What commissioners really think
The Kings Fund has published some new research on commissioner perspectives on working with the voluntary sector, from both local authorities and clinical commissioning groups. While relatively small scale, the research has some fascinating insights into different approaches and attitudes to working with charities. They also have an interesting update on the role of communities in improving health, and a handy guide to the newly rebadged Integrated Care Systems.
Police super-complaints – call for voluntary organisations
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 makes provision for a new police super-complaints system which will provide a specific avenue for highlighting current or emerging patterns or trends in policing practices which are causing concern, particularly major, systemic issues within policing, such as the misuse of stop and search powers.
The Home Office are inviting voluntary organisations in a position to capture and identify systemic issues in policing to register their interest in becoming a Designated Body that will be able to highlight concerns through the new system. They’re particularly interested in hearing from the women’s sector, along with BAME, LGBT and children’s-focused organisations, and are holding a briefing session on 26 March. If you’re interested in taking part, drop me an email and I’ll put you in touch with the Home Office.
Low-income families and routinely prescribed medicine
As part of its consultation on prescribing over-the-counter medicines, NHS England are looking to connect with organisations that work with or represent low income families and single parent families. If you work in this area, drop them a line or ask me to put you in touch. The deadline for consultation responses is 14 March.
Adult social care workforce
Following Health Education England’s publication of Facing the Facts, Shaping the Future, A health and care workforce strategy for England to 2027, the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care are running a linked consultation to seek views and evidence on what actions could be taken to address a number of workforce challenges specific to the adult social care sector. The questions broadly focus on how to attract, retain, train and regulate the social care workforce. The consultation comes alongside news that Four Seasons Health Care, one of Britain’s largest care home operators, has been given a £70m loan to keep it afloat.
The Road Ahead 2018
In case you missed it, NCVO’s annual analysis of the key trends influencing the operating environment of charities was published at the end of January. Our 2018 edition highlights how pressure on public finances is set to continue, with potential implications for charities that rely on public sector grants and contracts, while the ongoing squeeze on disposable household income could have an impact on the levels of donations. NCVO members can access the Road Ahead 2018 full report and non-members can download a summary (PDF, 80KB).
Carry on Carillion
We recently responded to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s inquiry into sourcing public services, in the wake of Carillion’s collapse – keep an eye out for Rebecca’s upcoming blog discussing what we’ve said.
Training and events
- NCVO Annual Conference: Different Thinking, Bigger Difference, London, 16 April – I’ll be running a workshop on when charities should think about getting into or out of public service delivery
- Business planning for the voluntary sector, London, 27 April
- Strategic planning: Creating the right process for your organisation, London, 11 May 2018
Michael was our senior policy officer until January 2019, covering issues around charity tax and finance (including social investment) and the impact of the economy on the sector. 
