Next steps in supporting the wider adoption and rollout of PSIRF in the sector

Independent providers have identified several factors that would significantly support the wider adoption and long-term sustainability of PSIRF across the sector – enabling to be to an effective, and sustainable framework for learning and improvement.

A consistent theme is the need for more accessible, scalable training pathways that reflect the diversity of provider size, service type, and incident volumes. Providers have also noted a limited availability of trainers with a strong understanding of the independent sector, which presents a further barrier to effective implementation.

Smaller organisations, in particular, report challenges maintaining a sufficient pool of trained investigators and learning response leads, given their more limited workforce capacity and lower frequency of complex incidents. Tailored training programmes for smaller workforces and access to National Training programmes would be beneficial to providers.

Boards would benefit from enhanced PSIRF training and more structured support to oversee system learning and cultural progress. Smaller providers may require tailored tools and bespoke pathways to support proportional and sustainable implementation.

There is also strong appetite for shared tools, templates, and standardised resources to support proportionality decisions, documentation, evidence gathering, and communication with families. Many providers note that developing these tools independently can be time-consuming and duplicative, and that additional sector-wide resources provided from NHS England would enable greater alignment, reduce variation, and help smaller organisations integrate PSIRF more efficiently.

Providers emphasise that having access to examples of high-quality learning responses, model policies, and agreed investigation methodologies would further support consistency in approach and improve the reliability of learning across the sector. Members stated the NHS Futures Patient Safety workspace has been a useful platform for obtaining resources.

Improved engagement and clarity from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) also remains a priority for many providers. Organisations often report variability in the level of ICB support, the speed of sign-off for PSIRF plans, and the understanding of independent sector commissioning arrangements.

In some cases, providers have experienced challenges identifying a lead ICB or establishing contact with the appropriate commissioning lead, which has created delays and uncertainty. Stronger, more consistent partnership working with ICBs—supported by clear expectations, defined contact points, and streamlined sign-off processes—would provide much-needed stability and clarity for providers working across multiple geographic areas.