Strategic alliances | Shared Purpose

Building strategic alliances and leadership

Summary

the challenge

The solution

what we did

the impact

Shared Purpose worked with NHS England and NAVCA to design and deliver the VCSE Leadership Programme, building the capacity of voluntary sector leaders to shape Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). Through facilitation, learning and support, the programme strengthened governance structures, fostered cross-sector collaboration, and gave the VCSE sector a stronger, more strategic voice in health and care.

The creation of 42 ICSs across England aimed to bring health and care closer together and to ensure the VCSE sector had a meaningful role in system leadership. This required significant change: for the VCSE, new ways of organising and representing themselves; and for the public sector, new attitudes and approaches to engaging with voluntary sector partners. To make this possible, NHS England launched the VCSE Leadership Programme to build capacity, create governance structures, and support sector leaders to engage confidently at every level of ICS decision-making.

From the programme’s outset in 2018, the Shared Purpose team (first at NCVO, later in partnership with NAVCA, and as independent consultants) acted as NHS England’s facilitation partner. We designed and delivered a programme that combined structured learning, practical support, and peer exchange. Our focus was on building sustainable relationships, shared vision and values, clear principles for joint working, and strong leadership.

We:

designed and facilitated a national learning programme for VCSE and public sector colleagues.

provided 1-to-1 consultancy, webinars and peer learning spaces to support leaders in building local governance structures

published a national learning report distilling key ingredients of successful cross-sector partnerships

delivered practical support to all 42 ICSs from October 2021 to March 2022, helping systems prepare for their new statutory responsibilities.

The programme has been instrumental in equipping VCSE leaders to step into statutory governance with confidence, supported by practical frameworks, shared learning, and trusted relationships.