The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers merger will create a single, powerful membership organisation representing all NHS bodies across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The merger, confirmed by both Boards of Trustees, aims to strengthen advocacy for frontline services and improve coordination across the healthcare system.
The two major NHS representative bodies — the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers — have agreed to merge following overwhelming support from members. A recent survey showed that 85% of more than 400 chairs, chief executives, and senior officials backed the creation of one unified membership organisation to speak with “one clear voice” for the NHS.
The NHS Confederation currently supports the entire healthcare system in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while NHS Providers represents hospital, mental health, community, and ambulance services across England. The merger will bring all these sectors under one umbrella, marking the most significant organisational reform in NHS representation in over a decade.
Transition and timeline for the new structure
The new organisation is scheduled to launch in March 2026, becoming operational on 1 April 2026. A transition committee made up of trustees from both current boards will oversee the process, including due diligence, leadership recruitment, and brand identity development.
An external recruitment drive for a new chief executive will take place by the end of March 2026, along with the appointment of a unified Board of Trustees. Both organisations confirmed that no major obstacles have been identified in the due diligence process so far.
Leadership vision and goals
In a joint statement, Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation, and Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, Chair of NHS Providers, said members “want one clear voice for the NHS to represent and support them to improve care on behalf of their local communities.” They added that the merger will help foster stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing, and efficiency across the system — delivering better outcomes and value for patients, the public, and taxpayers.
The merger comes as the NHS faces rising demand, workforce shortages, and funding pressures following years of strain from the pandemic and ongoing industrial disputes. Consolidating the leadership of NHS representative bodies is seen as a strategic move to streamline advocacy efforts and support integrated care systems (ICSs) across the UK.
Health policy experts have long called for a more unified structure to strengthen communication between national policymakers and frontline providers. The new body will be expected to play a critical role in shaping reforms, coordinating best practices, and responding to challenges such as waiting list backlogs and regional inequalities.
