Supporting VCS representatives to be more efficient on Health and Wellbeing Boards

Regional Voices has been successful in securing funding to support VCS representatives be more effective on Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBB). The funding comes from the Department of Health’s Innovation Excellence and Strategic Development fund (IESD) and will allow us to facilitate training and peer learning networks that help grow and support influencing capacity and capability in this very important role. 

The first piece of work is to identify and map the VCS representatives currently with a relationship with their local HWBB. As Board-level engagement is lacking in many areas we are using the broadest interpretation of the term ‘representative’ to include all levels including at board level, on sub groups and in working groups. We are aware that in some areas there may not be any VCS representation. If you are aware that this is happening in your area please flag this up and we will invite the local HealthWatch to attend the meeting so that we can ensure some kind of engagement on behalf of the VCS.

Please reply to Sandra Casey via office@one-em.org.uk to advise which HWBB you have a relationship with and in what capacity. If this email has reached the wrong person please pass on to your relevant colleague or advise us direct so that we can contact them.

If you are interested in participating in this work please save the date of the first meeting in your calendar, Tuesday 23 July (approx 1-2hrs) and we will confirm venue and arrangements once we have a better idea of numbers.