The inaugural Annual Assembly for the ICS VCFSE Collaborative for Coventry and Warwickshire took place last week. Representatives from over 100 voluntary groups, charities and members of the Integrated Care System partners (ICS) met at Stoneleigh to launch the collaborative. This is a significant milestone emerging from the Health and Social Care Act 2022 and its intention for a more joined-up approach with local resources in reducing health inequalities.

Collaborative working is very much a focus of the Integrated Care System and the VCFSE are a vital partner in supporting health, care, and wellbeing of the population, especially through prevention and reaching people and communities often missed by traditional services and pathways to health and social care services. CAVA (Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action) and VAC (Voluntary Action Coventry) are delighted to be partnering on delivering the programme.

During the Assembly, delegates took the opportunity to share good practice and case studies. Discussions focussed on health inequalities and prevention, examining how co-design aids delivery.

Our thanks and appreciation to our speakers, Pam Bradbury, Deputy Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire ICB and Kevin Davis, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Non-Executive Member of the ICB and Chair of the Coventry Care Collaborative Forum.

Lucy Barratt also from Coventry and Warwickshire ICB demonstrated the VCFSE Collaborative Portal to which we as an assembly will populate.

Following welcomes by Sue Ogle (CEO, VAC) and Karen Winchcombe (CEO, CAVA), Pam Bradbury reminded us of our purpose:

“Today is an event to bring the sector together with other organisations from across the ICS to discuss and share ideas on how we can engage and work together to help build a system whereby we reduce inequalities and provide services fit for purpose, for everyone.”

Kevin Davis invited us to “shift the dial on health inequality”, saying:

“We must act across systems, not just within silos. And we must learn from places already showing what integrated, place-based leadership can achieve.

Today is not about the NHS asking the VCFSE to help deliver. It’s about us asking how to reshape the system together — not only to improve care, but to change the conditions that lead to illness in the first place.”