Digital transformation central to new ICB commissioning framework

Digital transformation and data-driven intelligence have been positioned as central to how integrated care boards (ICBs) plan, buy, and monitor services, in new commissioning guidelines.

The Strategic Commissioning Framework, published on 6 November 2025, says that ICBs should build the role digital technology plays into their strategy and population health improvement plans.

It ties the use of data, analytics, and technology directly to better health outcomes, resource optimisation, and equity, with all ICBs expected to operate digitally enabled commissioning systems supported by real-time data and integrated tools by 2027.

They are expected to includes the five key technologies – genomics, AI, wearable technologies, robotics, and joined-up data – to drive innovation and transformation, as outlined in the 10 year health plan.

The framework states that strategic commissioners should consider these when commissioning healthcare services to “improve patient care, increase productivity, and position the UK as a leader in healthcare innovation”.

Under the framework, delivery of each ICB’s strategic outcomes will be supported through allocating resources informed by “local data and intelligence” and could involve changes to services currently commissioned by the ICB, “including potentially ceasing certain services or provision, changing existing services significantly, or adding new services”.

By March 2027, ICBs are expected to have operational intelligence functions capable of using real-time data for commissioning decisions.

They should use “joined-up, person-level data and intelligence” including user feedback, partner insight, outcomes data, public health resource and insight to develop “a deep and dynamic understanding of their local population and their needs now and in the future, and the biological, psychological and social drivers of risk and demand, proactively identifying underserved communities”.

ICBs must “strengthen their understanding of the role of technology and data in how and what they commission”, including leveraging service user and staff apps and digital health technologies such as AI, to “drive prevention, integrate care provision across pathways and ease management of workforce within and across organisations”.

The framework recognises a skills gap in digital and data literacy within commissioning and says that ICBs will need access to “high quality data analysis, sustained and meaningful engagement with people and expertise to inform decision-making and target interventions”.

On behalf of the Digital Health Networks ICS Digital Council, chair John Mitchell, said: “Digital and data literacy are now essential skills for everyone involved in commissioning. The framework rightly makes them core to how we plan and deliver services, not just the remit of a digital team.

“While it will take time to build those capabilities across the system, maintaining strong digital and analytical capacity within ICBs will be vital to support that transition and ensure commissioning is data-driven by design.”

Samantha Fay, chief executive at digital health supplier SiSU Health, told Digital Health News: “The new strategic commissioning framework is a positive step toward a prevention-first NHS: one that uses data, digital tools, personalisation and patient partnership to improve population health.”

NHS England plans to publish a ‘Model Digital Blueprint’ by 2026/27 to guide the integration of national digital tools.