Guidance

Independent Reconfiguration Panel: Frequently asked questions

Published 31 January 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-reconfiguration-panel-frequently-asked-questions/independent-reconfiguration-panel-frequently-asked-questions

1. I have a concern about an NHS reconfiguration – who can I contact?

The government expects that wherever possible concerns or disagreements about NHS reconfigurations are resolved locally without recourse to ministers by contacting the NHS organisation involved or by raising with the health overview and scrutiny committee of the relevant local authority. If further guidance is required, the IRP is available to offer informal advice via the IRP mailbox at IRPinfo@dhsc.gov.uk.

2. How do I make a request for ministers to intervene and call in a reconfiguration proposal for review?

The Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reconfiguring-nhs-services-ministerial-intervention-powers

3. What is the role of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP)?

The role of the IRP is to provide independent advice to the government on matters relating to reconfigurations and changes to NHS services in England.

The IRP is not a statutory body and therefore has no legal powers. Its status is an advisory non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

5. Who are the IRP members?

The IRP is chaired by Professor Sir Norman Williams, former president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The chair is supported by a panel of up to 15 members made up of senior clinicians, NHS managers and lay representatives who are appointed on merit by ministers in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office.

6. Are all reconfiguration proposals that have been called in by ministers referred to the IRP for advice?

No. Ministers decide whether to request IRP advice on a case by case basis.

7. Can I submit evidence for the IRP to consider about a reconfiguration proposal that has been called in by ministers?

If ministers have called in a proposal and referred it to the IRP for advice, the IRP will write out to the parties involved to request representations and further evidence as required. Other parties may submit evidence if they wish to the IRP mailbox at IRPinfo@dhsc.gov.uk.

8. How long does the IRP take to provide advice to ministers?

All proposals reviewed by the IRP are considered on a case by case basis according to a timescale agreed with ministers.

9. Where can I read the IRP’s advice to ministers and when will it be published?

Advice to ministers is submitted formally in writing for their consideration. Once the minister’s decision has been announced to the parties involved, the IRP advice is usually published on its website on the same day.

Previous advice to ministers is published at: https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics?organisations[]=independent-reconfiguration-panel&parent=independent-reconfiguration-panel

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