NHS Advanced Foundation Trust authorisation process

All NHS providers will need to go through the NHS Advanced Foundation Trust authorisation process by 2035, with the expectation being that at least 50% will have done so by the time of the next election. This provides a common direction of developmental focus for all NHS providers, and as the criteria are being published, the very first cohort to be authorised are preparing for their board-to-board interviews in March 2026.

GGi has been preparing for this. At our April monthly webinar, we will be hearing from colleagues in the first cohort to unpick what this means and the 2026 ‘must-dos’ this presupposes for all NHS providers. There will be a focus on board effectiveness, systems working and good governance alongside the financial and quality tests, and those trusts not yet meeting the minimum criteria will be working through how they move their PCA and NOF ratings to enable application.

This will be a major programme from GGi, and we encourage NHS colleagues and their partners to join us for this journey together.