ICB signs Partnership Agreement with VCFSE sector
Date posted: 15th May 2023
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is proud to announce that a partnership agreement has been signed with the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
The agreement was signed at May’s board meeting by VCFSE alliance representative Tracy Hopkins and ICB chair David Flory following a period of co-design between the ICB and Sector representatives.
The VCFSE sector plays a unique role in addressing health inequalities and promoting engagement through lived experiences.
The partnership aims to increase VCFSE involvement in decision-making processes, promoting community engagement and prevention across service planning and commissioning, and harnessing the creativity and innovation that the sector offers.
Tracy Hopkins, chief executive officer of Citizens Advice Blackpool and VCFSE representative on the ICB board, said: “We really welcome the agreement and what it sets out in principle. It represents a real milestone and a building block to go forward with our relationship with the ICB.
“The next steps will be how we make this a reality. We will be looking at how we operationalise it and how we test it out in our communities. I’m really looking forward to starting this vital piece of collaborative work.”
David Flory, chair of Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “This agreement is a clear statement of our intent to change the way we work as strategic partners with the sector. It’s recognised that VCFSE partners have a lot to contribute in our collective endeavours to improve health outcomes for the population of Lancashire and South Cumbria and I look forward to continuing to develop our relationship and work collaboratively together in the future.”
The agreement sets out joint commitments to create a more equitable relationship between the VCFSE and statutory sectors, which will require a shift in power and resources and increased collaboration.
The ICB will recognise the value of the VCFSE sector and invest in its services, while VCFSE leaders and organisations will focus on building trust, capacity, and capability to create new partnerships and collaborations within their ecosystem.