New NHS Gloucestershire - VCSE Partnership Model Approved
Will Chapman Associate Director (Prevention & VCSE Partnerships) at NHS Gloucestershire announces a new Partnership Model.
The Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has now formally approved a new VCSE Partnership Model - a significant milestone in strengthening how the ICB works with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across the county.
This decision marks a strong and shared commitment to developing deeper, more equitable partnerships between the public sector and VCSE organisations, recognising the essential role they play in creating health and wellbeing in our communities.
A New Gloucestershire VCSE Infrastructure Collaborative
As part of the model’s implementation, the ICB will be establishing a Gloucestershire VCSE Infrastructure Collaborative. This will bring together VCSE infrastructure organisations with public sector and wider partners to:
shape and steward the relationships that underpin effective community partnership.
develop and oversee the infrastructure needed to support VCSE-system working.
design and deliver a consistent, high-quality VCSE infrastructure offer for the county.
This approach reflects feedback and insights gathered from VCSE groups and organisations through co-development work undertaken last year. It will create a clear, single front door to access VCSE infrastructure support - ensuring it is equitable, effective and sustainable.
Strengthening Community Capacity and Delivery
Alongside the infrastructure developments, a new community capacity building and delivery model will support organisations providing community-led health and wellbeing activity.
These organisations, rooted in local neighbourhoods, play a vital role in supporting prevention of ill-health, strengthening neighbourhood health and tackling health inequalities.
With stronger infrastructure around them, they will be better able to contribute to system priorities and deliver impact where it matters most.
Implementation Timeline
The ICB aims to begin implementing the model from March, with further updates to be shared as work progresses.
Want to Know More?
The Healthy Communities and Individuals team is happy to talk through the model with anyone who would like to learn more or explore what it means for their work. Please email glicb.hciteam@nhs.net if you’d like to have a chat.