Workshops promise to get boards up to speed on conflicts of interest

NHS England has published updated guidance for CCGs on managing conflicts of interest. This is to ensure the CCG guidance is fully aligned with the recently published cross system conflicts of interest guidance.

NHS England requires all governing body members to undergo online training in respect of conflicts of interest. However we believe there are no hand-books, rules or algorithms that can be universally followed to give the “right” answers.

There have been several cases in the news recently when decisions made by public bodies have been held to account by local people, politicians and the press. Managing conflicts, to ensure that organisations make the best possible decisions, is a discipline founded in judgements and balance of risk.

So while online training is great as a cost-effective introduction and for awareness raising, the greatest value comes from discussion and talking through scenarios with colleagues. There are no substitutes for face to face workshops.

In this workshop, the board members work together to discuss potential issues. They develop, for themselves, a common language and range of perspectives with which to identify and resolve real issues locally when they arise.

The standard workshop takes three hours and is approximately two thirds discussion based. Boards that take part are able to identify potential concerns, have an understanding of how to collectively approach and issue and have greater confidence in their local arrangements when making and taking decisions. The workshop, which is delivered on site at the organisation’s offices, can be adapted to address live local scenarios for a small additional cost.

To make the workshop even more cost-effective, it can be shared by two or more similar organisations up to a total of 45 participants.

To find out more or to book a session for your CCG, email enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk with the subject line “COI training”.