Minutes of VSN meeting 22 October 2025

22nd October 2025 on Zoom

Chair: Sandie Smith

Welcome

Sandie welcomed all to the meeting, and introductions were made.

Action Log

Sandie confirmed that all actions are in hand or completed, as indicated. Any questions regarding any ongoing work, please contact her.

Programme Director Update

The recruitment for the Director post is ongoing. Applications have been received, and the interview panel is set up.

The VSN sub-group leading the Strengthening Inclusion Framework (anti-racism work) would like to collect VCSE, but does not have the capacity or expertise. Therefore, the group are exploring the possibility of collaboration with the Business Intelligence Team.

In the meantime, they are compiling case studies of what VCSE organisations have done to tackle racism in the workplace.
Sandie has evaluated the pilot and is working with Laura Porro at the ICB on a second round.

Cyber-awareness course is on 23rd October.

There will be an invitation to a session about the commissioning of a Lived Experience Recovery organisation in Peterborough. This will include the aims, objectives and intended audience for the work.

Thanks to Jane for organising the Creative Network event were noted. Jane will be writing a piece for the Support Cambridgeshire blog.
The Adult, Children, and Young People’s service review is ongoing, with Lois and Keith representing the sector.

New models of care are being integrated into the 10-year plan.

NHS Update

Andrea provided an update on the changes to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). In March 2025, the Government ICBs to cut running costs by 50%. As part of the plan to achieve the reduction of costs, three ICBs are coming together to form a new, larger ICB, which will be called ‘Central East ICB’. We expect this to come into being in 2026.

The three ICBs – covering Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, as well as Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and Hertfordshire – have begun working together more closely with a new leadership team from 1 October 2025 to lead their staff through the transition, and a new Chair. The new leadership team members can be found on the Central East Leadership Team – CPICS Website.

Representative Feedback

Sharon Allen – People Board: The People Board is no longer meeting. The Leadership and Culture sub-board has sent out details for a further round of Springboard to support female leadership. There are two places available for women in the sector.

Sharon Allen – ICB Board: The Board is in a period of transition. Still gaining clarity about the Board and the role of the VCS representatives within it. The VCS is not represented on every sub-committee, as this would stretch capacity, so we recommend impact-focused involvement.

Lois Sidney – Mental Health and Disability Board: The Board is restarting. Vic Stacy seconded. Nicky Brooks-Smith took over from 6th September.

Eva Acs – Child, Babies and Maternity: The Board is operational but is not meeting. Meeting dates are being set.

Lynda Phillips – Quality, Performance and Finance Committee: The Committee has been cancelled. No notice is forthcoming about what the replacement will be. The new co-produced Learning Disability and Autism model is being developed. Recommend checking that the VSC are being actively involved.

Update: MaryAnn Watson and Kat Penar (North Place/Wisbech IN)

North Place is one of the 42 areas to be part of the Pioneer Programme, also known as the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). The intention of the pilot is to bring health care closer to the community and reduce hospital admissions.

Fenland IN has quarterly meetings; if anyone wishes to join them, contact Kat at katarzyna.penar@nhs.net

See slides for more details of the priorities and the work.

Sandie added that she is linking in VCSE organisation to the NNHIP pilot (Pioneer) Programme. The VSN Strategy Group is exploring how best to use the next round of Assura funding to support this. South Place should be in the next phase. Also looking at models in other areas, including Derbyshire and Hillingdon, to see what can be learned.

AOB

Viv Atkinson – Update on Cambridge Community Foundation: CCF’s pooling of funds has been very successful, including delivering £1.17million for the DCMS’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, and £260k in Fenland. The focus is on volunteering and social isolation.

A project evaluation is currently in progress and will be out later this year.

The Foundation is always seeking more funds to distribute and has pulled over £10 million of funding into the county so far.
Sandie – Will talk to Erin Lilley and John Rooke to invite them to give an update on North and South Place at a future VSN meeting.

Date of Next Meeting

3rd December 1 pm to 3 pm at Chatteris Library, PE16 6DY