The March 2025 edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.
Chaired by Sandie Smith
Sandie welcomed everyone to the meeting especially the new VSN members.
Draft ICB Strategic Commissioning Plan – Nicola Ward, ICB
Nicola gave a Powerpoint presentation and took questions during and after. This part of the meeting was recorded and will be available to members. In the short-term Sandie will write a briefing and circulate together with the slides.
ACTION- Sandie to produce a briefing and share with the slides – click below to access the presetion and the briefing.
ACTION- To try and convert the recording so its accessible to all- DD – Click below to access the recording.
Reps Feedback
Sandie will circulate a list of VSN reps and committees so that members know who to speak to regarding committee items.
As Julie Farrow is retiring in April and she has been attending the Integrated Care Partnership meetings the voluntary sector network will be looking for another rep. We need someone with lots of knowledge and expertise- the strategy group are looking at the ask and we will come to group for EOI soon.
We had asked the ICB for a place on the ICB Board – John O’Brian supported our ask but it has to go via NHS England as it’s a change in the constitution. In the interim Sandie or Mark (CCVS) will attend the public meetings.
The Strategy Group- wrote to the ICB and CCC about the uncoupling of the LDP
Healthwatch also raised concerns about lack of information. We will be keeping a close eye on this ensuring that organisations that provide services for people with LD as well as the carers and service users themselves are kept informed and not inconvenienced.
Sharon who sits on the Workforce collaborative regularly brings things to the VSN where you can get involved. You will see these in emails from Debbie.
Programme Director Update
The panel have now considered the EOI for the Assura/ICB monies. We had a big response to this with 52 submissions. All organisations should have been contacted by now.
One group said they had not heard anything
ACTION- Sandie to ensure notifications have been sent.
Andrea is working hard to get the ongoing funding for the VSN and is aiming for a 3 year commitment
Hunts Forum and CCVs will be merging from beginning of April – most things will be the same but will be led by Mark (CCVS) but you will see a different email address at some point.
The ToR for the VSN need some updating so expect to see something soon – probably by the next meeting.
NI increase- the impact of this on Voluntary sector organisations is likely to have impact. Sandie has received lots of feedback on this. Mark and Julie have been having conversations with groups. Some commissioners are looking at different ways for organisations to manage.
The CVSs and other infrastructure organisations, including Sandie on behalf of the VSN, attend the aligning support group meetings- this group formed about a year ago. It is addressing inconsistencies between different statutory organisations in the way they commission and are trying to find a coordinated way of doing this. The group wants to be sure it is having an impact. 2 areas being looked at are
AOB
Debbie has organised 2 mini showcase events one on Mental Health support the other on support in community. Details have been shared previously but can be found on
https://supportcambridgeshire.org.uk/training/whats-on/
A future Health and Wellbeing Network meeting is being organised around assisted technologies.
It was noted that one of the VSN members is having to close- Hunts Shopmobility after 18 years as there has been no funding stream for them for some time.
The February 2025 edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.
January 15th March Library- Chaired by Sandie Smith
The meeting was well attended and a general round of introductions was done as there were some new faces around the table.
Sandie went through the action log which had all been completed all bar action 114 on awareness of the Outcome Framework which is hand.
Programme Director Update
The Assura/ICB grant is now out for expressions of interest and there has been a lot of interest. EOI need to be in by 26th January.
A couple of attendees have had problems contacting their respective Integrated Neighbourhood Managers and were worried that they would not get a response before the closing date.
ACTION Andrea agreed to feed this back to the team.
New Reps- Three new reps have been appointed. Fiona (Craft4 smiles) Emma (Steelbone) and Faustina (Chinese Community group). They will be supported by the current reps on committees.
Shared Care Record- This was raised by a Strategic Group (previously steering group) member so Sandie has spoken with the ICB Programme Lead. There seems to be a fair bit of interest from VSN members so it was thought it could be a topic for the Health and Wellbeing Network.
ACTION- Sandie to share details with Debbie- Debbie to arrange a H&W session for 11th February.
Strategy Action Plan- Sandie and Andrea have been “road showing” the action plan at various meetings across the ICB. The ICB board meeting last Friday was the last and it was received well.
Andrea is now trying to secure funding going forward and is looking for 3 year funding to enable the VSN to have more stability. The ICB funding process is slow but it is hoped that the VSN would know the outcome Mid March.
Sharon thanked Andrea for her support on this.
A discussion took place as to how to cascade the enthusiasm to operational level. It was agreed that progress on the Action Plan would be overseen by the Strategy Group and reported to VSN meetings twice-yearly.
ACTION Sandie to highlight the Action Plan in the VSN news bulletin and ask members to feedback any actions that they are contributing to.
Seat on Integrated Care Board- Sandie has previously written to the ICB and requested a seat for the Voluntary Sector. In theory this has been approved. There is an invite to attend the public meetings and the Strategic Group will ensure someone from there will attend the next public meeting.
Above Difference-Sharon and Miriam
Sharon and Miriam gave an excellent presentation which summarized the Above Difference training that they completed. Slides were included with the agenda pack but if they are wanted separately contact Debbie.
This subject gave lots of discussion and the group were able to discus idea of how this can be progressed and learning embedded.
This maybe revisited again at a future VSN meeting.
Miriam mentioned a video. The link was shared post meeting.
Doll test – The effects of racism on children (ENG)
ICB Update
Andrea reminded the meeting that the WorkWell programme was up and running for each area- this is funded by DWP and its aim is to enable people back into work or help them remain in work.
ACTION to reshare link and details WorkWell webpage
Anglia Ruskin are doing some work around Volunteering. There are three bits to this. Volunteering, Research into health benefits from volunteering, and how best to support employers.
Staff health and wellbeing hub
The ICB has launched a free health and wellbeing hub for all health and care staff working in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, including Royston. It is open to all voluntary and community organisations to use too and provides signposting to support and offers locally.
To support further development of the hub, please let us know if there are other services available locally not currently listed on the website, and what support you would like to see from the site in future – whether that’s providing materials that people can adapt and use, training offers or educational pieces.
Please send any suggestions to Bev Hoskin bev.hoskin1@nhs.net
December 11th Hartford Village Hall
The ICS Outcomes Framework
Matthew Smith from Integrated Care Board gave a presentation on the Outcomes Framework.
A discussion took place after the presentation. Matthew explained that the data information is open to the public on Cambridgeshire Insights and there is a video being produced that will explain the framework.
A question was asked info from Voluntary Sector data would be included because at present organisations are unsure where their feedback on monitoring forms is collected or if it is used.
The aim is to include as much data as possible so hopefully this will include VCSE data where appropriate.
It was felt that this could be a useful resource for all but people need to know more about it.
ACTION to share presentation with whole VSN.
ACTION Highlight the outcomes framework with VSN members and that this should be referenced in ICB grants and contracts.
ACTION to run some familiarisation sessions with VSN members on the framework and share all explanatory resources as they are developed.
Karen Nolan- Head of social impact for Assura
Karen gave an overview of Assura and explained that they like to look at the bigger picture when framing their strategy. This includes Healthy Environment, Healthy Community and Healthy Business.
Karen talked about Assura’s Community Fund. She explained that £500k a year has been put into the fund and that 95% is allocated as small grants to grassroot organisations.
As the VSN are aware we had already received monies from a first round of grants topped up by the ICB and have been able to enable several organisations to run very local based activities where there has been a need.
Assura projects
Three of the previously successful Assura grant recipients gave presentations on their work and what the grants had helped them do.
Safe Soulmates
Sew Positive
Cornerstone Cares
Sandie thanked them for giving us the time and showing what can be achieved.
ACTION to share the presentations
Updates– Sandie Smith and Andrea Grobois
The Assura/ ICB round 2 grants will be open for expressions of interest before Christmas. This will be sent out via Debbie.
Applications have been received for the vacant rep roles and there will be news on this shortly.
The reviewed strategy and action plan are being considered by the ICB Commissioning, Investment, Reform Committee later this week. Thanks to Miriam for presenting this on our behalf. Ahead of this very positive feedback has been received from the ICB Exec Team. We are on track to launch at our January meeting.
Andrea highlighted that the WorkWell programme is now open.
The WorkWell hubs, are now open to referrals across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Royston, offering free and dedicated support to people who are struggling to find or keep a job due to physical and/or mental health challenges.
People can apply for support themselves or can be supported by someone with their referral, by completing a short form online or over the phone. More details are available on WorkWell website: WorkWell
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time once again for us to hear directly from the voluntary and community sector about the challenges and opportunities you face. From 26 November 2024 to 17 February 2025, we invite charities, not-for-profits, and community groups across Cambridgeshire to participate in this vital survey.
This year feels calmer compared to the upheavals of recent times. Yet, beneath this relative quiet, our communities continue to grapple with complex issues—and the voluntary sector plays a crucial role in meeting these needs.
The 2024 State of the Sector report “We get back up again” painted a challenging picture: a drop in volunteer numbers, growing demands for services, and stretched waiting lists. This evidence helped Support Cambridgeshire advocate for the invaluable contribution of charities and community groups in a landscape of tightening budgets and cuts to public services.
Now, we need your voice again. How has your organisation fared this year?
This survey is your opportunity to share your experiences and make sure your voice is heard. The survey is circulated with statutory officers, councillors and funders across the county.The insights you provide will help us build a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities across the sector, enabling us to advocate effectively on your behalf.
By completing the survey, you’ll:
It only takes a short time to complete, but the impact of your input will resonate throughout the year. All organisations that fill out the survey will be entered into a prize draw for £100 for that organisation. The closing date for the survey is 17th February 2025, and the prize draw will follow this.
If you would like help completing the survey over the phone, or if you would prefer a paper copy of the survey, please call CCVS: 07935 649805.
The January 2025 edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.
The December edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.
Chair Sandie Smith
Laura Porro
Laura attended the meeting to give an update on the ICS People Strategy. This has been a co-produced piece of work and is to cover the next 5 years.
It has been decided to have 5 mission areas.
Nine actions have been shortlisted and prioritised from a long list of 69 identified actions. These will be taken forward by task and finish groups which will start in 2025.
The strategy is now being written and will include a traditional written strategy but will also have an interactive webpage to encourage more engagement.
As each chapter is written we will bring it back to the VSN for feedback. We want to ensure that we have the language right for all parties.
Laura has consulted the VSN strategy and has an advanced awareness of the voluntary sector so is making sure that this new strategy matches ours where appropriate.
The ICB are aware that changes sometimes take too long to happen/ implement, so we are looking at a different style of delivery method. We plan to have some smaller task and finish groups so work can be done in the background and thus speed up delivery. We may at this point come to the voluntary sector for involvement.
It was raised that some of the contracts from Health and other statutory bodies are now asking employers to pay the Real Living Wage which most organisations want to aspire to. However the cost implications for this are just not with raising the lower wages but having to up all wages. This was an issue before the government then asked for more
contributions. It was asked that there could be a commitment to the understanding of this.
Laura asked how this could be captured in the strategy.
ACTION Sandie to liaise with KS, SA, and JL and send out a paragraph to include in the strategy to reflect this.
It was acknowledged that there have been increased opportunities for training which has been taken up my some of the VSN members.
There is a willingness for some secondments into and from the ICS but the process for this needs consideration.
Director Update- Sandie
STRATEGY- the consultation on the strategy and action plan is now complete. It has been taken to the steering group and Andrea and Sandie have presented it to several ICS committees and a few tweaks have been made. Andrea will be taking it to the ICB executive meeting to get approval and then it will go to the Investment, Commissioning, improvement and Reform Committee in December. The Steering group will then sign this off ready for the launch at the January VSN meeting. A work plan will then be put in place to address actions.
NEW MODEL OF CARE- we have had some briefings on this and the aim is for there to be a digital improvement with an aim to make systems compatible and thus easy for all.
A workshop has been held around the potential providers of digital platforms. Invites went out to the Voluntary sector as well as others and included people with lived experience. When we have more information we will share it with the group.
NORTH PLACE DEVELOPMENT MEETING- Sandie had asked for people who may be interested in this after being offered some places for the voluntary sector. We had a lot of interest in this and Sandie has spoken to the chair to look at priorities for the areas and see which organisation was best placed. Sandie thanked people for their enthusiasm for this and those who have not been offered a place this time may find other opportunities are just around the corner. There are no notes for these meetings but Sandie said she may be able to include something from North and South in her news bulletins.
ACTION Sandie to source items for newsletter/ bulletin for future.
A mention of the Poverty Strategy Commission for Cambridgeshire- If groups want to submit evidence for the commissioners then they can do. Several organisations are involved including DISH, Reimagine, CAB and Sunnetwork.
Peterborough also has had the Poverty Truth Commission. This is due to end soon and they are holding a big event in February.
ACTION Sandie to include both links in the next newsletter.
MEETINGS- the next meeting is an in-person meeting being held in Hartford Village Hall. We have 3 of the Assura/ICB-funded projects coming to share their success and if any other Assura/ICB projects or collaborations would like to present please contact Debbie or Sandie.
We have had interest nationally in these funded projects as we worked with the Integrated neighbourhoods and NAVCA will be attending the December meeting and doing some filming.
Karen Nolan from Assura (Head of Social Impact) has also asked to attend.
We have invited Matthew Smith to present the ICS Outcomes Framework.
PLACE ON ICB BOARD- The steering group had been invited to submit a letter of request for a VSN place on the ICB board. The letter has been submitted and we are awaiting a response. Across the country, some VSNs have a place others do not.
VCSE Reps
We are pleased to say we have been offered 2 more places for VCSE reps. One for the Quality Performance and Finance Board and one for the People Board. These places will be funded until the end of the financial year.
ACTION – to send an email for Expressions of Interest to VSN members.
FEEDBACK– Miriam, Lynda and Keith were all present and fed back about the meetings they attended.
Miriam said that her committee had been looking at the wider impacts of the system ie planning permissions being given to fast food outlets near the school when childhood obesity is on the increase.
She was also pleased to hear that the impact on people who use a service, when late decisions on future funding happen was considered.
Action log
This was complete except for the sharing of slides from North Place from the last meeting. Debbie said she had been in contact with Abby and they would be with us soon for sharing.
AOB
Hunts Forum have AGM on 27th Nov CCVS has theirs on 28th Nov and PVCS on 14th.
Debbie reminded the group about the showcase event on 20th November
Chair Sandie Smith
Sandie welcomed everyone and thanked Kirsteen and PCVS for providing the venue.
ACTION LOG
All the actions have been completed with action 99 the offer of ReSPECT training about to go out to VSN members within the week.
North Care Partnership and Integrated Neighbourhoods – Dr Abby Richardson & Sara Bailey
Abby gave a presentation explaining where the North Care Partnership covers as well as sharing the priorities for this area.
Abby explained that with the introduction of more comprehensive care plans they had started to see some results. They have completed 3723 care plans for the area.
The patients are coded so the system can see the background activity and can capture some of the associated costs. The quality of the Care Plan has improved for the patient and there already has been a reduction in costs associated with these patients. There is still some way to go to see the full benefits
The My Asthma App now has 5820 people onboarded. This is an app to help people manage their own asthma.
The North Care Partnership have been £180k from the Cancer Alliance this is to do work around increasing the uptake on cervical screening.
Sara gave an overview of the Integrated Neighbourhoods (IN) for the North Partnership. At present there are 12 with one more for Peterborough to be launched. A lot of learning has gone on since the first launch.
Each IN area has a Programme manager and each individual IN has a project manager making the work very localised for a localised need.
It was mentioned that some of the voluntary sector organisations work across North and South and thus some understanding of this needs recognising when priorities etc vary.
There is a North IN Development group that Sandie attends. The group have reviewed their terms of reference and agreed an extra place for a VCSE organisation. Sandie will be asking VSN members for interest.
ACTION– presentation slides to be shared post meeting.
Leesa Murray- Peterborough City Council
Leesa gave the meeting a background of her previous roles and explained that she is now the Commissioner for Adult Social care. She is responsible for contracts as well as quality.
The Local Authority priorities are
Education and Employment for those with LD and Mental Health problems
Supported Living settings- hoping to give people more options of what types of support they need.
To improve the transition from Child to Adult services.
The home and community support tender is due out at the end of the month. Organisations interested should look on Pro Contract
There is a job advert coming out shortly for a mental health commissioner for the team.
The Home Care market is quite buoyant at the moment with plenty of spaces. It is more difficult to find dementia care though.
The council are looking at ways to support carers better and there is soon to be a launch of an App called BRIDGIT this will help identify unpaid carers and point them to the right place to get support etc.
The council are keen for direct payment to be used but do not want it used for agencies. Thus we are working with PCVS looking at the personal assistant role to try and encourage more people to take up these posts and are looking at a wage of £15.49 hr . PCC are actively trying to get care packages uplifted to enable this.
Workwell- Andrea
This is an 18month pilot being funded by DWP. The aim is to get those people who are able to get back into work maybe after an intervention etc. This is not aimed at people with permanent long term conditions.
Allocation for the 4 areas have been agreed. CPSL Mind have Cambridge City, East and South, Fenland DC are covering Fenland, HDC have the contract for Huntingdonshire and the Papworth Trust have the contract for Peterborough.
Phase 1 will run from Oct to March approximately and will look at the spot purchasing options.
There will be small personal budgets for each person and people will be asked what it is they need to get back into work.
Some spot purchasing will be needed but only to purchase a new service or an extension of places to an existing offer.
There will be initial evaluation after 6 months.
The group recognised that often people are off work with stress- is there potential to work with employers on this?
There is also a worry that there will be an increased risk of referrals coming to VS organisations and as with Social Prescribers there will not be finance to support this.
Director Feedback- Sandie Smith
Sandie attended an away day for VSCE alliance lead recently and found it very useful.
There is an aim to have a National Network of Networks (like the VSN) and Sandie has agreed to support the set up of an Eastern region network.
It has also been agreed that VCSE health alliances, ie our VSN, can join NAVCA.
STRATEGY REVIEW the consultation on this closes next week so there is still time to fill in the survey. Sandie will then finalise the action plan for approval by the VSN Steering Group. ICB approval planned for December. The new plan will be launched in January.
ASSURA MONIES we are still looking to have a second round of grants offered out before Christmas.
Three of the previous grant recipients will present their projects at December’s VSN meeting which is in person meeting.
DECOUPLING OF LDP- the steering group sent a letter to the leader of CCC and to the ICB raising the concerns around this. The steering group are meeting with some relevant partners to discuss this. A question around this was raised at South Place and it may be raised at North too.
FAITH RESEARCH- Hunts Forum have done some work on this and are now looking at Global faiths. The Gather Movement are putting on a conference next year and the VSN will be supporting this.
Reps Feedback
Miriam – several items discussed at recent meeting. The making sure that monies are being allocated to the right areas. The New Model of Care, as well as general ask for approval on investments.
Sharon- Sharon has been contributing to the workforce data group. The strategy is still NHS data. Sharon is happy to share the strategy if anyone is interested.
They are looking at anti racism in the workforce- Roger Cline who wrote the paper “Snowy White Peaks” is being consulted.
Sharon is happy to say the enabler groups have been reduced from 8 to 3.
Andrea mentioned the Health Economics workshop that was due to be held in November but the date has had to be changed – Andrea will keep the group in the loop on this.
AOB
The ask/ offer for VSN organisations to be involved in some mentoring has only seen 2 organisations sign up for this. Please have a think if you could be interested.
ACTION Debbie to resend the info.
There is going to be a Cambridge Poverty conference and 11 commissioners are on board – this includes Tracey for DISH who reported their first meeting had taken place.
DISH have also launched some animations around what they do. They are also holding some awareness sessions in Jan, Feb,March
The next Health and Wellbeing Network meeting is on 7th November “Support in Difficult times” there will be speaker from Anglia Water, HEAT partnership and Peterborough CAB. To book a place see below (on line)
https://forms.office.com/e/z1nqn1fAkf
The next Showcase event will be 20th November online
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