The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans and buys healthcare services for its population. This function is commonly referred to as ‘commissioning’.

To budget is set by NHS England, and they work closely with local government and the NHS providers in the area. The ICB’s performance is judged by how well the local health and care system as a whole is working, including the health outcomes of its communities.

The ICB has delegated some authority to the three health and wellbeing alliances that operate in Suffolk and north east Essex to act on its behalf. This is to ensure that the needs of smaller, local areas are addressed. The ICB remains accountable for all of its functions, including those it has delegated.

Local residents have a big role to play in the operation of the ICB, which relies on the experiences and perspectives of its communities to help shape its decision-making.