NHS England has confirmed six organisations that have been approved for advanced foundation trust status, a designation that recognises the highest‑performing providers across the health service.
Advanced foundation trust status is intended to mark excellence among NHS providers that are delivering the government’s three strategic shifts, tackling elective backlogs and working effectively with system partners to improve population health outcomes.
Both NHS trusts and foundation trusts are eligible to apply for the status. Organisations that pass the assessment gain greater strategic and operational autonomy, reflecting their high capability and enabling local leaders to accelerate improvement for patients and staff.
Trusts awarded advanced foundation trust status have demonstrated that they are delivering the public’s priorities and value for money, as measured through the NHS Oversight Framework. They have also shown consistently high standards of care, reflected in Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and quality domains within the oversight framework.
Trusts approved for advanced foundation trust status
The six organisations confirmed by NHS England are:
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
- Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Further details on organisations that currently hold advanced foundation trust status are available via the advanced foundation trust directory.
Pathway to Integrated Health Organisation contracts
Advanced foundation trusts may also be designated as eligible to hold an integrated health organisation (IHO) contract, allowing them to oversee the health budget for a defined local population. This requires an additional assessment focused on capability and readiness.
Two organisations – Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – are currently undergoing this further assessment. Trusts designated as IHOs in 2026 will work alongside NHS England and commissioners to co‑develop the model during 2026/27, with the first IHO arrangements expected to go live in 2027.
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