Voluntary sector organisations are vital partners in local health systems. From leading community engagement to identify needs and strategic priorities, to direct delivery of health and care services.
The shift to Integrated Care Systems has sharpened focus on the importance of strong partnerships between health bodies and the VCSE sector. As advocates, connectors, convenors and capacity builders for local VCSE organisations, NAVCA members pay a crucial role in making this happen.
We work with national stakeholders, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), our members and local VCSE organisations to build sustainable partnerships, promote the impact of effective collaboration, and deliver tangible outcomes for health systems and communities.
Learning and Resources for Embedding the VCSE in Integrated Care Systems:
Through our national role supporting each ICS to develop and embed a system-wide VCSE Alliance, we capture a large body of learning to support work to embed the VCSE in integrated care. We are pleased to be able to provide this resource, including case studies, model documents and learning on best practice, through the kind support of Assura Community Fund.
Embedding VCSE in ICS ResourcesICS-VCSE Alliance Peer Network:
We offer a Peer Support Network for individuals whose primary role is focused on VCSE engagement in ICS activity. The network is open to VCSE- and NHS-based leads in each ICS, and covers a range of topics that related to cross-sector partnership building at system and place. If you are interested in joining the network, or getting involved in one of our learning sessions, please contact us.
Contact usLearning on support for partnerships in health and care:
Our Snowballs and Eels report (2023) sets out key learning on the impact different approaches to funding and support offers can have on developing cross-sector partnerships for health and care.
Download Snowballs and EelsSupporting ICSs to deliver Social and Economic Development:
In 2023, NHS England commissioned NAVCA, the NHS Confederation, National Voices and the Local Government Association (LGA) as a consortium to capture and share learning from ICSs progressing their work against their social and economic development objective. This is known as the Systems for Change project.
Find out moreSocial prescribing:
As a key component of NHS England’s Long Term Plan, Social Prescribing has been a mechanisms for health partners to engage with their local VCSE sector’s offer. Working closely with partners, including the National Academy for Social Prescribing, we offer learning and resources to support social prescribing partnerships and delivery.
Access our learning and resources
.png)