How charities can influence health service transformation: more than meets the eye
by lev pedro - December 2021
Voluntary organisations have a huge role to play in shaping public services. Beyond delivering services, the VCSE sector is commissioned to gather user insight, run patient participation initiatives (such as through HealthWatch), manage social prescribing schemes and more.
Across England, there’s now growing voluntary sector involvement in the strategic planning and transformation of health and social care services.
Our work following several partnerships over time showed that success doesn’t depend on any one structure or model. Instead, it’s the process of getting there — and a small number of key ingredients — that make the difference. These take time to build, but putting them in place early pays off later, increasing both impact and sustainability.
Building relationships
In every example of a meaningful and lasting partnership, time invested in building relationships was a key factor.
“The two-day learning event facilitated by NCVO was an invaluable opportunity to build our team and foster trusting working relationships.”
Trust developed both through formal activities and informal spaces proved crucial in creating the foundations for collaboration.
Developing shared vision and values
Taking time to co-create a shared vision and set of values builds trust, shared purpose, and commitment to common outcomes.
In Staffordshire, a group of hospices formed a provider alliance to develop end-of-life care. By involving the local CCG and Public Health team, the group created a network linked to the health and well-being board — improving coordination, outcomes and user experience.
Developing principles of joint working
In Salford, Salford Together (a partnership of NHS organisations) and the local voluntary sector co-produced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the Salford CVS.
This gave the voluntary sector an equitable role as a key strategic partner. A subsequent collaboration agreement set out practical ways to deliver the MoU’s ambitions. This led to better relationships between partners, increased trust and more effective joint delivery.
Investment and resources
Dedicated investment helps partnerships thrive.
At Bolton CVS, a senior manager undertook a year-long secondment (two days per week) to strengthen connections between the NHS Trust and the voluntary sector. This led to:
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Greater understanding of the VCSE sector’s offer
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More opportunities for the sector to shape service design
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Increased referrals
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Better service outcomes
leadership
Strong leadership enables the voluntary sector to influence system design at a strategic level.
In Bristol, Voscur provided invaluable community insight during the development of a new frailty care model. As a result, they were invited onto the programme board as a voluntary sector representative.
This leadership role:
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Embedded voluntary sector advocates in frailty services
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Strengthened system-wide thinking
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Reduced duplication between sectors
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Improved engagement and outcomes.
why this matters
As Integrated Care Systems (ICS) develop, strong VCSE involvement in transformation is more important than ever. Charities and voluntary organisations bring trusted community relationships, lived experience, and insight that can shape better services for everyone.
By investing time in relationships, shared vision, joint working principles, resources and leadership, the VCSE sector can play a central role in driving change across health and social care.
About Shared Purpose
Shared Purpose works with charities, VCSE alliances and public sector bodies to strengthen partnerships, build governance and shape health and care transformation. We support organisations to build the conditions for meaningful cross-sector collaboration.
👉 Book a call to talk to us about how we can help your organisation influence health service transformation.