IHPN announces refresh of medical governance framework for independent providers, led by Professor Sir Stephen Powis

The Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) has today announced a refresh of its Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF), reinforcing the sector’s commitment to continually improving patient safety and quality of care.

First introduced in 2019, the MPAF sets out core principles for strong medical governance across the independent healthcare sector and is now a well-established part of the regulatory landscape. Its principles are used by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in assessing how well-led independent services are and are embedded within the NHS Standard Contract for providers delivering NHS-funded care.

The refresh comes as independent providers continue to deliver high standards of care for patients, with over 90% of independent locations rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and patient satisfaction consistently high at 97–98%.

The refresh will ensure the framework continues to reflect current best practice and remains fit for the future, building on its role as a cornerstone of safe, high-quality care in the independent sector.

This work will be led by Professor Sir Stephen Powis, former NHS National Medical Director (2018–2025), bringing significant clinical leadership experience from across the health system. He will be supported by a reference group including representatives from independent providers, the NHS, Royal Colleges, regulators, patient groups and consultants in private practice.

IHPN will consult widely with its membership as part of the refresh to ensure the updated framework reflects the experience and expertise of providers across the sector.

The refreshed MPAF is expected to be published in autumn 2026.

Dawn Hodgkins, Director of Regulation, IHPN, said:

“We are proud to be refreshing the Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework, which has become a cornerstone of strong medical governance across the independent sector.

“This is an opportunity to build on the progress made since 2019 and ensure the framework continues to support providers to deliver safe, high-quality care for patients.

“With over 90% of independent locations rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and patient satisfaction consistently high, the sector has a strong foundation to build on.

“We will be working closely with our members and partners across the health system as part of this process, so the refreshed framework reflects real-world experience and continues to drive improvement across the sector.

“We are also delighted that Professor Sir Stephen Powis will be leading this work, bringing his extensive experience and leadership from across the NHS to this important next phase.”

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, lead for the MPAF refresh, said:

“The Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework has played an important role in strengthening medical governance across the independent healthcare sector.

“I’m pleased to be working with IHPN and partners from across the health system on this refresh, ensuring the framework continues to support high standards of care and delivers the best possible outcomes for patients.”