Third Sector Engagement

Since 2013, the CCG has invested in a local project through grant funding, to achieve the following outcomes: 1. To provide a mechanism for promoting communication, engagement and feedback, and receiving input from VCSs into commissioning and planning 2. To establish and promote opportunities for collaboration and joint working and to ensure that third sector services and are better integrated with health care and social care providers to provide better access to holistic care for residents 3. To gather existing insight and intelligence relating to access and experience of care and share with local health and social care providers and commissioners. The project has enabled the building of key networks, systems and relationships to improve VCS relationships with the CCG. The project is now considered vital in supporting the ongoing delivery of the CCG's statutory duties with regard to individual and collective participation. The outcomes achieved to date have been recognised by NHS England as Outstanding. The formal contract now awarded for an interim period of 6 months with the CCG reserving the right to extend the contract for an additional year, subject to funding, will: • Strengthen the diversity of attendees of our Patient Reference Group to ensure our work reflects the needs of our local population. • Ensure the effective dissemination of information and advice about our services to patients, by using VCS organisations as a conduit, due to their ability to reach a much wider group of our local population. • Strengthen the involvement of the VCS in the governance of our engagement through their contribution to our PPE Committee. • Create partnerships with VCS organisations to support the work of the CCG in relation to key priorities and service changes. For example the transformation of CLCH or the WLCCG Urgent Care Review.