Two surgeons operating in an operating theatre

SS-201Intermediate · Sector specialist

NHS service change consultation.

The specific law, process and politics of consulting on NHS service change, from substantial variation to scrutiny committees and the risk of referral.

1 day

Duration

£295+VAT

Public · per delegate

POA

In-house

30 CPD

Credits

Book this course → See calendar

01Overview

NHS service change is consultation on the hardest setting.

Consulting on changes to health services carries unique duties and unique risks: statutory tests for substantial variation, health overview and scrutiny committees, the power of referral to the Secretary of State, and intense public and political scrutiny.

This sector-specialist course equips those working in and around the NHS to consult on service change lawfully and credibly, navigating the specific legal framework, the scrutiny process and the political realities.

02Learning outcomes

What you'll take away

Delegates leave able to consult on NHS service change with confidence.

01Apply the tests for substantial variation

02Navigate health overview and scrutiny committees

03Understand referral powers and how to avoid triggering them

04Meet the specific NHS consultation duties

05Manage intense public and political scrutiny

06Evidence a fair process that withstands challenge

03The day

Four sessions

A full day on NHS-specific consultation.

09:30Substantial variationThe tests that define the duty.

11:00Scrutiny committeesWorking with HOSCs.

13:30Referral riskAvoiding and managing referral.

15:00Scrutiny & politicsConsulting under the spotlight.

04Who it's for

For those in and around the NHS.

For anyone consulting on changes to health and care services.

NHS communications & engagement staff

Integrated Care Board officers

Public health teams

Local authority scrutiny officers

Health-sector consultants

06Before you book

Common questions

Anything not covered here, ask us. We answer the same day.

01How many CPD points do I earn?Thirty tCI CPD points. Every virtual and face-to-face course carries 30, and points are logged against your record when you attend. Members can download a CPD statement from the membership portal at any time, and this course counts towards the taught element of a tCI qualification.

02Is it virtual or face-to-face?Open places run as a live virtual workshop, delivered in real time by a tCI trainer, never a recording. Groups stay small enough that everyone can speak, and you work in breakouts as well as listening. The same course runs face-to-face at your own offices as an in-house session.

03How long is the course?One full day, 09:30 to 16:30, in four sessions with breaks between each, opening with ‘Substantial variation’ and closing with ‘Scrutiny & politics’. The day is built around practical exercises rather than presentation, so you leave having worked on NHS service change rather than only having heard about it.

04Can you run this in-house for our team?Yes, and it is the usual choice for teams of six or more. In-house delivery works from your sector and the consultations you have in front of you, so the NHS service change exercises use your own material. We can run it in person or virtually, and split it across two half-days where a full day is hard to protect. Ask us about bespoke for a quote.

05Do I need prior experience or other courses first?No prior course is required. It is pitched at intermediate level, so it suits people who have run or commissioned engagement already. If you want the groundwork first, Applying the law of consultation is a good precursor.

06Who delivers the course?A tCI trainer who specialises in NHS reconfiguration and service change and works in it, not only teaches it. The named trainer for each date is shown on the course calendar and confirmed in your joining instructions the week before. You can put live problems to them on the day and expect a straight answer.

Bring this workshop in-house for your whole team

The same course, reworked around the consultations your team is running.

Book this course → Enquire about bespoke