Clustering of integrated care boards in England

On August 19, 2025, NHS England announced organizational changes to the work of the integrated care systems. Most of the 42 integrated care boards (ICBs, local commissioners) currently operating in England will coordinate their work by gathering in clusters. 

The clustering arrangements were agreed upon by NHS England’s executive team and ministers: 

• Thirteen clusters of two to three ICBs will be implemented during Q3 of 2025/26
• While clustering ICBs will work together through shared leadership and combined teams, they will remain separate legal entities
• Not all ICBs will participate in the clustering arrangements
• In summary, there will be 13 ICB clusters and 13 stand-alone ICBs

Some examples of clusters are provided below.

Cluster of three ICB in the East of England:

• Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB
• Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB

Cluster of two ICBs in the Midlands:

• Coventry and Warwickshire ICB
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB

Cluster of three ICBs in the South West:

• Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
• Dorset ICB
• Somerset ICB

See the full details here.

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