NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation have today confirmed plans to merge, paving the way for a new organisation to represent frontline NHS organisations across the healthcare system from April 2026.
The two organisations have conducted significant engagement with members - spanning NHS trusts, integrated care boards, primary care providers, and voluntary sector providers - with the clear view that a single membership body for the NHS should be established. Eighty-five per cent of almost 400 chairs, chief executives and other members in executive-level positions surveyed expressed this view; only five per cent disagreed.
The Boards of Trustees of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation have agreed the decision to merge, subject to there being no material issues emerging from the due diligence.
This confirms plans for a single membership body to represent NHS organisations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland more effectively. Its purpose will be to improve the NHS and the health of the people of the UK as the independent membership body providing an influential voice for NHS leaders and supporting its members to drive improvement.
A new membership offer will be launched in March 2026 and will start from 1 April.
In the meantime, a transition committee drawing from trustees across both current boards will be set up before a final board is established. A new leadership and staffing structure will be in place by the end of March 2026, including an external recruitment process for the new chief executive. These steps will ensure the new organisation is fully equipped to represent its members in its new form from April 2026. A review of brand identity to reflect the new organisation is also underway.
Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of NHS Confederation and Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, chair of NHS Providers, said: “Our members have told us loud and clear they want one clear voice for the NHS to represent and support them to improve care on behalf of their local communities. Coming together into a single membership body will enable us to do that more effectively.
"This is a very challenging time for the NHS and our members. We believe this step will enable us to better represent and support the entire NHS - to foster collaboration and support learning between all parts of the system to deliver higher quality care and better value for patients, the public and taxpayers.
"We will now work at pace to deliver the renewed organisation that our members have asked for.”
