Embedding the VCSE sector in Integrated Care Systems

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new set of resources on embedding the VCSE sector in Integrated Care Systems (ICS). The resources in this new collection will help VCSE organisations work effectively with ICSs to create a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, ensuring that community concerns are identified and acted upon through effective VCSE representation. In this blog, we explore the importance of the VCSE sector in integrated care, and share the different resources available.

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These resources demonstrate best practice across a variety of different areas within integrated care, such as partnership agreements, job descriptions, and understanding the value of the VCSE sector. The resources were compiled by NAVCA, but are from a broad range of organisations including many NAVCA members.

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The resources are designed to help organisations develop their partnership-working within integrated care, particularly to demonstrate the importance, impact and value of working with VCSE organisations to improve health and wellbeing. We know that the VCSE sector plays an important role in this, through direct delivery of support and services to people and communities, alongside its expertise in service design, co-production and impact measurement. NAVCA members (local infrastructure organisations) have a unique role to play in holding trusted relationships with underrepresented or marginalised groups, and engaging people and communities, amplifying their voices and bringing intelligence and information forward.

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Understanding the full value of the VCSE sector in improving health and wellbeing, and harnessing it within ICSs alongside the NHS and local government, will help create the personalised, holistic, community-based and preventative health and care system envisaged in the Health and Care Act (2022). As leaders and advocates in their local areas, NAVCA members also gather insight from being embedded in communities, and promoting health and wellbeing through focusing on early intervention and prevention. An essential aspect of working in an integrated care system is how issues and concerns of residents and communities are identified and acted upon, and how the VCSE sector, as representatives of those communities and residents, can bring those issues into mainstream health and care planning. The resources in this new collection will help VCSE organisations work effectively with ICSs to create this holistic approach.

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Finally, we know that ensuring the VCSE sector has effective and accountable representation, strategic leadership and equality is important. Without a seat at the table, it is difficult to raise issues and develop solutions together to bring about change. But it is not just about having a seat at the table, it is about contributing and participating fully as decision makers and equal partners. That’s why the new set of resources includes documents on embedding the VCSE as an equal partner in ICS governance and decision making, such as strategies for embedding the VCSE sector, and terms of reference for different types of partnerships.

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We support our members and other VCSE organisations to be involved in integrated care, so that we can continue to work with and support our communities to improve their health and wellbeing. You can access the resources here.