Tim Gardiner has been named the new Chair of the Norfolk and Waveney VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) Health and Social Care Assembly. He takes over from Emma Ratzer, who has led the Assembly with great dedication, ensuring the VCSE sector’s voice is heard in health and social care planning in the region.

The VCSE Assembly is crucial in promoting collaboration between the VCSE sector, the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the wider Integrated Care System (ICS). Its goal is to represent local organisations in strategy development and policy-making, allowing them to work together to tackle key challenges.

Tim has extensive experience in both charity and public service, making him well-suited for this role. He has worked at national, regional, and local levels and has a strong record of building partnerships with key stakeholders. Currently part of the senior leadership team at Headway Norfolk and Waveney, Tim understands the challenges facing the VCSE sector, especially in governance and collaboration.

Reflecting on his appointment, Tim said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair for the Norfolk and Waveney VCSE Health and Social Care Assembly and look forward to building on the fantastic work Emma has led.

“This is an exciting time for the VCSE sector to play an even greater role in the ICS, and I am committed to ensuring our voices are heard, driving forward collaboration, and tackling the complex issues we face across Norfolk and Waveney.”

Throughout his career, Tim has worked with the NHS, Norfolk County Council, and various charities. His knowledge in governance and strategic planning will help strengthen connections between the VCSE sector and its partners.

As Chair, Tim will develop ways to capture the views of organisations, from grassroots groups to large national charities, ensuring their voices are represented within the ICS. He will also lead key initiatives, including the ICS Health Inequalities Strategic Framework and social prescribing programmes, ensuring the VCSE sector contributes to the achievement of the ICS’ Joint Forward Plan and Integrated Care Strategy.

Rt Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Emma for her outstanding leadership and significant contributions as Chair. Her efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the voice of the VCSE sector within the health and social care system. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Tim as our new Chair and are confident that under his leadership, the Assembly will continue to champion the vital role of the VCSE sector in shaping health and social care across Norfolk and Waveney.”

To find out more about the Norfolk and Waveney VCSE Health and Social Care Assembly please visit the webpage here.