National Association for Voluntary and Community Action health survey findings

The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) has published three research briefings that explore local charities and voluntary organisations attitudes and experiences of local health organisations.

The three reports explore the extent to which they feel able to influence Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA) and the nature of their relationship with local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and local Healthwatch.

The reports draw on the findings of a NAVCA survey of its members and the wider voluntary and community sector. The survey received 122 responses, from organisations working with a range of beneficiaries, incomes and geographical areas.

Key findings from the research are:

1.     Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

There is a mixed picture in terms of voluntary organisations feel their views and those of their beneficiaries influenced and impacted upon local priorities. Some local relationships are in their early stages of development, although others report feeling excluded from the development of JSNA or that involvement has been largely symbolic and so has little impact.

2.     Healthwatch 

Overall the view is positive. The majority of respondents stated that they are engaged at least to some extent with Healthwatch and a significant proportion feel the views of their beneficiaries are represented.

3.     Clinical Commissioning Groups

Results suggest that there is considerable variation between CCGs, even within single counties. Respondents repeatedly stressed that work with CCGs is in its early days and were, on the whole, positive about developments. However, responses highlight that there remains a significant proportion of organisations that have not been able to engage with CCGs, and which feel their beneficiaries’ needs and views are not taken into account.

Neil Cleeveley, NAVCA’s Director of Policy and Research, said;“Whilst the survey had a limited number of responses, the results chime with what we hear from our members. Although relationships are in their early days, it is clear that local Healthwatch have engaged successfully with the local voluntary organisations. There is, however, much more to be done to ensure that local communities have a real say in the development of JSNAs and the planning of local services that flow from them.”

“The variation of voluntary sector engagement with CCGs is a concern, as it is key to involving local communities in local services. This is why NAVCA has been involved in this work through projects such as ‘Building Health partnerships’ and why it is so important to highlight the good practice identified by this survey.”