Appoint your executive team as early as possible, including a dedicated transition director

Why this matters

Establishing leadership arrangements early is fundamental to effective coordination. It enables swift formation of governance structures, including shadow committees and formal transition processes, which provide clarity on decision-making and accountability. 

What works in practice

Appointing a dedicated transition director to lead the implementation of the merger was deemed to be crucial for monitoring risk, as it provides assurance to both boards during the pre-merger phase and unblocks problems. 

Advice from ICB leaders

• The transition director can ensure each board has access to the same information, while also creating space for separate scrutiny and assurance.
• Inclusive engagement ensures that clinical, corporate and partner perspectives shape the new organisation, not just executives.