What is the VCSE Assembly?

Each Integrated Care System (ICS) has a voluntary sector alliance. The alliances aim to bring together all of the Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations within the ICS, enabling them to collectively inform and shape the ICS into a system which works for everyone. The Norfolk and Waveney ICS has a VCSE Assembly which aims to ensure that the VCSE sector is embedded at all levels.

The VCSE Assembly, along with statutory partners and support from the Norfolk and Waveney ICB VCSE Partnering Team, leads and delivers on the integration of the VCSE sector within the structures in our ICS.

By working as an integrated part of the ICS, the VCSE sector is able to influence and shape the design and delivery of services, from place-based, neighbourhood localities to strategic board level, making sure our ICS works for everyone. 

The VCSE sector, via the VCSE Assembly, is able to provide expertise and reach into the communities that receive health and care services, particularly those that the statutory ICS partners can find it difficult to connect with. Via the organisations that work within these communities, the VCSE Assembly enables communities to highlight priorities, as well as supporting the design and delivery within our health and social care system.

The Assembly provides opportunity for VCSE organisations to participate in the ICS at various levels, be it at place or board level. Through the Assembly, VCSE representatives will sit in Programme Boards, Committees and even at board level to help influence decision making at all levels.

Background

The VCSE sector across Norfolk & Waveney is large and varied. There are 3,645 registered charities, 220 community interest companies and 124 societies with their registered offices in Norfolk & Waveney.

There are also many informal VCSE organisations, often referred to as ‘below the radar’ groups. Previous research has suggested a medium estimate of below the radar groups is 7.5 per 1,000 of population. This would suggest Norfolk and Waveney has 8,250 of such groups bringing the total number of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations to be in the region of 12,000.

In January 2019, the NHS Long term plan was published, with a key priority to join-up health and care services. In July 2022 Norfolk and Waveney became an Integrated Care System (ICS), bringing NHS organisations together with partners in local government and the VCSE sector to provide more joined-up care for people.

Our VCSE Assembly

Since 2019, VCSE organisations across Norfolk and Waveney have been working in collaboration with health and social care partners to develop a VCSE Assembly. 

Our VCSE Assembly Board for Norfolk & Waveney was effectively constituted in October 2022. Its purpose is to support fair and equitable partnering and engagement with the VCSE sector as part of the Integrated Care System, embedding sector voice into planning and decision making processes.

Built upon our strategic core values of Ambition, Connection and Integrity, we aim for the Norfolk and Waveney VCSE Assembly to be a positive force for change, where collaboration gives tangible outputs and outcomes.

VCSE Assembly Structure

What the VCSE Assembly does

VCSE Strategy Group

Key Aims of the VCSE Assembly

📣 Communication and Engagement 📣

To actively engage the VCSE sector and keep it informed through newsletters, webinars, and events, sharing opportunities for collaboration and engagement including via working groups.

💡 Influencing and Culture Change 💡

To champion the sector by advocating for the involvement of the VCSE and highlighting its ability to deliver health and wellbeing outcomes, driving a better understanding of the sector within the ICS.

✅ Policy and Practical Change ✅

To co-produce and deliver an Assembly Action Plan jointly with ICS colleagues and VCSE sector colleagues, that mitigates VCSE sector risks and embeds the sector within ICS strategies, while providing expert advice and support for effective collaboration.

🗣️ VCSE Voice 🗣️

To empower VCSE advocates including the Strategy Group, ensuring the sector’s perspective is used to drive forward the action plan, identify key risks/barriers, and hold ongoing work accountable.