Building Long-Term, Trusted Relationships With ICBs
Share
ICBs are looking for trusted partners, not just compliant providers. As systems mature, influence increasingly sits with organisations that are reliable, constructive and strategically aligned.
For providers, this means shifting from a purely transactional mindset to one focused on long-term system contribution.
This approach links closely to working with commissioners and quality, safety and governance.
What trust looks like at system level
From an ICB perspective, trusted providers:
- Deliver consistently against commitments
- Surface risks early, not late
- Engage constructively in difficult conversations
Trust is built through behaviour over time.
Moving beyond contract compliance
While compliance is essential, it is only the baseline. Providers build influence by:
- Sharing insight on system pressures
- Offering evidence-informed solutions
- Understanding wider system priorities
This positions providers as partners, not just suppliers.
Consistency matters more than visibility
Providers often over-focus on being visible in meetings. In practice, ICBs value:
- Follow-through on actions
- Stable leadership representation
- Clear communication channels
Consistency builds confidence.
Handling disagreement professionally
Disagreement is inevitable. Trusted providers:
- Challenge respectfully and evidence concerns
- Separate system issues from organisational interests
- Maintain relationships even when saying no
This protects long-term influence.
Why long-term relationships pay off
Over time, trusted providers:
- Are involved earlier in service design
- Have greater input into pathway development
- Face fewer adversarial contract discussions
Trust becomes a strategic asset.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite (500–2000 words)
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins
📘 Monthly Bid Support Retainers
Want predictable, specialist bid support as Procurement Act 2023 and MAT scoring bed in? My Monthly Bid Support Retainers give NHS and social care providers flexible access to live tender support, opportunity triage, bid library updates and renewal planning — at a discounted day rate.
🔍 Explore Monthly Bid Support Retainers →