Devolution: an unfinished revolution

The devolution agenda continues to shape local governance and leadership across England, but the picture is far from complete. While some areas have had a directly elected mayor for over a decade, others will be having their first elections in the coming years, and several remain without the prospect of a devolution deal at all. What is clear is that mayors and strategic authorities are and will be key partners for the NHS, holding a range of powers over the social determinants of health. This session will examine the evolving landscape of English devolution, highlighting the differing levels of maturity, powers and leadership across strategic authorities. It will look at how delivering on strategic commissioning, neighbourhood health and the broader prevention agenda will explicitly require ICB and NHS leaders to work with this relatively new form of sub-regional democracy. Similarly, for those areas without mayors, now is the time to influence and help lay down the tracks for a successful future partnership.