A platform that can function as the ‘single source of truth’ for Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) in the NHS was presented to ICB and trust leaders at a webinar on Monday 3 March.
Developed by Arden & GEM using Anaplan software, the platform uses automation and AI to systemise the approach to connected planning and make it easier to coordinate planning between different organisations.
From listening to colleagues in trusts, ICBs and primary care about their current planning challenges, the team identified issues such as:
- Difficulty ensuring that day-to-day operational planning is aligned with wider strategies
- Reliance on spreadsheets and BI tools that are not dynamically informed and continually updated
- Dependence on manual input which is inefficient.
“It all points to promoting integrated collective decision-making, using the right measures, the right intelligence and the right data to get better outcomes,” explained Alison Tonge, Executive Director of Strategy, Planning and Innovation at Arden & GEM.
The new platform integrates a best-practice, seven-step process with the ‘pillars’ of planning – including activity, workforce, finance, productivity targets and transformation initiatives.
Whether used by different departments within an organisation, or by a network of organisations working together – for example, on specialised services – the platform allows all those involved to look at information together and reach decisions based on up-to-date intelligence.
Dr Olu Akinremi, Senior Transformation Programme Lead at Arden & GEM, gave a demonstration to show how it can identify gaps and variances that need to be addressed, for example, between staff numbers in a workforce plan and the numbers accounted for in the finance model.
A recording of the webinar is available if you would like to find out more:
Or get in touch with us via email for a further conversation and/or demonstration.