Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) is the regional infrastructure body for the voluntary sector in the North West. VSNW facilitates the Health and Social Care Network is free and open to all (currently around 300 members) Members receive a regular bulletin containing policy updates plus other information and invitations to events, tender opportunities, etc. The Network holds occasional events on specific topics of benefit to organisations working in health and social care. VSNW also facilitate Promise- a voluntary sector mental health network.

There are now 26 Pathfinder Consortia in the North West, with others in differing stages of development. Through the GP-led Commissioning Stakeholder Group a series of leadership development training sessions are currently underway. This has so far included a simulation day (dealing with different types of situations they may face as commissioners) and a trade fair where businesses providing differing kinds of commissioning support could make a ‘pitch’ to GP’s on what they had to offer.

Support for the voluntary sector with transition:
Through VSNW’s involvement in the Public Health Transition Oversight Group and the GP-led Commissioning Stakeholder Group we are ensuring that the profile of the sector is maintained.

In addition VSNW is leading the Clinical Commissioning Groups –Third Sector and Big Society – Commission which is exploring the needs of the sector in terms of commissioning support.

Information about all the work VSNW is engaged with, including meeting papers, reports, etc. are available for people to see and comment on at www.representnw.org.uk.

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