News story published 9 July 2026
The 10 Year Health Plan, published last July, set out the vision of reinvigorating and reinventing the foundation trust model for the modern integrated health system. This is being delivered through the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme, with the ambition that all NHS providers will achieve advanced foundation trust status by 2035.
We are pleased to announce that The Christie will be one of the second wave of applicants to be assessed for advanced foundation trust status. Inclusion in this early wave recognises that we have demonstrated consistent high performance by being placed in segment 1 of the NHS Oversight Framework for each quarter of 2025/26.
Securing advanced foundation trust status will require successful assessment as part of the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme and we will be working closely with NHS England as part of that process to demonstrate how we meet the assessment criteria.
Successfully passing the assessment will enable us to benefit from a more streamlined and strategic approach to annual planning, a capability-based approach to oversight and targeted financial flexibilities allowing us to direct surpluses from day-to-day spending towards future capital projects.
These freedoms will support our frontline NHS leaders to make decisions locally to improve services for our patients and work with partners to improve the health of the communities we serve.
Roger Spencer, Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely pleased to be included in the second wave of the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme. This is a significant opportunity to build on our strengths, demonstrate the progress we are making and explore how greater local flexibility could help us continue to improve services for the people who rely on us.
“Our priority will always be to provide the best possible care and experience for our patients.
“We look forward to working with NHS England and partners as we move through the assessment process.”
For more information on the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme, please visit the NHS England website.