A new single NHS membership body will form as NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation confirm their merger
NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation have formally confirmed their intention to merge, creating a unified membership organisation to represent NHS entities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland starting from April 2026.
The decision follows broad support from NHS chairs, chief executives, and senior executives, with a significant majority backing the move. It aims to strengthen advocacy, streamline representation, and enhance support for frontline health services across the UK.
85% of leaders support the NHS merger
The two organisations have conducted significant engagement with members, including NHS trusts, integrated care boards, primary care providers, and voluntary sector providers, with the clear view that a single membership body for the NHS should be established.
Research shows that 85% of the 400+ chairs, chief executives, and other members in executive-level positions surveyed expressed this view, with only 5% disagreeing.
The Boards of Trustees for NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation have made a significant decision to merge their organisations. This decision is contingent on the results of a thorough due diligence process, which will evaluate any potential material issues. Both organisations are optimistic about this merger, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance their collective impact on the NHS and improve services for patients. The due diligence phase will be critical to ensuring a smooth, beneficial integration for all stakeholders.
The purpose of the merger is to improve the NHS and the health of UK citizens, as the independent membership body will provide an influential voice for NHS leaders and support its members to drive improvement.
The new membership offer will be launched in March 2026 and start from 1 April. Between now and the launch date, a transition committee will draw upon trustees across both current boards before a final board is established. A new leadership and staffing structure will be in place by the end of March 2026, including an external recruitment process for the new chief executive, to ensure the merger can fully support its members.
Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of NHS Confederation, and Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, chair of NHS Providers, said: “Our members have told us loud and clear they want one clear voice for the NHS to represent and support them to improve care on behalf of their local communities. Coming together into a single membership body will enable us to do that more effectively.
“This is a very challenging time for the NHS and our members. We believe this step will enable us to represent better and support the entire NHS—to foster collaboration and learning across all parts of the system, delivering higher-quality care and better value for patients, the public, and taxpayers.
“We will now work at pace to deliver the renewed organisation that our members have asked for.”
