PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
NHS England: Subsidiary Companies (4 July 2023)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the establishment of wholly owned subsidiary companies by (a) NHS trusts and (b) foundation trusts on workforce retention.

Asked by:
Karin Smyth (Labour)

There has been no assessment made of the potential impact of the establishment of wholly owned subsidiary companies by NHS trusts or foundation trusts on morale or workforce retention. NHS England published guidance in 2018 setting out the regulatory review process required before NHS trusts and foundation trusts can implement plans involving subsidiaries. As part of this review, NHS England consider engagement with staff and trade unions. NHS England routinely involve regional workforce leads in the review process where a subsidiary proposal involves changes to the workforce. NHS England work in conjunction with trusts and trade unions, setting out good practice workforce engagement and consultation guidance for trusts considering setting up or dissolving a subsidiary.

Answered by:
Will Quince (Conservative)
10 July 2023