One of our core priorities is enabling the VCSE sector to navigate the significant changes currently taking place across the NHS. We do this by strengthening cross‑sector relationships, creating new connections, sharing timely updates, and hosting events that are open to all VCSE organisations and groups.

Local NHS structures are undergoing major transformation as the Government starts to operationalise its 10‑year Health Plan. These changes aim to:

Understanding the Changes

To enable these shifts, more resources are being directed towards frontline services. As a result, savings are being made in other areas, including a 50% reduction in management costs at Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

In addition, Gloucestershire ICB is being “clustered” with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) ICB to operate across a single, combined footprint.

We continue to work in close partnership with our ICB colleagues as these changes take shape. We have recently contributed to Gloucestershire’s Population Health and Strategic Commissioning Plan, and we are ensuring that the VCSE sector is represented across boards, groups, and decision‑making forums in the new structure.

We will continue to invest in cross-sector relationships and promote the work of the sector in our communities.

Alongside this, we are strengthening relationships with voluntary and community sector leaders in BNSSG. Together, we are exploring opportunities for collaboration while recognising the importance of maintaining distinct local identities that reflect the priorities of our communities.

We are jointly developing a proposal for how the VCSE sector can contribute to NHS strategic decision‑making, ensuring the approach is proportionate, meaningful, and supportive of the organisations and communities we represent.

By working in this way, we aim to maintain the stability of the VCSE sector through this period of change, position the sector as a key contributor to the design and delivery of neighbourhood health and keep engagement routes between VCSE organisations and NHS colleagues clear and straightforward.