ℹ️ Introduction
This article explains how to get started with Local Contract dashboards in Ardens Manager, including the key onboarding steps required before activity and reporting can begin.
Background
Local Contracts (LCS/LES/Locally Commissioned Services) vary by region and often require organisations to complete onboarding tasks before dashboards become available.
Ardens Manager provides a central platform for monitoring Local Contract activity and performance using reporting logic aligned to local service specifications and works alongside Ardens Clinical, which supports accurate coding with standardised templates.
Unlike standalone clinical system searches, Ardens Manager uses centrally maintained logic, designed specifically for contract reporting, helping provide a more consistent and transparent view of activity.
How Ardens Can Help
Depending on your subscription, Ardens Manager can support:
Local Contract dashboards tailored to commissioned services
Contract invitations and automated agreement workflows
Data-driven reporting and activity monitoring
Service opt-in and digital contract signing (Enterprise only)
Patient-level drilldown and transparent reporting logic
Integrated guidance and support resources
🔁Onboarding Local Contracts
Our support team will guide you through the onboarding process below:
Set up your Ardens Manager Access
Before accessing Local Contracts, your organisation must be set up on Ardens Manager.
This includes:
Activating your account
Adding additional users
Refer to the following support articles for full guidance:
⚠️ Please note: This step is required only for new subscribers.
Accept Agreements and Invitations
To activate your Local Contract dashboard, you must accept all required agreements.
These will include:
Data sharing agreements
Contract dashboard invitations
Other onboarding tasks as required
Refer to the following support article for full guidance: Accepting Agreements
Enable data extraction (Practice level only)
To allow automatic population of contract dashboards, data extraction must be enabled within your clinical system.
Refer to the following support article for full guidance: Enable data extraction
Opt-in to Services
If you are using LCS Enterprise, you will need to opt into services and sign the contract.
This step must be completed after accepting all agreements and can only be completed by the named contract lead or deputy
Refer to the following support articles for full guidance: Opt-in to Local Services
❓FAQs
Why can’t I see my Local Contract dashboard?
This is usually because required agreements or invitations have not yet been accepted.
Why can't I see other dashboards, such as QOF, IIF, Appointments, etc?
Local Contract Dashboards are a separate subscription from National Content Dashboards. If you wish to subscribe to our national content, please contact the support team.
Do all users need to accept agreements?
No, some agreements are organisation-level and only need to be accepted once.
What if we don’t opt into a service?
You will not see activity or reporting for that service within your dashboard.
Can we change our selections after signing the contract?
This depends on commissioner rules and contract configuration.
Do National Contracts require onboarding in the same way?
No, National Contracts (e.g. QOF or PCN DES) typically do not require service opt-in or contract signing within Ardens Manager.
Can we trust the data in Ardens Manager?
Yes transparency and validation are built into the platform.
You can:
View full logic, rules and code lists
Drill down to patient-level data
See who recorded activity and when
Validate using code and staff breakdowns
If something doesn’t look right, use the Check Patient feature to investigate the data directly. This can help you understand how the activity has been recorded and why it may appear differently than expected. If you still require assistance, contact support for further help.
🏫 Additional Support
To further your understanding of the Ardens Manager platform:
Book training for your GP Practice, PCN or ICB
Contact our Support Team for support in real time