INDEPENDENT RECONFIGURATION PANEL

ADVICE ON PRESENTING EVIDENCE TO THE IRP

Who we are

The IRP is the independent expert on NHS service change. We offer advice to the Secretary of State on proposals for health service change in England that are being contested.

The IRP is made up of clinical, managerial and lay members. As many members as possible will take part in visits, meetings and interviews. Where appropriate, a sub-group ofmembers may be formed tolead ona review. Different members may be involved on different days but all information is shared and the Panel as a whole will discuss evidence and exchange views in coming to a consensus on our recommendations.

The IRP is genuinely independent. We conduct each review without any preconceived ideas and we aim to be as inclusive as possible. Throughout our consideration, our focus is on the needs of patients and the highest possible quality of care within the context of safe, sustainable and accessible services for local people.

Inviting evidence

At the start of a review, the Panel Chairman will write to editors of local newspapers to advise them of the IRP's involvement and to invite people who have new evidence to offer, or who feel that their views have not been previously heard, to contactus.

We encourage any person or organisation that feels they have new information or believes that their voice has not previously been heard to contact us. This includes members of the public, patients, NHS managers, clinical and non-clinical staff, local authorities, overview and scrutiny committees, voluntary organisations, media representatives and any other interested parties.

Presenting evidence

You can present your views and evidence to us by email, letter, by leaving a voice message or in an interview or meeting.The Panel is interested in all views and evidence so that we can reach a balanced and informed conclusion about the proposals -comments, photographs, copies of relevant documents or press cuttings are all accepted. You can contact us at any stage in the review process though we do ask that you observe the review timescale and avoid submitting large items of evidence in the final few days.

Please note that we are unable to respond to individual submissions but everyone who offers views or evidence to the IRP during a review,including those attending formal meetingsand interviews,will be acknowledged in the appendices to our report - unless you request otherwise.Please let us know if you would like the views or evidence you offer to be treated as confidential.

Please note: unless you tell us otherwise, or unless the content is clearly confidential, we will assume that all documentary evidence submitted to us is in the public domain.Anyone submitting written evidence should be aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act and all aspects of patient confidentiality.

Oral evidence

We try to listen to as many stakeholders as possible during site visits, meetings and interviews, although unfortunately we cannot meet everyone. Prior experience or involvement in a review process is not necessary. With some basic preparation, all interested parties should be able to feel that they have made a useful contribution.

Getting your point across

Formal meetings are structured so that Panel members introduce themselves then give you time to make your points before asking questions. These meetings are strictly time limited, so please prepare in advance and aim to be as succinct as possible. You might find it helpful to bring a list of written points or evidence with you, both for personal reference and also to leave with us. If you wish us to refer to handouts or documents during the meeting, you should bring six sets of documents with you.

When presenting, you should bear in mind that your personal views and concerns will be strengthened by relevant and specific supporting evidence. This might include reference to events, data, photographs, outcomes, dates or times. For example, if you wish to raise issues about transport and access, you might wish to assemble relevant evidence about travel times, parking, costs and routes etc to support the point you are making. This will help us to understand your concerns and the reasons for them.

Where a group of people are attending a meeting, it might be useful to agree on a spokesperson to set the scene and a schedule for other speakers to express their views. It is always helpful for us to know in advance the names of all those attending meetings.

Practical issues

We usually acknowledge those present at meetings in the appendices to our report and you should tell us if you do not want this to happen. We also usually record oral evidence sessions. This helps us to reflect in our reports what was actually said rather than relying on notes or memory. Recordings and transcripts are for the IRP’s use only and will not be made more widely available either during the review or following submission of our report to the Secretary of State. Please tell us in advance if you do not want to be recorded.

The use of presentation media such as PowerPoint or an overhead projector is entirely optional – if you do intend to use them please let us know in advance so that we can ensure the appropriate equipment is available. Similarly, if you have any special needs, for example regarding access to meeting rooms, interpretation or visual or hearing impairment, please let us know ahead of the meeting.

In summary

To make the meeting as productive as possible:

  • be prepared
  • expect to do most of the talking
  • be aware of the time - make important points first
  • keep it relevant
  • bring supporting evidence
  • if meeting as a group, agree a spokesperson and order for speaking

Alternatives to oral presentation

Individuals or organisations who find speaking to groups difficult, just have a brief point to make, or wish to support evidence already submitted by others, should consider writing, emailing or leaving a voice message as an alternative. This could save time and stress without reducing the impact of what you have to say.

How to contact the IRP

You can get in touch with us by:

  • email:
  • voice message: 020-7389-8046
  • write to: IRP, 6th floor, 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SP


Handling Plan for full review of contested reconfiguration proposals

04.08.14