ℹ️ Introduction
This article explains how to use Ardens Manager to support delivery of the Network Contract Directed Enhanced (DES) service . By the end of this article, you will be able to monitor performance, track progress against indicators, and identify areas requiring action across your PCN.
Background
The Network Contract DES sets out requirements for Primary Care Networks (PCNs), including service specifications, workforce requirements, and performance indicators such as the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF).
Managing DES delivery can be complex, requiring oversight across multiple practices, indicators, and service areas. Having a clear view of performance is essential to ensure requirements are met and opportunities to maximise achievement are not missed.
How Ardens Can Help
Ardens Manager provides a dedicated Network Contract DES Dashboard to support PCNs and practices in monitoring and improving contract performance.
The dashboard brings together activity across all areas of the DES, including IIF and service requirements, enabling you to track progress at Practice, PCN, Place, or ICB level.
The dashboard is structured into key areas:
Overview: High-level summary of DES performance
Performance Indicators: Track achievement against IIF and other indicators
Service Requirements: Monitor delivery of key DES services
Patient Lists: Identify patients requiring action (where applicable)
Trends & Targets: Track progress over time and against trajectories
✅Included in Ardens Manager National Content package: Interested in finding out more or requesting a trial? Contact accounts@ardens.org.uk
📍Access the Dashboard
Login to Ardens Manager
Select Contracts from the left-hand panel
Select Network Contract DES '26-27
📊 Monitor Performance
The OVERVIEW section provides a high-level summary of DES performance, allowing you to quickly understand how your PCN is progressing.
Use this section to:
Review overall achievement across DES areas
Understand performance against key indicators
Identify whether activity is on track
You can use tabs within the dashboard to navigate between different service areas or indicator groups.
Track Performance
The Clinical Activity section enables you to monitor achievement against indicators such as the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF).
Use this section to:
Track progress towards indicator thresholds
Identify areas where performance is below expected levels
Monitor achievement across practices within your PCN
Where applicable, indicators may include visual cues to support interpretation:
Traffic Light System
Red: Below the minimum threshold
Amber: Above the minimum threshold and progressing towards the upper threshold (points are being accumulated)
Green: Maximum threshold reached (no further points available)
Progress Bar
Shows how close you are to the next threshold (indicated by dotted lines).
You can also utilise the benchmark table within each report to compare performance across your PCN and identify where additional support may be required.
Payment & Achievement
The PAYMENT section provides an overview of expected income based on current DES performance, including indicators such as the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) and service delivery.
Use this section to:
Understand how IIF and service performance contribute to overall DES income
Track estimated vs maximum available payment
Identify areas where improved performance may increase income
Support financial planning and reporting at PCN or Practice level
This view helps link performance across the DES to financial outcomes, supporting prioritisation of activity across your network.
To view payment details:
Click on the PAYMENT tab within the dashboard
Review payment breakdowns by indicator or service area (where available)
Use filters to view data at Practice, PCN, or wider organisational level
⚠️ Please note: Payment figures are indicative and based on recorded activity and achievement within the system.
Identify Patients
For some indicators and service areas, you can access patient-level data (subject to access) to support targeted action.
Use this to:
Identify patients requiring reviews or interventions
Support practices in prioritising workload
Validate performance data
To view patient lists:
Click View next to the relevant indicator
Select the PATIENTS tab
Apply filters if required (e.g. Show remaining only)
Export or review patients as needed
📈 Monitor Progress & Targets
The dashboard allows you to track performance over time and measure progress against targets.
Use this section to:
Monitor trends across the financial year
Track improvement following interventions
Set and review trajectory targets
To view trends and targets:
Click View next to the relevant indicator
Select the TREND tab
Apply Contract filters if required
Set Personalised Targets as needed
🧩 Data Quality & Validation
Accurate data is essential for demonstrating DES achievement. The dashboard can help highlight areas where coding or data recording may impact performance.
Use this to:
Identify unexpected gaps in activity
Review indicators where data may be incomplete
Support practices to improve data quality
❓ FAQs
How often is the Network Contract DES data updated?
Data is typically updated daily once automatic uploads are enabled.
Can I view performance across multiple practices?
Yes, the dashboard allows comparison across practices within a PCN, as well as at wider organisational levels.
Can I access patient-level data?
Yes, where patient-level access has been enabled by your organisation.
🏫 Additional Support
To further your understanding of the Ardens Manager platform:
Book training for your GP Practice, PCN or ICB
Complete the Network Contract DES academy module
Contact our Support Team for support in real time