthening support for children and young people experiencing poor mental health.

Forward Work Plan

The committee is also scheduled to review its forward work plan. The report pack indicates that there are no further meeting dates set at this time owing to uncertainty around the timing of the launch of a new Thames Valley JHOSC. ¹