The NHS 2025/26 priorities – where does the sector fit in?
NHS England has just released its 2025/26 Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance, setting out key areas of focus for the year ahead. While the document emphasises collaboration and local flexibility, it does not explicitly mention voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. However, this does not mean there is no role for the sector —far from it. Here are our initial thoughts on the guidance and the role of the VCFSE sector.
The guidance highlights the need for improved access to care, greater efficiency, and tackling health inequalities. These are all areas where VCFSE organisations already play a critical and expert role. From supporting vaccination and screening programmes, helping NHS staff with training, mobilising volunteers and providing crucial preventative and early intervention services, the sector’s contribution is undeniable and never more needed.
A shift towards local decision-making
Perhaps the most promising takeaway from this guidance is the increased control that Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) will have over local funding and decision-making. This devolution of funding presents a real opportunity for the VCFSE sector to deepen partnerships with health systems. With funding and decision-making happening closer to communities and with more flexibility this will ensure that the voices of communities are heard, and services are truly accessible to those who need them most. It is vital, however, that this funding is guided through the lens of prevention and does not become swallowed by acute trusts.
Concerns over the removal of key targets
The removal of specific health targets, such as those for dementia, women’s health, and learning disabilities, has raised concerns that these areas may receive less funding and attention. Without national targets, resources may be redirected elsewhere, leading to fragmented services and inconsistent care across regions. Additionally, recent comments from the Health Secretary about breaking the "culture of the voluntary sector" (as noted in this statement from the Royal Osteoporosis Society) have further unsettled organisations that play a critical role in patient care.
The VCFSE sector is a trusted partner in driving preventive change, and we would like to see North West health systems maintain and strengthen the partnerships built over the years to ensure the continued delivery of effective, high-impact patient pathways and services.
The challenge of efficiency savings
There is some expectation that with providers being asked to make four per cent efficiency savings, despite an overall uplift in budgets, there is a significant risk of cuts and service closures in order to meet these targets. However, with the VCFSE sector’s bread and butter being prevention, alongside value for money and the social value that the sector provides, there is every opportunity for us to shout about our successes and our impact to further cement the sector’s role in the long-term vision.
Opportunities in neighbourhood health models
The inclusion of expanding neighbourhood health service models as mechanisms for preventing admissions and improving access to care may also create opportunities for the VCFSE sector. Potential integrated service offerings, closer collaboration, streamlined access to care, and the development of a shared vision with common outcomes can help strengthen partnerships and enhance engagement with communities.
Integrated Care Boards will be required to work with wider system partners to develop plans that align with both the objectives set out in the guidance and local priorities for March 2025.
Looking ahead
At Voluntary Sector North West, we will continue to advocate for a stronger, more integrated role for the VCFSE sector. We will closely monitor developments to ensure that the sector’s central role in health creation is embedded within the 10-Year Plan, working in collaboration with our infrastructure partnerships across the North West.
Let’s make sure that collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded in the system.
Understanding the English Devolution White Paper and its impact on civil society
The much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16 December, marks a significant step towards reshaping governance in England. As we move towards the implementation of the English Devolution Bill, this framework aims to establish a consistent and comprehensive approach to devolution across the country.
For the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, the white paper is a game changer. It presents new opportunities but also challenges that demand our sector to adapt and engage actively in shaping the future.
What is devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers and resources from the national government to local levels, enabling decisions to be made closer to the communities they impact. With a focus on creating Strategic Authorities, often led by Mayors, the white paper promises more localised control over transport, skills, housing, and climate strategies.
Implications for the VCFSE sector
Despite its emphasis on localised power, the white paper overlooks the vital role of the VCFSE sector in connecting communities with local authorities and fostering grassroots initiatives. Key proposals include:
Integrated Settlements: Strategic Authorities will gain streamlined funding with more control over budgets to meet need as outlined within Local Growth Plans, but there is limited guidance on how VCFSE organisations will contribute to planning or delivery.
Employment and skills support: Reforms such as merging JobCentre Plus and the National Careers Service will require VCFSE input to ensure inclusivity and tailored support.
Community assets: The focus on local ownership, such as the Right to Buy for Assets of Community Value, offers potential for community-driven initiatives but risks burdening local groups without adequate support.
Partnership working: The focus on local may provide opportunities for the VCFSE sector at place to be a key partner in implementing devolution across the country.
The path forward
For the VCFSE sector to thrive within this framework, proactive involvement is essential. By collaborating with local authorities, fostering partnerships, and advocating for grassroots approaches such as Citizen’s Juries, we can ensure that devolution truly empowers communities.
This is a critical moment for civil society. We need to seize the opportunity to make our voices heard and champion a devolution that works for everyone.
Read our full analysis here, developed in partnership with Network for Europe.
Publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside REN Impact Report
VSNW is delighted to announce the publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside Research Engagement Network (REN) Impact Report. This report reflects eight months of collaborative work (August 2023 – March 2024), with contributions from stakeholders across the region. The effort was supported by Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW, and Francesca McIntosh, VCFSE Research Coordinator at VSNW.
The REN programme, funded by NHS England, aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in health and care research by fostering collaboration between researchers, health and care providers, and voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.
You can download the full report here.
Key Achievements
The report highlights:
Community Research Champions: A network of trained champions who facilitate inclusive research in underserved communities.
Engagement and Partnerships: Collaboration with over 124 organisations, including community groups, health and care providers, and local authorities.
Capacity-Building Resources: Tools such as the "Access to Research" infographic, which details the research infrastructure for VCFSE organisations, and the “Get to Know the Sector” video, explaining the structure of the VCFSE sector for researchers.
Training and Outreach: Initiatives that strengthen research capacity and promote inclusive practices.
Reflections and Future Directions
This foundational work has demonstrated the value of embedding VCFSE organisations in health and care research, increasing representation and collaboration. Looking to the future, VSNW is excited to be preparing for the launch of the BRIDGE Research Network (Bridging Research Initiatives for Diverse Grassroots Engagement). Set to pilot in February 2025, the portal aims to expand research diversity, build sustainable partnerships, and further address barriers to participation.
In his foreword to the report, Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW, reflects:
“Amidst all this, if there is one big takeaway for me, it has been the development of the Cheshire and Merseyside Phoenix Way Network that includes a growing network of local organisations championing race equality in their communities. This network has been built; now we need to get the academics to it.”
Acknowledgements
The REN Impact Report is a testament to the dedication of many organisations and individuals, including Mary Seacole House, the Phoenix Way Network, and the Chinese Wellbeing Society. Their approaches have amplified community voices in health and care research, fostering inclusivity and equity.
For more information about the REN programme or to explore future collaboration opportunities, contact Francesca McIntosh at francesca.mcintosh@vsnw.org.uk.
Ambitious Social Value roadmap launched for Cheshire and Merseyside
A groundbreaking roadmap has been launched in Cheshire and Merseyside to transform the region into a thriving Social Value Economy.
This ambitious initiative aims to maximise the social, economic, and environmental benefits delivered by organisations across the region, in particular how social value can be realised through more systematic working with the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
The roadmap was collaboratively commissioned by Voluntary Sector North West and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, and developed by Social Value Portal, an organisation dedicated to enhancing social, economic, and environmental wellbeing. This collaborative approach ensures that the report is closely aligned with regional priorities, such as addressing health inequalities and strengthening community resilience, making it a powerful tool for driving strategic and integrated working to achieve impactful social value outcomes across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Power yet to be utilised
At the heart of the Social Value Economy concept is the belief that every organisation—whether public, private, or within the VCFSE sector—should contribute to creating additional benefits for people, places, and the planet. To understand the challenges and opportunities, over 20 cross-sector system leaders were interviewed. The consultations revealed the transformative potential of Social Value is not yet fully realised in Cheshire and Merseyside. A critical gap identified is the underutilisation of the vast potential offered by the VCFSE sector in driving Social Value outcomes.
“This roadmap is a significant step towards embedding Social Value at the heart of our region’s economy. By leveraging the strengths of our VCFSE sector and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents of Cheshire and Merseyside.”
Partner VCFSE
To address this, the roadmap introduces the "Partner VCFSE" commitment—a strategic call to action for all organisations in the region to deepen their collaboration with the VCFSE sector by 2025 as a catalyst to moving towards a social value economy. Organisations making this commitment pledge to baseline their current engagement with the VCFSE sector, identify key opportunities to enhance collaboration, and set ambitious year-on-year targets to increase their support.
For the public sector, this may involve directing more of their supply chain spending towards VCFSE organisations or fostering cross-sector partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of the VCFSE sector in addressing local challenges. Private companies are encouraged to engage more deeply with the VCFSE sector through initiatives like resource donations, volunteer programs, and integrating VCFSEs into their business operations.
Stay accountable
Accountability is a core aspect of this commitment. Organisations are urged to measure their progress using specific indicators from the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value TOMs framework and embed these within their social value strategies and measurement. This approach ensures that the commitment leads to real-world impacts, driving investment and resources into the VCFSE sector, which in turn strengthens its capacity to deliver vital services and support to the community.
“ This report is a groundbreaking piece of work that came about through co-production. For our ICB/ICS to be truly successful, we need to work with all our partners to understand the needs and requirements and then work together to find a solution. The VCFSE sector is an integral part of this and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to develop this work, with colleagues, that puts social value at the heart of all that we do.”
VS6 Holds successful Metro Mayor Hustings for the VCFSE sector
On 26th March the VS6 Partnership hosted the first Metro Mayor Hustings event of the 2024 campaigning period in Liverpool City Region (LCR), focusing on key issues facing the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.
The event, held in Liverpool Cathedral and chaired by VS6 Partnership Chair Dr Ellen Loudon, was attended by over 70 representatives from the VCFSE sector and Metro Mayor candidates from all four major parties*:
Jade Marsden – Conservative
Tom Crone – Green
Steve Rotheram – Labour
Rob McAllister-Bell – Liberal Democrats
Metro Mayor candidates had the opportunity to provide opening and closing remarks, as well as participate in a “Q&A” session in which our VCFSE attendees were able to put forward 6 questions to candidates covering a broad range of topics concerning groups in the City Region. These questions included the cost of living crisis, climate change, VCFSE funding, equalities, social capital and children & young people.
In addition to the discussions, candidates were invited to sign the latest LCR VCFSE Manifesto which is due to be published in the coming weeks to show their commitment to working closely in partnership with the VCFSE sector in the next 4 years.
Jade Marsden (Conservatives) began her opening statement with a key message around fostering trust between the Metro Mayor office and communities by empowering local decision making, encouraging inward investment, and committing to transparency and accountability. Jade was passionate around making sure that LCR was the most accessible place in the country and was committed to supporting people with additional needs such as unpaid carers, people with both physical and learning disabilities, and children and young people. Jade also spoke about ringfenced investment for the VCFSE sector to improve equalities in the City Region. Building trust in politicians was a key priority for Jade, who emphasised that the VCFSE sector should be able to hold the Metro Mayor to account with the sector having a voice in decision-making.
Of the VCFSE Manifesto, Jade said “The manifesto shows a group of people that know their sector inside and out.”
Green Party candidate Tom Crone spoke highly of the important role that the VCFSE sector has in supporting communities in the City Region and his own experience of establishing groups in his current ward. Tom wanted to provide communities with the freedom to make their own improvements, with the VCFSE sectors understanding of the needs of communities being crucial to unlocking this potential. This also included policies around a 4 day working week, a citizens income (not means tested) with more free time for people to engage in volunteering. Tom’s vision of a cleaner and fairer City Region touched upon a number of different areas including greener, more accessible public transport, fuel poverty, and ensuring that young people who will face the burden of climate change in the future play an active role in our democracy.
Reflecting on the VCFSE Manifesto, Tom said “The VCFSE Manifesto matches closely with the Greens desire to create a fairer, greener City Region”.
Current Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram spoke of the work and progress to date that the Combined Authority has achieved since it’s inception, and highlighted the important working relationship that he has with developed with the VCFSE sector and other sectors including universities and businesses. In terms of funding for the sector, Steve reflected upon the pandemic highlighting how the VCFSE sector “propped up the country” and how the Combined Authority levelled the playing field for the sector by improving access to funding and grants, such as the #LCRCares funding. Steve discussed the potential for working closely with local authorities for targeted interventions for specific groups, such as carers, developing a mechanism for community transport officers to benefit from green transport funding, and adopting recommendations from the Cheshire & Merseyside State of the Sector report and our manifesto.
Steve was keen to continue working with the VCFSE sector if he was elected once more, stating that “Liverpool City Region has been on a very long journey – we are here now”.
Rob McAllister-Bell (Liberal Democrats) expressed his desire about wanting to do more to help support communities to be more involved in politics, citing statistics claiming that LCR is the lowest city region for numbers of people planning to vote. Rob talked about transformative change to unlock peoples potential, stressing how communities are facing “unbelievable” choices in the face of the cost of living crisis and the need to make sure that LCR receives its “fair share of funding” from central Government. Rob see’s working with the VCFSE sector as an important part of his vision for a Metro Mayor, including ensuring the VCFSE sector is “fit for purpose” with sufficient resources to avoid it becoming even more stretched. Putting equalities at the heart of policy was also a key priority for Rob, who wants LCR to become a disabled friendly City Region and to expand Liverpool Pride into every borough.
Steve was keen to continue working with the VCFSE sector if he was elected once more, stating that “Liverpool City Region has been on a very long journey – we are here now”.
Introducing The Phoenix Way North West in Cheshire and Merseyside
One Knowsley is supporting the Lancashire BME Network with The Phoenix Way North West. The Phoenix Way (TPW) is a collaborative racial justice movement that aims to address systemic barriers and inequalities faced by Black and racially minoritised communities in accessing funding in the UK. With a focus on Cheshire and Merseyside, the initiative works to establish community infrastructure, strengthen Black and racially minoritised communities, and increase access to funding through workshops and community grant making panels. You can learn more about The Phoenix Way North West and their work in Cheshire and Merseyside here.
Flagship Cheshire and Merseyside State of the Sector 2023 report launched
VSNW is pleased to share the 2023 flagship Cheshire and Merseyside State of the Sector report for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) in partnership with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, the VS6 Partnership and Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership.
VSNW CEO, Warren Escadale said, 'We are proud to support this vital piece of work, which enables effective representation for the sector. Partner engagement is at the heart of what we do. I would like to give thanks to Racheal Jones from One Knowsley; our VSNW Research and Policy Officer, Laura Tilston; and the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership for their hard work on producing this report.'
The State of the Sector report highlights extraordinary statistics and insights into the VCFSE sector across Cheshire and Merseyside, alongside the notable impact made possible through the work carried out by the organisations and people in our sector.
Through analysis of findings from our region-wide state of the sector survey and external data, the report evidences the size, scale and scope of the VCFSE sector in Cheshire and Merseyside. Over 19,500 VCFSE organisations are working to support those in need, committed to building thriving neighbourhoods, communities, towns, and cities across C&M - these have been measured to show the immense size and scope of the sector. Alongside a combined workforce of over 36,000 employees and 352,000 volunteers, the VCFSE sector contributes over £896.6 million to the Cheshire and Merseyside economy each year.
The report identifies key opportunities to build upon to further unlock the potential of the VCFSE sector through effective partnership working within health and care systems, enabling the sector to be ambitious in tackling health inequalities and providing social justice across Cheshire and Merseyside.
You can explore the key findings for Cheshire and Merseyside and more information here.
Meet Rev Canon Dr Ellen Loudon, the Co Vice-Chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership (HCP)
Hello, my name is Ellen Loudon - I am the independent chair of VS6. I have worked as a senior leader within the VCFSE for a number of years. Currently, I am the Director of Social Justice at the Diocese of Liverpool and Canon Chancellor at Liverpool Cathedral. I also chair a number of charitable boards such as Together Liverpool and Liverpool Diocesan Council for Social Aid and Micah Liverpool. I live in the shadow of Liverpool Cathedral with my two dogs - Holly and Tig.
I am pleased to have been appointed Co Vice-Chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership as I see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to seek change together. Addressing inequalities and advocating for social justice is what I am most enthusiastic about and is at the heart of the work I do. I have extensive experience of chairing regional boards that address and tackle inequalities such as the Liverpool City Region Fairness and Social Justice Advisory Board (FASJAB) on behalf of Steve Rotherham.
Through my role as Co Vice-Chair, I will be representing the VCFSE sector and joining Health and Care Partnership (HCP) colleagues in Cheshire and Merseyside to explore ways in which we can address the conditions that cause health and care inequalities. I am dedicated to ensuring that my role will be used to change the way we tackle these issues in a collaborative, fully integrated partnership. What is of particular interest to me is how the VCFSE can be an innovative leader in this work to make Cheshire and Merseyside fairer and more just.
I will be joining the next Cheshire and Merseyside VCFSE Health and Care Leaders Group meeting alongside Raj Jain (Chair). This is an opportunity for me to listen to the sector and make sure these voices are heard in the HCP. I am looking forward to hearing from the VCFSE sector representatives – about their hopes for the HCP and the role they want to play in the future of health and care across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Further Reading:
· https://www.vs6partnership.org.uk/aboutvs6
· https://togetherliverpool.org.uk/
· https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/governance/fairness-social-justice-advisory-board/
· https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/what-are-health-inequalities
VS6 Assemblies Video
Earlier this year VS6 published their Assembly Summary Report “Building Back Better with the VCFSE Sector in Liverpool City Region”. The report summarises the key findings and recommendations from four assemblies held throughout 2020 to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the sector and specific community groups and topics including:
Following the success of the Assemblies, VS6 have produced this explanation video to promote both the Assembly Reports, and highlight the effectiveness of the assembly format as a way to engage with the sector at such a crucial time, despite social distancing barriers.
Please take a look and feel free to share it amongst your networks and media:
The VS6 Assembly Reports and associated recommendations have been essential to the conversations they have had with the LCR Combined Authority and have formed the foundations to their LCR VCFSE Manifesto, to which Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has committed to.
VS6 will continue to engage with the VCFSE sector to understand the needs of the sector and their communities so that they can continue to represent the sector in their work with the LCR Combined Authority and with their partners from the public and private sector across the region.
Please keep an eye out for their next events by following them on Twitter @vs6news and regularly checking their website for the latest news.