System regulation

One of the changes brought about through the Health and Social Care Act 2012 is that all NHS trusts will aim to become foundation trusts (FTs). Monitor was originally set up as the regulator of FTs, but in the new system, its role has changed and expanded.

Monitor now acts as the sector regulator, with a primary duty to protect, promote and improve the provision of health care services. Its duties include:

"tackling anti-competitive behaviour" and promoting integration
setting prices and tariffs for NHS-funded care in conjunction with NHS England
licensing all providers of NHS-funded health services (with the possible exception of very small providers) jointly with CQC, who will look at the safety and quality of care delivered by providers
scrutinising commissioner requested services (essential services) as designated by CCGs to provide an early warning system in the case of failure.

The newly-formed NHS Trust Development Agency will take over Monitor's role helping NHS trusts achieve FT status.

Many of the resources on this page are available in PDF format [see how to access PDF files]. Please note: NHS England was known as the NHS Commissioning Board until 1 April 2013, so some resources may use the organisation's original name.