Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Not Addressed
VCFSE organisations are not consistently treated as equal partners by commissioners.
Recommendation
VCFSE organisations make a vital contribution to integrated, person-centred care for people with severe mental illness, yet they are not consistently treated as equal third partners by commissioners and providers. This must change. Genuine partnership requires co-production from the outset and equitable access to funding, including for smaller and peer-led organisations trusted by communities underserved by statutory services. (Conclusion, Paragraph 149)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states it accepts the recommendation but then discusses general accountability, new operating models, and patient feedback mechanisms for mental health services, without addressing the specific call for VCFSE organisations to be treated as equal partners with equitable funding and co-production from the outset.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The government partially accepts this recommendation. The government acknowledges the value of alliance models in embedding VCFSE organisations in the design and delivery of community mental health services. These models can strengthen collaboration, promote co-production and ensure services reflect the diverse needs of local communities. NHS England is promoting approaches that support partnership working and inclusion of VCFSE organisations within integrated care systems. This includes encouraging mechanisms that enable smaller and peer-led organisations to participate in decision-making and access funding opportunities. Future guidance will continue to emphasise the importance of co-production from the outset and the role of community assets in delivering person-centred care. The aim is to ensure that commissioning and delivery models harness the expertise and reach of VCFSE organisations to improve outcomes and equity.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗