Summary of NHSBSA Board minutes - 18 June 2026

Meeting held at 9:00am at Stella House, Newcastle Upon Tyne. 

Present:

Sue Douthwaite, Chair

Michael Brodie, Chief Executive

Kathy Gillatt, Non-Executive Director

David Leather, Non-Executive Director

Mathew McKie, Non-Executive Director (via video conference)

Randeep Sidhu, Non-Executive Director

Mel Tomlin, Non-Executive Director (via video conference)

Brendan Brown, Chief Operating Officer (items 26/76 to 26/107 only)

Darren Curry, Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer (items 26/76 to 26/107 only)

Mark Dibble, Chief People Officer

Andy McKinlay, Chief Finance Officer (items 26/76 to 26/107 only)

In attendance:

Karen Finlayson, Associate Non-Executive Director (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Chris Knight, Associate Non-Executive Director (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Sachin Joshi, Deputy Director of Commercial, DHSC (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Stuart Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer, DHSC (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Hassan Kajee, Transition Director, NHSBSA (item 26/99 only)

David Jukes, Corporate Secretary (Secretary to the Board), NHSBSA

Paul Cooper, NHS Pensions Director, NHSBSA (items 26/91 and 26/92 only)

Marc Compton, Head of Security and Information Governance, NHSBSA (item 26/100 only)

Michael Costello, Finance Director, NHSBSA (item 26/93 only)

Claire Forrester, Interim Head of Pensions Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, NHSBSA (items 26/91 and 26/92 only)

Chris Gilroy, Head of Cyber Security and Infrastructure Services, NHSBSA (item 26/100 only)

Chris Lauder, Director of Risk, NHSBSA (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Jonathan Marron, Chief Transition Officer, NHSBSA (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Lisa Moran, Head of DDaT Capability and Operations, NHSBSA (Shadow Board Representative) (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Sean Murphy, Director of Commercial Services, NHSBSA (items 26/91 to 26/98 only)

Jeff Pasternack, SRO - Future NHS Workforce Solution Transformation Programme, NHSBSA (item 26/87 only)

Libby Pink, Chief Portfolio Officer, NHSBSA (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Chris Price, Future NHS Workforce Solution Transformation Programme Director, NHSBSA (via video conference) (item 26/87 only)

Rebecca Ritchie, Head of Workforce Optimisation, NHSBSA (Shadow Board Representative) (items 26/76 to 26/106 only)

Paul Spooner, NHS ESR Director, NHSBSA (via video conference) (item 26/87 only)

Vince Strafford, Project Director, NHSBSA (via video conference) (items 26/91 and 26/92 only)

Kevin Watkins, Head of Internal Audit, GIAA (via video conference) (items 26/80 to 26/84 only)

26/76 Apologies for Absence and Declarations of Interest (Register of Interests - Formal Review)

There were no apologies received. There were no declarations of interest declared in relation to the Board meeting agenda. The Board confirmed that they had read and understood the NHSBSA Conflicts of Interest Policy and Procedure, and any required updates would be added to the Register of Interests in ESR.

Non-Executive Directors:

Associate Non-Executive Directors:

Executive Directors/Officer Members: 

The Board REVIEWED the Register of Interests and NOTED the report.

26/77 Minutes of the Board Meeting held on 14 May 2026 

The minutes of the previous meetings were AGREED and APPROVED as an accurate record.

26/78 Matters Arising and Outstanding Actions from Previous Meetings

The Board discussed the actions noting updates provided. All other actions were either complete, addressed elsewhere on the agenda, or not yet due. The Board NOTED the completed actions.

26/79 Chair's Opening Remarks

The Chair welcomed S Joshi and S Nelson, attending in their capacity as DHSC Sponsor Representatives, and L Moran and R Ritchie as Shadow Board representatives.

The Chair also welcomed C Lauder (Director of Risk) to the meeting.

The Board NOTED the update.

(Kevin Watkins joined the meeting)

26/80 Confirmed minutes from the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC) meeting held on 29 April 2026

The Board NOTED the minutes.

26/81 Update from the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC) Meeting held on 3 June 2026 – Alert, Advise, Assure (AAA) Report

K Gillatt gave an update on the work of the ARC. The Board NOTED the update.

26/82 Update from the Audit and Risk Management Committee (NHS Pensions) Meeting held on 3 June 2026 – Alert, Advise, Assure (AAA) Report

K Gillatt gave an update on the work of the ARC (Pensions). The Board NOTED the update.

26/83 Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARC) Annual Report 2025/26

K Gillatt presented the Annual Report – providing an overview of the work undertaken by the ARC during 2025/26.

K Gillatt stated that the overall conclusion of the Committee was that an adequate framework of assurance (covering governance, risk, internal controls and performance reporting) was in place in the NHSBSA. The basis of this conclusion was set out in the report.

Overall, the Chair and the Committee was satisfied that the NHSBSA had continued to strengthen its control environment and approach to risk management. The Committee concluded that it had met its remit (documented in the Terms of Reference) during the year and this was documented through the annual review of effectiveness.

The Board considered the Annual Report of the Committee. The Board RECEIVED and ADOPTED the report.

26/84 Head of Internal Audit Update – Annual Opinion 2025/26 and Update

K Watkins presented the Annual Internal Audit Opinion for the year ended 31 March 2026 and provided an update on the 2026/27 internal audit plan and the outcome of the External Quality Assessment.

An overall Moderate opinion was provided, indicating that some improvements were required to enhance the adequacy and effectiveness of the organisation’s framework of governance, risk management and control.

The Board NOTED the report and ACKNOWLEDGED receipt of the Head of Internal Audit Annual Report and Opinion 2025/26.

(Kevin Watkins left the meeting)

26/85 Annual Report of the Shadow Board 2025/26

The Chair presented the Shadow Board Annual Report for 2025/26, outlining the work undertaken during the year and confirming compliance with the Shadow Board Terms of Reference.

It was noted that the Shadow Board had met its remit for 2025/26, operating effectively and providing a valuable development opportunity for aspiring and emerging leaders, while supporting succession planning and strengthening the organisation’s leadership pipeline.

The Board RECEIVED and ADOPTED the Shadow Board Annual Report 2025/26.

26/86 Chief Executive’s Business Update Report

The Chief Executive presented the Business Update Report and highlighted that key strategic matters were being addressed through specific items elsewhere on the agenda, including the Future NHS Workforce Solution Programme (FWS), NHS Pensions Service, and the Workforce Transformation and Efficiency Plan.

M Brodie introduced the item, highlighting key points including in relation to:

• Wider Assurance Review of the NHSBSA.
• NHSBSA Strategy and update meeting with the DHSC Permanent Secretary.
• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death - Death Certification Reform.
• Infected Blood Payments Service.
• Immigration Health Surcharge Reimbursement Scheme.

The Board NOTED the report.

(Jeff Pasternack, Chris Price and Paul Spooner joined the meeting)

26/87 Future NHS Workforce Solution (FWS) Programme – Spotlight

J Pasternack, C Price and P Spooner provided the Board with an update on the programme.

The Board NOTED the update.

(J Pasternack, C Price and P Spooner left the meeting)

26/88 NHSBSA Performance Report – Performance Report

The Board received an update on organisational performance against Strategic Goals and operational KPIs, presented by J Marron.

The Board REVIEWED, DISCUSSED and NOTED the report.

26/89 NHSBSA Performance Report – Weekly Operational Performance Status

B Brown provided an overview of the Weekly Operational Performance Status Report.

The Board REVIEWED, DISCUSSED and NOTED the report.

26/90 NHSBSA Portfolio Report

L Pink presented the NHSBS Portfolio Report.

The Board NOTED the report.

(Paul Cooper, Claire Forrester, Sean Murphy and Vince Strafford joined the meeting)

26/91 NHS Pension Service – Key Priorities Update

B Brown introduced the item. B Brown and the team provided an update on the key priorities and challenges within the NHS Pensions Service.

The Board noted the NHS Pension Board Annual Work Plan and Risk Register.

The Board REVIEWED, DISCUSSED and NOTED the report.

(Claire Forrester left the meeting)

26/92 Pensions McCloud - Contracts Update

S Murphy presented an update on procurement arrangements to support delivery of the McCloud Remedy Programme, including requests for delegated authority in relation to forthcoming contract awards:

• McCloud Immediate Choice – Administration Support Contract (c.£4m)
• Practitioner RSS and RPSS Administration Contract (c.£28m)

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED the proposal to grant delegated authority for contract award decisions to be taken by Board members outside of formal meetings and, subject to this, APPROVED delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to execute the contracts.

(Paul Cooper and Vince Strafford left the meeting)

(Michael Costello joined the meeting)

26/93 Finance and Commercial Report

A McKinlay introduced the item. M Costello presented an update on the organisation’s financial position. S Murphy presented an update on the organisation’s commercial position.

The Board NOTED the report.

(Michael Costello left the meeting)

26/94 Research Delivery Data Intelligence (RDDI) Contract

S Murphy presented a proposal to procure a RDDI solution to support national and local research delivery functions across the UK.

It was highlighted that the procurement was being undertaken via an open competition under the Procurement Act 2023, with a contract value of approximately £30m over an initial five-year term, with options to extend. The contract was required to be awarded by September 2026 to meet DHSC timelines for delivery of core functionality by April 2027.

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED entry into the contract subject to completion of the procurement process and APPROVED delegated authority for the Chief Executive Officer to approve the contract award and execute the agreement, with a retrospective report to follow.

26/95 Software Licence Partner Contract

S Murphy presented a proposal to appoint a Software Licence Partner to provide a consolidated licensing service across the organisation.

It was reported that Softcat Plc was the preferred supplier following a competitive procurement exercise under the Crown Commercial Services framework. The proposed call‑off contract had an estimated value of £39m over an initial four‑year period, with options to extend, and was intended to commence on 1 July 2026.

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED the proposal to enter into the contract with Softcat Plc and APPROVED delegated authority for the Chief Executive Officer to execute the contract, subject to final approval by the DHSC Commercial Assurance Board.

26/96 Financial Assurance Framework Contract

S Murphy presented a proposal to establish a Financial Assurance Framework to provide specialist financial and commercial assurance support across major programmes and complex procurements.

The Board noted that the framework, with an estimated value of £20m over a six‑year period, would be procured via a Competitive Flexible Procedure and awarded to two suppliers, enabling flexible call‑off arrangements.

The Board noted that the framework did not guarantee volume of work but provided a mechanism to access support as required, with final call‑off contracts subject to appropriate approvals. It was also noted that approval at this stage was required to enable submission to the DHSC Commercial Assurance Board, with contract award expected in summer 2026.

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED the proposal to enable the Commercial Lead to seek DHSC Commercial Assurance Board approval and, subject to this, APPROVED delegated authority for the Chief Executive Officer to execute the framework agreement with the successful suppliers.

26/97 AI Adoption and Implementation Services Contract

S Murphy presented a proposal to procure AI Adoption and Implementation Services to support the organisation’s adoption of AI and automation at scale.

The Board noted that the contract, with an estimated value of £5m over a four‑year period, would be procured via the Crown Commercial Services AI Dynamic Purchasing System, with contract award expected in July 2026 and commencement shortly thereafter.

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED the proposal for NHSBSA to enter into the contract, subject to completion of the procurement process, and APPROVED delegated authority for the Chief Executive Officer to execute the contract.

26/98 Transforming Dental Systems (TDS) – Contract Variation

S Murphy presented a proposal to vary the existing System Integrator contract with Accenture for delivery of the TDS programme.

The Board noted that the proposed variation increased the contract value by £9m, from £18.01m to £27.01m (excl. VAT), reflecting increased scope, complexity, extended delivery timelines and the inclusion of additional requirements, including Dental Contract Reform changes and enhanced testing and support arrangements.

Following discussion, the Board APPROVED the proposed contract variation.

(Sean Murphy left the meeting)

(Hassan Kajee joined the meeting)

26/99 Workforce Transformation and Efficiency Plan Update

J Marron provided an update on the Workforce Transformation and Efficiency Plan, supported by H Kajee.

The Board NOTED the update.

(Hassan Kajee left the meeting)

(Marc Compton and Chris Gilroy joined the meeting)

26/100 Annual Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) Report 2025/26

The Board received the Annual Report SIRO Report 2025/26 presented by D Curry (SIRO) supported by M Compton (Deputy SIRO) and C Gilroy.

The Board NOTED the report and assurance provided by the ARC.

(Marc Compton and Chris Gilroy left the meeting)

26/101 NHSBSA Risk Review and Risk Appetite Statement

The Board received a report on the Corporate Risk and Issue Register and the proposed Risk Appetite Statement for 2026/27, presented by J Marron and C Lauder.

The Board noted that the Corporate Risk and Issue Register continued to be subject to regular review through established governance arrangements, including monthly review with senior leadership and oversight by the ARC.

The Board:

• NOTED the Corporate Risk and Issue Register and the arrangements in place to manage risk
• REVIEWED the current risk profile and areas of key strategic risk
• APPROVED the Risk Appetite Statement for 2026/27

26/102 Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Report and FTSU Strategy and Improvement Plan 2026/27

The Board received an update on Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) activity and the proposed FTSU Strategy and Improvement Plan for 2026/27, presented by M Dibble (Executive Lead for FTSU) and D Jukes (FTSU Guardian).

M Tomlin, in her role as FTSU Non‑Executive Champion, updated the Board that she had met with D Jukes and received assurance on the effectiveness of arrangements and case handling, as well as ongoing proactive activity to promote a speaking up culture across the organisation. M Tomlin expressed her thanks to D Jukes for his continued diligence in supporting colleagues to speak up, and the FTSU Champions for their continued support.

The Board:

• NOTED the FTSU activity and progress during 2025/26
• ENDORSED the FTSU Strategy and Improvement Plan for 2026/27

26/103 Forward Agenda and Training Plan

The Board NOTED the Forward Agenda and Training Plan.

26/104 Any Other Business

The Board:

• AGREED the value of enhancing the ‘Voice of the Workforce’ at Board level
• SUPPORTED the proposal to appoint a designated Non‑Executive Director responsible for workforce engagement, with further detail on the approach to be progressed. M Tomlin agreed to take on the role, and this would be reviewed following further non-executive recruitment in 2026

26/105 Communications from the Meeting

The Board wished to thank FTSU Champions for their continued support of the FTSU agenda.

The Board wished to thank the FWS Programme team for their continued commitment, recognising the programme’s strategic importance.

26/106 Date and Venue of the Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board was scheduled to take place on 30 June 2026 via Teams.

(Karen Finlayson, Chris Knight, Sachin Joshi, Stuart Nelson, Chris Lauder, Jonathan Marron, Lisa Moran, Libby Pink and Rebecca Ritchie left the meeting)

26/107 Associate Non-Executive Director – Extension

The Board considered a report from M Tomlin, Chair of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee, recommending an extension to the tenure of Chris Knight as an Associate Non‑Executive Director.

The Board APPROVED the extension of Chris Knight’s tenure as an Associate Non‑Executive Director for a period of 12 months until September 2027.

(Brendan Brown, Darren Curry and Andy McKinlay left the meeting)

26/108 Confirmed minutes from the Remuneration and Nominations Committee meeting held on 10 March 2026

The Board NOTED the minutes.

26/109 Update from the Remuneration and Nominations Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2026 – Alert, Advise, Assure (AAA) Report

M Tomlin gave an update on the work of the Remuneration and Nominations Committee. The Board NOTED the update.