NHS foundation trusts are a new type of NHS trust in England.

They have been created to devolve decision-making from central government control to local organisations and communities so they are more responsive to the needs and wishes of their local people. As part of the reform of NHS service providers, the Government expects all NHS acute and mental health trusts to become foundation trusts at the earliest available opportunity.

The Provider Agency is an arms length body which is part of NHS London. It's their job to support trusts to turn themselves into foundation trusts. Until they achieve foundation trust status, the Provider Agency must ensure trusts deliver high quality, safe healthcare which meets the needs of patients, manage their finances appropriately and govern themselves soundly.

Monitor's role

Once trusts have achieved foundation trust status we no longer have a responsibility to performance manage them. Instead they are regulated by Monitor, who are responsible for making sure they are well managed and financially strong. See Monitor's website for more information.