Why public bodies aren’t making better use of VCSE data — and why it matters
by lev pedro - november 2021
Public bodies and commissioners often overlook a powerful resource that could transform service design and planning: the wealth of data and intelligence held by the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. When used well, VCSE data helps identify community needs more accurately, leading to smarter service planning, better use of resources and greater inclusion, especially for marginalised groups. Yet despite its value, this insight isn’t routinely built into public sector decision-making.
What the evidence shows
Research through the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance found that:
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Sharing VCSE data and insight is not the norm
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The benefits of sharing are not well understood
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There are no standard processes to support data sharing
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Insight is gathered too late to shape services effectively
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VCSE capacity pressures are often underestimated
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Barriers to sharing exist even within partnerships
The barriers to sharing VCSE data
These challenges are well recognised across health and care systems:
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Technical: Difficulties linking VCSE and NHS systems.
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Cultural: Competitive tendering and lack of shared understanding discourage collaboration.
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Financial: High costs for creating accessible shared systems.
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Legal and regulatory: Uncertainty about GDPR and the absence of agreed data-sharing protocols.
What good looks like: practical examples
Some local partnerships are showing what’s possible when these barriers are addressed:
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Somerset – Integrated Care Model:
Rethink Mental Illness led the design of a shared data capture system blending national metrics with co-produced, patient-focused measures. It integrates directly with NHS software, providing a single plan for patients and one source of data for all partners. -
Bromley Well – Mental Health Partnership:
A shared cross-sector database enabled holistic analysis and early intervention. Intelligence from the system revealed unmet needs, leading to the recruitment of a specialist mental health advisor and reducing demand on higher-tier services. -
Community Action: MK – Real-Time Insight:
Responding to anecdotal intelligence, the organisation developed an online data tool that captures community needs in real time. They’re now making this infrastructure free to other VCSE organisations.
Why now is the time to act
With the creation of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and national policy giving the VCSE sector a greater role in system governance and planning, there’s a critical opportunity to:
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Embed VCSE intelligence in service design
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Build structured data-sharing frameworks
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Strengthen collaboration between the VCSE sector and NHS.
When VCSE insight is used effectively, services are more responsive, communities are better represented, and resources are spent where they have the most impact.
Some local partnerships are showing what’s possible when these barriers are addressed:
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Somerset – Integrated Care Model:
Rethink Mental Illness led the design of a shared data capture system blending national metrics with co-produced, patient-focused measures. It integrates directly with NHS software, providing a single plan for patients and one source of data for all partners. -
Bromley Well – Mental Health Partnership:
A shared cross-sector database enabled holistic analysis and early intervention. Intelligence from the system revealed unmet needs, leading to the recruitment of a specialist mental health advisor and reducing demand on higher-tier services. -
Community Action: MK – Real-Time Insight:
Responding to anecdotal intelligence, the organisation developed an online data tool that captures community needs in real time. They’re now making this infrastructure free to other VCSE organisations.
About Shared Purpose
Shared Purpose works with charities, VCSE alliances and public sector bodies to strengthen collaboration, build effective governance and develop strategic partnerships that drive better outcomes.
👉 Book a call to talk to us about making better use of VCSE data and intelligence in your system.