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Arm’s length bodies (ALBs) are a key part of the health and social care system. As stand-alone national organisations sponsored by the Department of Health, they work closely with the local NHS, social care services, and other ALBs to regulate the system, improve standards, protect public welfare and support local services. ALBs vary in size but normally have boards, employ staff and publish accounts. They are accountable to the Department of Health and sometimes directly to Parliament. Most ALBs also receive substantial funding from the Department of Health. ALB-style agencies are an important feature of other major health systems around the world.
ALBs regulate the health and social care system, establish national standards, protect patients and the public, and provide central services to the NHS. The Department of Health works with executive agencies, special health authorities and non-departmental public bodies.
The BSU has been established to help ALBs deliver high quality, value for money services aligned closely to Ministers' health and social care priorities.
The former Secretary of State for Health, John Reid, announced his intention to carry out a review of the Department of Health's arm's length bodies at the Health Select Committee on 30 October 2003. The ALB review sets out a timetable by which existing organisations will transfer their functions to other bodies from 2006-08.
Questions and answers about the policy, human resources and finances.
