The NHS 2025/26 priorities – where does the sector fit in?
NHS England has just released its 2025/26 Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance, setting out key areas of focus for the year ahead. While the document emphasises collaboration and local flexibility, it does not explicitly mention voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. However, this does not mean there is no role for the sector —far from it. Here are our initial thoughts on the guidance and the role of the VCFSE sector.
The guidance highlights the need for improved access to care, greater efficiency, and tackling health inequalities. These are all areas where VCFSE organisations already play a critical and expert role. From supporting vaccination and screening programmes, helping NHS staff with training, mobilising volunteers and providing crucial preventative and early intervention services, the sector’s contribution is undeniable and never more needed.
A shift towards local decision-making
Perhaps the most promising takeaway from this guidance is the increased control that Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) will have over local funding and decision-making. This devolution of funding presents a real opportunity for the VCFSE sector to deepen partnerships with health systems. With funding and decision-making happening closer to communities and with more flexibility this will ensure that the voices of communities are heard, and services are truly accessible to those who need them most. It is vital, however, that this funding is guided through the lens of prevention and does not become swallowed by acute trusts.
Concerns over the removal of key targets
The removal of specific health targets, such as those for dementia, women’s health, and learning disabilities, has raised concerns that these areas may receive less funding and attention. Without national targets, resources may be redirected elsewhere, leading to fragmented services and inconsistent care across regions. Additionally, recent comments from the Health Secretary about breaking the "culture of the voluntary sector" (as noted in this statement from the Royal Osteoporosis Society) have further unsettled organisations that play a critical role in patient care.
The VCFSE sector is a trusted partner in driving preventive change, and we would like to see North West health systems maintain and strengthen the partnerships built over the years to ensure the continued delivery of effective, high-impact patient pathways and services.
The challenge of efficiency savings
There is some expectation that with providers being asked to make four per cent efficiency savings, despite an overall uplift in budgets, there is a significant risk of cuts and service closures in order to meet these targets. However, with the VCFSE sector’s bread and butter being prevention, alongside value for money and the social value that the sector provides, there is every opportunity for us to shout about our successes and our impact to further cement the sector’s role in the long-term vision.
Opportunities in neighbourhood health models
The inclusion of expanding neighbourhood health service models as mechanisms for preventing admissions and improving access to care may also create opportunities for the VCFSE sector. Potential integrated service offerings, closer collaboration, streamlined access to care, and the development of a shared vision with common outcomes can help strengthen partnerships and enhance engagement with communities.
Integrated Care Boards will be required to work with wider system partners to develop plans that align with both the objectives set out in the guidance and local priorities for March 2025.
Looking ahead
At Voluntary Sector North West, we will continue to advocate for a stronger, more integrated role for the VCFSE sector. We will closely monitor developments to ensure that the sector’s central role in health creation is embedded within the 10-Year Plan, working in collaboration with our infrastructure partnerships across the North West.
Let’s make sure that collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded in the system.
Understanding the English Devolution White Paper and its impact on civil society
The much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16 December, marks a significant step towards reshaping governance in England. As we move towards the implementation of the English Devolution Bill, this framework aims to establish a consistent and comprehensive approach to devolution across the country.
For the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, the white paper is a game changer. It presents new opportunities but also challenges that demand our sector to adapt and engage actively in shaping the future.
What is devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers and resources from the national government to local levels, enabling decisions to be made closer to the communities they impact. With a focus on creating Strategic Authorities, often led by Mayors, the white paper promises more localised control over transport, skills, housing, and climate strategies.
Implications for the VCFSE sector
Despite its emphasis on localised power, the white paper overlooks the vital role of the VCFSE sector in connecting communities with local authorities and fostering grassroots initiatives. Key proposals include:
Integrated Settlements: Strategic Authorities will gain streamlined funding with more control over budgets to meet need as outlined within Local Growth Plans, but there is limited guidance on how VCFSE organisations will contribute to planning or delivery.
Employment and skills support: Reforms such as merging JobCentre Plus and the National Careers Service will require VCFSE input to ensure inclusivity and tailored support.
Community assets: The focus on local ownership, such as the Right to Buy for Assets of Community Value, offers potential for community-driven initiatives but risks burdening local groups without adequate support.
Partnership working: The focus on local may provide opportunities for the VCFSE sector at place to be a key partner in implementing devolution across the country.
The path forward
For the VCFSE sector to thrive within this framework, proactive involvement is essential. By collaborating with local authorities, fostering partnerships, and advocating for grassroots approaches such as Citizen’s Juries, we can ensure that devolution truly empowers communities.
This is a critical moment for civil society. We need to seize the opportunity to make our voices heard and champion a devolution that works for everyone.
Read our full analysis here, developed in partnership with Network for Europe.
Publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside REN Impact Report
VSNW is delighted to announce the publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside Research Engagement Network (REN) Impact Report. This report reflects eight months of collaborative work (August 2023 – March 2024), with contributions from stakeholders across the region. The effort was supported by Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW, and Francesca McIntosh, VCFSE Research Coordinator at VSNW.
The REN programme, funded by NHS England, aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in health and care research by fostering collaboration between researchers, health and care providers, and voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.
You can download the full report here.
Key Achievements
The report highlights:
Community Research Champions: A network of trained champions who facilitate inclusive research in underserved communities.
Engagement and Partnerships: Collaboration with over 124 organisations, including community groups, health and care providers, and local authorities.
Capacity-Building Resources: Tools such as the "Access to Research" infographic, which details the research infrastructure for VCFSE organisations, and the “Get to Know the Sector” video, explaining the structure of the VCFSE sector for researchers.
Training and Outreach: Initiatives that strengthen research capacity and promote inclusive practices.
Reflections and Future Directions
This foundational work has demonstrated the value of embedding VCFSE organisations in health and care research, increasing representation and collaboration. Looking to the future, VSNW is excited to be preparing for the launch of the BRIDGE Research Network (Bridging Research Initiatives for Diverse Grassroots Engagement). Set to pilot in February 2025, the portal aims to expand research diversity, build sustainable partnerships, and further address barriers to participation.
In his foreword to the report, Warren Escadale, CEO of VSNW, reflects:
“Amidst all this, if there is one big takeaway for me, it has been the development of the Cheshire and Merseyside Phoenix Way Network that includes a growing network of local organisations championing race equality in their communities. This network has been built; now we need to get the academics to it.”
Acknowledgements
The REN Impact Report is a testament to the dedication of many organisations and individuals, including Mary Seacole House, the Phoenix Way Network, and the Chinese Wellbeing Society. Their approaches have amplified community voices in health and care research, fostering inclusivity and equity.
For more information about the REN programme or to explore future collaboration opportunities, contact Francesca McIntosh at francesca.mcintosh@vsnw.org.uk.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations announced for 2025/26
Network for Europe’s Andy Churchill breaks down the detail of the recently published guidance for the one year UK Shared Prosperity programme for 2025/26.
Last week the UK government has announced the allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/26. This funding aims to support activities from April 2025 to March 2026, including continuation of existing UKSPF activity where appropriate, with an intention on transitioning to a future funding framework.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) remains responsible for overseeing the fund, which will be distributed across all areas of the UK. Notably, the new allocations take relative deprivation into account, moving away from the previous population-based formulas, an approach which is more reminiscent of previous European funding calculations, which will be welcomed by many.
| Area | Allocation for 2025/26 |
Three-year funding (2022-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Manchester | £43.2m | £98.2m |
| Liverpool City Region | £25.6m | £52.7m |
| Lancashire | £21.7m | £62.2m |
| Cheshire & Warrington | £9.5m | £33.1m |
| Cumbria | £6.1m | £21.2m |
| North West | £106.3m | £267.5m |
| England | £570.8m | £1.5bn |
| Total UK | £902m | £2.6bn |
Key highlights:
Funding focus: The UKSPF will support initiatives under the same three main headings: Local People, Local Places, and Local Enterprise. Funded activity must align with the government’s five missions: Economic Growth, Clean Energy, Safe Streets, Removing Barriers to Opportunity, and Health.
Local decision-making: The approach for 25/26 funding is significantly more light-touch with a delegated delivery model designed to empower local decision making and the allocation of funds based on local needs without the requirement for revised investment plans for 2025/26.
Increased capital funding: There is a higher percentage of capital funding for each area in comparison with the previous UKSPF programme, with a large portion of this earmarked for “Local Growth Plans and local priority investments”.
Multiply: No national funding for Multiply meaning there is more funding available locally. Multiply is no longer a separate category but adult basic maths can be included within other strands.
Devolution and local authorities
VCFSE collaboration with Strategic and Combined Authorities will be essential for the successful delivery of UKSPF projects. The recently published English Devolution White Paper highlights the governments ambitions for shifting power into communities that will have a significant impact across the North West with opportunities for the VCFSE sector to be a part of devolution.
In the North West, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, both with established Mayoral Combined Authorities, continue to benefit from the deepening devolution of funds and powers from Central Government. A Combined County Authority is being developed in Lancashire, with the first initial meeting in the new year, receiving an initial £20 million in devolution funding. Discussions are also ongoing in Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington towards further devolution.
Employment reforms
The 25/26 UKSPF programme will need to link to the recent “Get Britain Working” White Paper in which the government outlined its plans to transform the Department for Welfare into a Department for Work. This includes merging Jobcentre Plus and Careers Service into a new jobs and skills service, focusing on people's skills and careers and mobilising Mayors to provide joined up services to support local need.
Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region will receive funding for Trailblazers to set the blueprint for this new approach, with the latter focusing on delivering the Youth Guarantee, ensuring every young person has a chance to earn or learn.
Next steps
While the announcements and allocations appear positive, we strongly encourage our infrastructure organisations and partnerships to connect with their lead authority to advocate for the VCFSE sector’s role in UKSPF delivery. Lead authorities will be reviewing the recently released guidance to understand how this will shape delivery for next year so now is the time to ensure the sector is involved in planning for delivery.
VSNW will endeavour to support our infrastructure partnerships to advocate for the sector across the North West in developing UKSPF programmes (including its successor) that builds on the expertise and experience of the VCFSE.
You can also download this information here.
Network for Europe represents the VCFSE sector in the North West and has led the sectors engagement with European Union funding throughout the last few decades and engages with the third sector across Europe to share ideas and best practice. Andy has significant knowledge of VCFSE funding and has been instrumental in advocating for the important role of the VCFSE sector to the economy.
Ambitious Social Value roadmap launched for Cheshire and Merseyside
A groundbreaking roadmap has been launched in Cheshire and Merseyside to transform the region into a thriving Social Value Economy.
This ambitious initiative aims to maximise the social, economic, and environmental benefits delivered by organisations across the region, in particular how social value can be realised through more systematic working with the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.
The roadmap was collaboratively commissioned by Voluntary Sector North West and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, and developed by Social Value Portal, an organisation dedicated to enhancing social, economic, and environmental wellbeing. This collaborative approach ensures that the report is closely aligned with regional priorities, such as addressing health inequalities and strengthening community resilience, making it a powerful tool for driving strategic and integrated working to achieve impactful social value outcomes across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Power yet to be utilised
At the heart of the Social Value Economy concept is the belief that every organisation—whether public, private, or within the VCFSE sector—should contribute to creating additional benefits for people, places, and the planet. To understand the challenges and opportunities, over 20 cross-sector system leaders were interviewed. The consultations revealed the transformative potential of Social Value is not yet fully realised in Cheshire and Merseyside. A critical gap identified is the underutilisation of the vast potential offered by the VCFSE sector in driving Social Value outcomes.
“This roadmap is a significant step towards embedding Social Value at the heart of our region’s economy. By leveraging the strengths of our VCFSE sector and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents of Cheshire and Merseyside.”
Partner VCFSE
To address this, the roadmap introduces the "Partner VCFSE" commitment—a strategic call to action for all organisations in the region to deepen their collaboration with the VCFSE sector by 2025 as a catalyst to moving towards a social value economy. Organisations making this commitment pledge to baseline their current engagement with the VCFSE sector, identify key opportunities to enhance collaboration, and set ambitious year-on-year targets to increase their support.
For the public sector, this may involve directing more of their supply chain spending towards VCFSE organisations or fostering cross-sector partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of the VCFSE sector in addressing local challenges. Private companies are encouraged to engage more deeply with the VCFSE sector through initiatives like resource donations, volunteer programs, and integrating VCFSEs into their business operations.
Stay accountable
Accountability is a core aspect of this commitment. Organisations are urged to measure their progress using specific indicators from the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value TOMs framework and embed these within their social value strategies and measurement. This approach ensures that the commitment leads to real-world impacts, driving investment and resources into the VCFSE sector, which in turn strengthens its capacity to deliver vital services and support to the community.
“ This report is a groundbreaking piece of work that came about through co-production. For our ICB/ICS to be truly successful, we need to work with all our partners to understand the needs and requirements and then work together to find a solution. The VCFSE sector is an integral part of this and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to develop this work, with colleagues, that puts social value at the heart of all that we do.”
Flagship Cheshire and Merseyside State of the Sector 2023 report launched
VSNW is pleased to share the 2023 flagship Cheshire and Merseyside State of the Sector report for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) in partnership with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, the VS6 Partnership and Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership.
VSNW CEO, Warren Escadale said, 'We are proud to support this vital piece of work, which enables effective representation for the sector. Partner engagement is at the heart of what we do. I would like to give thanks to Racheal Jones from One Knowsley; our VSNW Research and Policy Officer, Laura Tilston; and the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership for their hard work on producing this report.'
The State of the Sector report highlights extraordinary statistics and insights into the VCFSE sector across Cheshire and Merseyside, alongside the notable impact made possible through the work carried out by the organisations and people in our sector.
Through analysis of findings from our region-wide state of the sector survey and external data, the report evidences the size, scale and scope of the VCFSE sector in Cheshire and Merseyside. Over 19,500 VCFSE organisations are working to support those in need, committed to building thriving neighbourhoods, communities, towns, and cities across C&M - these have been measured to show the immense size and scope of the sector. Alongside a combined workforce of over 36,000 employees and 352,000 volunteers, the VCFSE sector contributes over £896.6 million to the Cheshire and Merseyside economy each year.
The report identifies key opportunities to build upon to further unlock the potential of the VCFSE sector through effective partnership working within health and care systems, enabling the sector to be ambitious in tackling health inequalities and providing social justice across Cheshire and Merseyside.
You can explore the key findings for Cheshire and Merseyside and more information here.
Cheshire and Warrington Survey Findings
Volunteering places are lower in July than they were in June – which, itself was only at 60% of prepandemic rate. Some areas are reporting a reduction in the number of volunteers whereas others are reporting a reduction in placements available as operations are struggling to “get up to speed”. NfP synergy have published an interesting report, exploring volunteer trends (and other matters). It can be found here Ten facts from our new report on the impact of Covid on charities and their work | nfpSynergy
Meanwhile food bank usage remains high and constant. During the past month an interactive food insecurity map has been produced by the University of Sheffield. It can be found here UK local food insecurity of Adults Jan 2021 (arcgis.com) and it is this information that caused an article to appear on Conservative Home – authored by the MP for High Wycombe who was shocked to discover the issue in his constituency. If such articles help get the government’s ear then it is all to the good. The comments, relating to the article, are perhaps less positive.
Citizen’s Advice report a consistent workload. Pressures remain and they are working at capacity. We breath a sigh of relief that employment levels remain higher than anticipated. There does seem to be a downward trend in numbers of people seeking advice relating to Universal Credit. This may show that, once people can get into the system at the right level of support it works reasonably well. The removal of the temporary supplement may well reverse the trend.
Compact at Work - Creating a space for cross-sector dialogue in Warrington
Shortlisted for a 2015 Compact Award, Warrington Voluntary Action have published, with Compact Voice, a case study of their work to improve relations between the local authority and voluntary sector in Warrington, which has led to a renewed local Compact
In seeking to improve their relationship with the local voluntary sector, Warrington Borough Council created the new post of Third Sector Partnership Development Officer. The new role, managed jointly by the council and Warrington Voluntary Action, coordinates a Third Sector Network Hub, which hosts meetings of strategic importance to cross-sector relationships and ensures a positive dialogue is maintained between the council and the voluntary sector.
This work led to a Local Compact Partnership Award nomination at the 2015 Compact Awards.
If you have other stories or evidence of similar work, please let us know by contacting Helen Walker, Communications Officer at helen.walker@vsnw.org.uk.
Link
Compact at Work - Creating a space for cross-sector dialogue in Warrington