What happens to the funds from corporate partners – why are none going to individual trusts or projects?
The money companies pay to become a corporate partner is accounted for by the DH under government accounting rules. It is applied only against the costs of running the NHS Live programme and its events. The DH is following the Guidelines for Sponsorship of Government Activities and is closely in touch with the National Audit Office (NAO) in respect of the contracts and structure for engaging companies. Corporate partnership is an innovative concept for sharing knowledge between the public and private sectors. It is not about private sector funding of individual projects – but is an opportunity for local organisations to tap into good commercial sector practice, to develop staff through work shadowing or job exchange and gain insights into the latest thinking and innovation. Corporate partners gain better understanding of future requirements led by patient needs and can exchange ideas and learning through the NHS Live leaders’ network.
