Monitor - Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts
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Consultation on seeking external assurance on the quality reports of NHS foundation trusts
Published on: 15 April 2010
In December 2009, Monitor launched a 12-week consultation on seeking external assurance on the quality reports of NHS foundation trusts. We received 31 responses during the consultation period. Of the responses received, 52% were from foundation trusts.
Download - Summary of consultation responses (PDF) (298.56 KB)
In December 2009, Monitor launched a 12-week consultation on seeking external assurance on the quality reports of NHS foundation trusts. We received 31 responses during the consultation period. Of the responses received, 52% were from foundation trusts.
We have consolidated the comments received and comment on these in the summary of consultation responses, available below.
The majority of respondents were supportive of the need for external assurance on the quality reports. However there were reservations in relation to the inclusion of a Directors’ Statement in the quality reports in 2009/10 and the timescale for the delivery of the final private report. Some concerns were also raised that further clarification is required on the criteria to support the opinion on the arrangements in place to ensure the quality accounts are fairly stated (the arrangements opinion).
We have listened to these concerns and have amended our guidance in these areas. In particular we have:
- delayed the requirement for a published Directors’ Statement of Responsibilities until 2010/11. It will however form part of the 2009/10 dry run;
- extended the deadline for the submission of the private report to Monitor until 30 July 2010; and
- scheduled an additional meeting with the foundation trust auditors via the Technical Issues Forum (TIF) to provide additional guidance on the arrangements opinion.
The Detailed Guidance for the Dry-Run of External Assurance on the Quality Reports was published on 28 April 2010.
Related publications
Related links
- Consultation on additional annual reporting requirements for 2009/10
- Standards to support the data quality for the preparation of Quality Reports (Annnex B to the Detailed Guidance for the Dry-Run of External Assurance on the Quality Reports)