Most Primary Care Networks haven’t spent much time thinking about who technically owns their IT environment. Usually, the focus is on whether systems work properly so that staff can access what they need, patient services continue running smoothly, and support is available when problems appear.
But now, things are changing.
As Commissioning Support Units begin closing and digital functions start transferring into new structures under the NHS Service Transfer and Closure (STaC) Programme, the question ‘who owns our IT?’ is becoming more important. It’s also becoming more difficult to answer.
The evolution of IT ownership
For years, much of the responsibility for IT sat behind the scenes within CSUs. They handled large parts of the infrastructure, digital support, analytics, procurement and network management that many PCNs relied upon every day. But now, many of those systems, contracts and digital responsibilities are being redistributed across different organisations. Some functions are expected to transfer into Integrated Care Boards, while others may move elsewhere, depending on the service.
‘Who owns our IT?’ no longer has a straightforward answer.
Who’s responsible?
For most PCNs, ownership of systems or contracts isn’t the real focus. Instead, it’s understanding where responsibility sits when support, decisions, approvals or security management are needed.
Who manages Microsoft 365 policies? Who oversees cybersecurity monitoring? Who’s responsible for infrastructure support, user accounts, or device management? When systems fail or risks emerge, who’s expected to respond? To maintain day-to-day operations and to continue to provide seamless patient support across all practices within the network, these questions need to be answered.
Fortunately, plans are already in place to manage the transition. NHS England and the CSU closure programme have developed frameworks to map existing CSU services, clarify where responsibilities will move, and oversee the safe transfer of functions, staff, and digital services into their future organisations.
Much of that responsibility is expected to move into ICB structures, with governance arrangements and regional workshops already taking place to help define timelines, responsibilities and long-term operating models. However, not all functions will move immediately to ICBs.
With ICBs already under pressure to cut costs and headcounts, some responsibilities may become more locally managed, potentially involving PCNs more directly. But the good news is that PCNs are not being left to manage these complex IT environments alone. Support is available from IT experts who can help maintain stability, security and continuity throughout the transition.
Expert support for PCNs
PCNs are not expected to become IT professionals overnight. And that’s why we’re here.
PSTG helps organisations create clearer, more structured support arrangements that reduce uncertainty during periods of transition. From Microsoft 365 and infrastructure management through to cybersecurity and ongoing support, we help ensure critical systems remain supported day-to-day, while responsibilities across the wider NHS landscape continue to shift.
When organisational structures become more complicated and fragmented, clarity around IT support is the key to maintaining consistency across your network.
As ownership and support structures continue moving behind the scenes, understanding who is responsible for what, where responsibility lies, and who “owns” IT systems will become an increasingly critical part of maintaining secure, reliable patient services moving forward.