Standing Financial Instructions

Introduction

The Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (the "Trust") is a public benefit corporation which was established under the National Health Service Act 2006 (the "2006 Act").

The Trust is governed by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, its Constitution and Licence granted by NHS Improvement (NHSI) (the Regulatory Framework). The functions of the Trust are conferred by the Regulatory Framework. The Regulatory Framework and in particular paragraph 32 of the Constitution requires the Board Directors of the Trust to adopt Standing Orders (SOs) for the regulation of its proceedings and business, and the Trust incorporates these Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) as part of the SOs.

The Trust is also required to comply with the NHS Oversight Framework (updated annually), the NHS Foundation Trust Code of Governance, the Code of Audit Practice, and the NHS Foundation Trust Annual Reporting Manual as updated from time to time and any other relevant guidance issued by the regulator.

These SFIs together with the SOs and the Scheme of Delegation provide a comprehensive business framework for the functions of the Trust and have effect as if they all are incorporated into the SOs. All Executive and Non-Executive Directors, and Officers should be aware of the existence of these documents and, where necessary, be familiar with the detailed provisions..

These SFIs identify the financial responsibilities which apply to everyone working for the Trust and its constituent organisations, including Trading Units. They do not provide detailed procedural advice. These statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the detailed departmental and financial procedure notes. All financial procedures must be approved by the Director of Finance & Information.

Should any difficulties arise regarding the interpretation or application of any of the SFIs then the advice of the Director of Finance & Information must be sought before acting. The user of these SFIs should also be familiar with, and comply, with the provisions of the Trust's SOs.

Failure to comply with SFIs and SOs is a disciplinary matter which could result in dismissal.

Overriding Standing Financial Instructions

If for any reason these SFIs are not complied with, full details of the non-compliance and any justification for non-compliance and the circumstances around the non-compliance shall be reported to the next formal meeting of the Audit & Risk Committee for referring action or ratification. All members of the Board and staff have a duty to disclose any non-compliance with these SFI’s to the Director of Finance & Information as soon as possible.

These SFI’s are also to be used in relation to transactions of The Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals Charitable Fund.

Policy Details

See also:

• Standing Orders
• Scheme of Delegation - Charity
• Scheme of Delegation - Trust