The 9 regional voluntary sector networks that constitute Regional Voices have surveyed members about engagement with the shadow health and wellbeing boards and developed deeper case studies around engagement mechanisms.  Several models of engagement are developing:

1. a voluntary sector representative(s) are selected alongside a HealthWatch representative
2. voluntary sector representatives are elected and supported by a constituency of voluntary sector organisations, often supported by the local council for volunteers
3. the voluntary sector is expected to engage with the board purely through the HealthWatch representative
4. shadow health and wellbeing boards have yet to decide on how they are engaing with the wider voluntary sector

London

Survey results-brief overview of patterns of formal engagement between health and wellbeing boards and the voluntary sector in London (24 KB DOC)

Case study: the newly reformed Council for Voluntary Service in Tower Hamlets supports a growing VCS Health & Well Being Forum and is in consuctive conversations with the local authority about how they can support a flexible voice model (one permenant member of the HWB and one flexible seat, depending on what area of expertise is required).  Tower Hamlets Engagement with HWB Case Study (80 KB DOC)

North East

Research results: summarises engagement between the voluntary sector, health and wellbeing boards and clinical commissioning groups across the North East (170KB DOC)

South West

In October 2011, South West Forum held a roundtable event to share experience and thinking on voluntary sector involvement in the emerging Health and Wellbeing Boards.  Summary of SWF health and wellbeing board roundtable discussions (36 KB DOC)

West Midlands

Survey results:  overview of engagement between the voluntary sector, the shadow health and wellbeing boards, clinical commissioning groups and joint strategic needs assessments in the West Midlands (111 KB DOC)

Yorkshire and Humber

Survey results:  overview of engagement between the voluntary sector, the shadow health and wellbeing boards, clinical commissioning groups and joint strategic needs assessments in Yorkshire and Humber  (37 KB DOC)

Case study: the PCT funded Bradford Health Partnership Project helps the Voluntary and Community Sector to work in partnerships with the statutory sector to tackle health inequalities and improve delivery of health services.  One success has been training of GPs in the use of the voluntary sector- to signpost more relevant services.  Yet to be determined how the Partnerhip will work with the shadow health and wellbeing board.  Case study- Bradford Health Partnership Project (81 KB)

North West

Survey results:  overview of engagement between the voluntary sector, the shadow health and wellbeing boards, clinical commissioning groups and joint strategic needs assessments in the North West (74 KB DOC)

Case study: in the North West, the new structures are engaging with Voluntary and Community Action Wirral, to build on past partnership working, to maintain links between the voluntary sector and the health and wellbeing board. Case study- VCAW and the shadow health and wellbeing board. (56 KB DOC)

East of England

Case study: development of the shadow health and wellbeing board in Southend of Sea.  No voluntary sector representation as yet.  Southend on Sea Case Study (63 KB DOC)

 East Midlands

Case study: an example of successful partnership working for health and wellbeing with the Bassetlaw Local strategic Partnership.  Representation in Bassetlaw Case Study (163 KB PDF)

South East

Case study: the role of Southampton Voluntary Service, linking the voluntary sector with statutory health partners.  It had an active role in the Local Strategic Partnership, now it’s main role is as host of the LINk.  Case study- representation in Southampton (65 KB DOC)

Case study: the role of the voluntary sector in linking patient groups with commissioners- under threat with the change in engagement and funding.  Case study- Athritis Care in South East Central (61KB DOC)