Website of the Department of Health

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Integrated governance handbook as a further platform by which the patient-led NHS agenda can be enhanced.

You will recall in Nigel Crisp's Chief Executive Bulletin on 17th November 2004 (Gateway reference 4161) that he mentioned this particular piece of work would be important to facilitate and move towards better governance across the NHS linked closely to the Department's Standards for Better Health and Monitor's document on FT governance arrangements.

The Department of Health commissioned Michael Deighan and John Bullivant of the NHS Clinical Governance Support Team to produce this handbook. This handbook should be used by all members of NHS boards, especially NEDs and Chairs, and by governance leads, for the continued development towards good governance principles.

The current version of the handbook is aimed primarily at NHS Trusts, although PCTs may also find it useful. Separate guidance on governance will be issued for PCTs.