The Whole Systems Partnership have been commissioned to facilitate the development of a Section 31 (Health Act flexibilities) agreement for Salford PCT and Local Authority in the area of intermediate care.  The approach being applied reflects a phased, but interdependent, approach to deliver the three core components within the brief, namely: – The development of the philosophy and aspirations that underpin and promote the immediate and longer term objectives of the Section 31 arrangement – Designing and negotiating a robust and balanced agreement, reflecting both immediate and longer term requirements. The agreement will need to be clear about governance arrangements, shared risk management, intended outcomes and the resource profile – The implementation of agreed arrangements by April 2006, including the necessary constitutional agreements across and within the Salford Partnership.