Advanced Foundation Trust Programme – updated guidance: what you need to know
Key points from the updated guidance and our analysis of what it means for NHS leaders.
Governance
NHS architecture
On 10 June 2026, NHS England published an update to the Advanced Foundation Trust (AFT) Programme guide for applicants, following consultation on an initial guide over winter 2025/26. The package of documents published divide the guidance into a policy framework, guide for applicants, and detailed annex, setting out the assessment criteria, board statements and supporting evidence required of applicants.
A document setting out the formal response to the consultation on the initial guide was also published on 10 June 2026. The NHS Alliance had submitted a response to the consultation on behalf of our members in January 2026.
This briefing summarises these documents, the key changes to the proposals consulted on, and our analysis. If you have any comments, feedback or questions about the guidance please contact Emily Newton.
This briefing is available exclusively to members of the NHS Alliance. If you are a member, you will have received a copy via membership communications.