PBC framework

Practical Commissioning's Jargon Buster explains the meaning of the term 'PBC framework'.

This term refers to the five organisations the Department of Health selected in 2009 to be part of a PBC development framework.

This is essentially a shortlist of suppliers that PCTs can turn to for high-quality support to improve their PBC capability and skills. The framework means PCTs can rapidly buy in such services from the five organisations rather than have a drawn-out tendering process.

Although the DH has funded the setting up of the framework, individual PCTs, SHAs and PBC groups still have to pay for any services they seek from the five organisations.

The organisations on the list are:

• Aetna Health Services (UK) in partnership with the RCGP and PricewaterhouseCoopers

• Catch On Group

• Centre for Innovation in Health Management at Leeds University Business School

• Humana Europe in partnership with NHS Alliance and Dr Foster Intelligence

• Tribal Group in partnership with Quest4Quality.