Work supported by VSNW featured in NHS VCSE Engagement Framework

NHS England has published a framework for addressing practical barriers to integration of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in integrated care systems. The framework supports leaders in integrated care systems (ICSs), NHS providers, local authorities, and VCSE organisations to recognise and address challenges and barriers that have an impact on their ability to integrate VCSE organisations as system partners.

The framework is organised into three sections,

1.       A list of challenges and barriers that are commonly experienced when trying to work in partnership with, and when integrating, VCSE and statutory provision and activities.

2.       A list of ‘approaches’ that highlight what people have done to improve things together in relation to each of the above areas.

3.       A series of case examples which provide more detail on the practical actions that people took within local systems when implementing approaches to integrating the VCSE sector and which take account of the overall journey and context.

The barriers and challenges are organised in relation to three key areas of integration: Commissioning and strategic planning, including the role of the VCSE sector in service design and delivery. Sharing data, intelligence, and insight, including using VCSE data to inform population health management and social prescribing. Within the case studies, VSNW’s support for VCSE engagement with the Cheshire and Merseyside ICS and work on the Greater Manchester VCSE Commissioning Framework are highlighted.

The framework was commissioned as an independent resource and published by the NHS England Voluntary Partnerships Team and produced by Shilpa Ross, Helen Gilburt, Clair Thorstensen-Woll and Nick Downes at the King’s Fund.

The framework can be read here https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/a-framework-for-addressing-practical-barriers-to-integration-of-vcse-organisations-in-integrated-care-systems.

NHS guidance on partnership with VCSE organisations can be read here https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/part-rel/voluntary-community-and-social-enterprises-vcse.

Read the thoughts of one of the framework authors here https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/blog/2023/04/partnership-working-vcse-ics.