FOI 2026/1621

Could I please make a Freedom of Information request for the following information.

1. Has the integrated care system employed any management consultancy firms in 25-26 for work to improve its financial position?

If so, please share:

a) the name of all management consultancy firms employed

b) expected spend on each management consultancy firm in 25-26

c) whether each firm’s work is expected to continue in 26-27, and if so, expected spend on each in 26-27

2. Has the integrated care board employed any management consultancy firms in 25-26 for work to improve its financial position?

If so, please share:

a) the name of all management consultancy firms employed

b) expected spend on each management consultancy firm in 25-26

c) whether each firm’s work is expected to continue in 26-27, and if so, expected spend on each in 26-27

Please let me know if any clarification or refinement is required. Otherwise, I look forward to a response within the statutory 20 working days.

NHS organisations are required to produce an Annual Report and Accounts which covers the period to 31^st March each year. There are set requirements for the contents of the annual report, which includes a requirement to provide details of consultancy expenditure within the year. The Annual Report is required to be published by the end of September each year. Therefore, NHS GM is of the view that information about NHS GM’s 25/26 management consultancy expenditure is exempt from disclosure under section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act, on the basis that it is held for future publication.

This exemption is subject to the public interest test and for the reasons outlined below, we are satisfied that the exemption applies.

Public interest test

There is an inherent public interest in ensuring that there is openness and transparency regarding the funding received by NHS GM and the way that it spends its money.  Disclosure of this information would also be consistent with NHS GM’s commitment to proactively publish data that is in the wider public interest.

However, this information is subject to approval, prior to publication, and in line with guidance from NHS England, financial information is not to be shared in advance of audits being completed. Early release of the requested information, prior to the completion of approval, could be misrepresentative and it is in the public interest that this information is a true and accurate reflection of the way in which NHS GM spends its money.

After considering the arguments outlined above, we have decided that, on balance, the public interest is better served in withholding this information under section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 at this time, on the basis that it will be published in the future, as outlined above.

In addition, the management consultancy expenditure of NHS Foundation trusts within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System is similarly considered exempt, as each of the NHS Foundation Trusts would be expected to include the relevant information within their Annual Reports.