The Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) 2021/22 introduces the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) which will see primary care networks (PCNs) entitled to additional payments both “In Year” and “Year End” in respect of the PCN’s performance against the IIF indicators. In this insight we explain what the process entails for your practice.

What is the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF)?

The IIF is a scheme requiring PCNs to focus on NHS England’s priority objectives of tackling health inequalities and providing high quality care.

The funding under the IIF will be worth £150 million in 2021/22 rising to £300 million in 2023/24.

Giving evidence about your performance

The IIF feels very much like the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), with a total of 225 points available across all indicators and each point being worth £200.

Each PCN must put forward two Nominated Persons who will be required to extract and release the relevant data to the Commissioner. The Commissioner must approve the nominations and such persons must have access to the Calculating Quality Reporting Service (CQRS).

The Nominated Persons need to provide a declaration that the extracted data is in accordance with the Direct Enhanced Service (DES). Accordingly, each practice must consent to the data being provided to the Nominated Persons and ensure the Nominated Persons have the necessary authority and authorisations to review and declare the relevant data to the Commissioner.

What are the next steps?

PCNs will need to consider how these appointments will be made and make provision for the same, together with provision of the relevant consents and authorisations in their Network Agreements.

PCNs will also need to review their data protection arrangements in light of the role and responsibilities of the Nominated Persons and their ability to access practice data.

How Capsticks can help

Our primary care team has advised and supported GP clients on the establishment of approximately 100 primary care networks across the country. This includes advising on structural options and network models, drafting a tailored and bespoke Network Agreement for each PCN and advising on workforce, employment and HR.

If you would like any further information about the actions you need to take in light of the Network Contract DES 2021/22, our experts can offer you a Network Agreement Health Check to make sure you are on track. For further information, please contact Neha Shah to find out more about how Capsticks can help.