Kent County Council

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

4 February 2026

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust: Update on Group Model Collaboration

Report From:	Daryl Devlia, Strategic Partnerships Manager

David Ruiz-Celada, Chief Strategy Officer

1.	Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the group model collaboration with South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS).

2.	Recommendations

2.1	The committee is asked to note and comment on the update provided.

3.	Budget and policy framework

3.1	Under the Local Authority (Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Boards and	Health Scrutiny) Regulations 2013 the Council may review and scrutinise any	matter relating to the planning, provision and operation of the health services	in Kent.

4.	South Central and South East Ambulance Group Collaboration

4.1.	In November 2024, the boards of South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS	Foundation Trust (SECAmb) and South Central Ambulance Service NHS	Foundation Trust (SCAS) endorsed the appointment of a joint strategic lead to	develop a Case for Change and Joint Roadmap, exploring options for closer	collaboration and making recommendations to both boards.

4.2.	At a Joint Board meeting in October 2025, the two Trusts agreed to progress	to a formal collaboration through the creation of a group model. A public	announcement confirming the intention to form the South Central and South	East Ambulance Group was made shortly afterwards - the first of its kind in	England.

4.3.	The new group model is a proactive move to strengthen patient care, ensure	sustainable services, and build a more resilient ambulance system across the	region.

4.4.	By working together more closely, the two services will be better placed to	share expertise and resources, harness innovation, and invest in	improvements that directly benefit patients.

4.5.	Through the group model, both Trusts will continue to operate independently,	retaining the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their local communities,	while collaborating on key priorities such as digital innovation, clinical best	practice, and workforce development.

4.6.	To strengthen alignment and ensure shared priorities are delivered effectively,	the Group will introduce a shared leadership model, with a single Chief	Executive and Chair supporting both Trusts. This will enable greater strategic	coordination while maintaining each organisation’s local accountability and	identity.

4.7.	The move is fully supported by NHS England (South East) and aligns with the	NHS 10 Year Plan, helping to ensure ambulance services across the region	remain safe, equitable, and financially sustainable.

4.8.	Stakeholder engagement is a priority for both Trusts. A microsite for the South	Central and South East Ambulance Group has been launched (Appendix I),	providing information, such as the Case for Change.

4.8.1.	The first internal joint engagement session was held on 3 November 2025 and	was attended by more than 700 staff.

4.9.	The transition to the South Central and South East Ambulance Group will take	place in phases from late 2025 through to 2027.

Lead officer contact

Daryl Devlia, Strategic Partnerships Manager (Kent and Medway)

Kent.partnerships@secamb.nhs.uk

Appendix I

Home - South Central and South East Ambulance Group

https://scseamb.info/