NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW), is seeking any potential providers wishing to express interest in delivering CQC Partnering support to SCW.

As an entity statutorily associated with NHS England, SCW is not able to secure a CQC registration in its own right.

SCW are looking for a CQC registered partner to provide oversight for any activities which may be subject to CQC regulation within the scope of specific opportunities we seek to pursue and are awarded.

We are looking for a partner to provide assurance to SCW that our service delivery models, processes and governance continue to be in line with regulatory and contractual requirements associated with CQC registration and clinical liability.

The aim of this partnership arrangement is to allow multi-disciplinary leadership approach to services required to be delivered which may be subject to CQC regulation as part of contractual requirements.

SCW has a wealth of experience in delivery of at-scale, complex pathway remote clinical contact activities.

SCW anticipates we may pursue several opportunities over the coming years that may require SCW to have a CQC Partner.

These are likely to be for activities such as remote clinical interventions including health coaching to support informed decision making, signposting and pathway navigation for members of the public.

The partner will have their own CQC registration and a nominated individual and be well versed in CQC standards.

SCW already has a well-established clinical governance model and senior leadership team including a clinically registered Clinical Director and Deputy Clinical Director, therefore the CQC partner will not be required to duplicate this model or other senior leadership roles.

The scope of this partnership will only be for those elements of a service that explicitly require CQC registration as specified by the opportunity's commissioner within procurement and contractual documentation.

Any wrap around services that sit outside of this requirement SCW would seek to deliver themselves.

Assurance activities may include but are not limited to: • Reviewing service pathways to ensure compliance with CQC and other regulatory requirements. • Checking contact centre scripts to ensure clinically safe delivery of specific pathway navigation. • Participation in service specific SCW and CQC Partner Joint Delivery Boards and Service Patient Safety and Incidents Working Groups. • Participation in SCW's Clinical Assurance Group as a service specific representative. • Making recommendations for continuous service improvement to support best practice associated with CQC and other regulatory requirements.