North West London Integrated Care Board to consider future model, including merger
North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) (responsible for planning and improving for NHS and care services for more than 2 million residents) has published Board papers which set out four options for the future model of our organisation, along with a recommendation to the Board on our relationship with North Central London ICB.
This follows NHS England asking North Central London and North West London ICBs to consider closer collaboration and possible merger, as part of changes to ICBs announced earlier in the year. These changes include a new role as a strategic commissioner and expected cost reductions of approximately 50% in each ICB.
At the forefront of the development of the options for our future model was a commitment to ensuring the best interests of patients and residents in north west London. Given the necessary cost reductions for both organisations, we also considered the potential benefits of operating at greater scale with increased collaboration and reduced duplication – and how this would impact on our delivery, our staff and our communities.
At our Board meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025 (1-5pm), the Board will be asked to consider and discuss the four options in the paper:
· Option 1: Separate transformation of both ICBs
· Option 2: Joint enabling functions
· Option 3a: Merger, with targeted integration of functions
· Option 3b: Full merger
The Board will also discuss a recommendation from the Transition Committee (consisting of the ICB voting Board members, Executive and Non Executive) for full merger with North Central London ICB (option 3b).
North Central London’s ICB Board will also discuss these options and their own Transition Committee’s recommendation for full merger at their public meeting on Tuesday 22 July 2025 (1.30–4.15pm). The Board decisions will be made independently of each other.
A fully merged North West London and North Central London ICB would serve a population of more than four million people, living in 13 London boroughs. It would likely become the biggest ICB in England.
· Read the North West London ICB Board papers
· Join the NWL Board meeting online
· Read the North Central London ICB Board papers
· To request a link to view a livestream of the meeting, please email nclicb.meetingsquestions@nhs.net by 10am on 22 July 2025.
Further updates will be published following the Boards’ decisions.
Background
Earlier this year, the Government announced a number of changes to the NHS, including a requirement that all ICBs reduce their running costs by 50%, and move to a new model with a focus on strategic commissioning.
As a result, many of the 42 ICBs across England are considering changing their structures through increased collaboration and merger.
More detail on the Model ICB blueprint is available here: NHS England » Update on the draft Model ICB Blueprint and progress on the future NHS Operating Model
