Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs): How do you know if STPs are making a positive impact?

STPs are part of a new planning framework for NHS services.


This ‘Must Know' for lead members focuses on the role for elected members in the STP process and what plans may mean for lead members and local communities at the time of publication. We will continue to update the Local Government Association (LGA) website with information and resources.

Lead members will wish to continue to use available structures programmes and mechanisms, such as HWBs and now STPs, to bring about improvements in the quality and experience of care across the whole health and social care system.

The STP guidance, issued by NHS England and national health partners in February 2016, states that STPs should be, "used to drive a genuine and sustainable transformation in patient experience and health outcomes in the long term." STPs are intended to address the three challenges facing health systems: the health and wellbeing challenge, the quality and safety challenge and the finance and efficiency challenge.