NHS Standard Contracts Introduced

The Department of Health has published the two new standard contracts which will start to be used from 1 April by Primary Care Trusts commissioning providers from any sector.

Alongside the standard contracts, DH is reinforcing with PCTs the role of grant funding for community-based organisations to encourage innovation. The standard contract has also been reviewed against the principles of the Compact. As a result, it now provides the flexibility for payment in advance for smaller contracts with an annual value of £130k or less, with organisations consisting of the equivalent of 50 full time members of staff or less. The contracts and standard guidance are available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publicationsandstatistics/publications/publicationspolicyandguidance/dH_091451

See also; http://thirdsectorhealth.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-nhs-community-contract.html