Department of Health

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Support and development

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Support and development is about giving commissioners access to the tools they need to drive improvements, either by sharing services and good practice, developing internal resources, or buying in external expertise, for example through the Framework for Securing External Support for Commissioners (FESC).

SHAs are responsible for supporting and developing PCTs in achieving world class commissioning, and where appropriate, creating programmes to meet local needs. Development is self-managed by PCTs or directed by SHAs.

Although the majority of support and development available to PCTs will be managed at a local level, there may be some areas that would benefit from a nationally consistent approach. The Department of Health has therefore commissioned a national PCT board development framework.  

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