Through EVOC, ECHF was offered and accepted a place on the Edinburgh’s Strategic Planning Group (SPG). Stephanie-Anne attends the meetings and provides a short update here.
I was very pleased to be asked to sit on this group and consider it a big win for the Forum. For those who don’t know, the SPG is overseeing the development of Edinburgh’s 5 strategic Commissioning Plans:
- Older People
- Mental Health
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Primary Care
Each commissioning plan has a ‘reference group’ to oversee the development of the plans and I am involved in both the Older People and Primary Care groups and subsequent workstreams.
The Primary Care group is currently developing a strategic plan for primary care in the city over and above the (soon to be submitted) primary care implementation plan (further to the new GP contract).
Being involved in these 2 groups gives the Forum and its members the chance to contribute to the work that most reflects the services being delivered by them .
The EIJB has also embarked upon a review of its grants to the 3rd sector. This has been done in collaboration and partnership with the 3rd sector. Through the SPG, a Steering Group with representatives from CEC, NHS and the 3rd sector was appointed; with myself representing the ECHF.
Here, there is a commitment to the establishment of an ongoing grants forum for ongoing dialogue to ensure that prevention, early intervention and inequalities remains high up the Edinburgh agenda.
Whilst everything is far from perfect, I feel that in Edinburgh the 3rd sector is definitely at the table, being listened to and being an active voice in decision making. Without a doubt , being a member of the SPG has led to being invited onto other key influencing groups and networks which ultimately benefit the sector and the ECHF.
Stephanie-Anne Harris
Strategic Development Manager
Edinburgh Community Health Forum
