The cost of delivering public services; Transparency in funding partnerships; A framework for equity in children's health

The true cost of delivering public services

NCVO has published a report outlining the impact of government funding decisions on voluntary organisations and the communities they support.

The report is based on a survey of more than 300 voluntary sector organisations.

It says charities are increasingly subsidising public services with voluntary income and reserves, risking their long-term sustainability to meet urgent needs now.

This means charities are finding it harder to provide support to those who need it and communities are at risk of losing the services they rely on.

Read the full report via the NCVO website here.

Promoting transparency in partnerships – guidance for patient organisations

PIF member the ABPI has published practical guidance to help patient organisations enhance transparency in their interactions with industry partners.

Best practice guidance: Supporting patient organisations to report industry funding was written in collaboration with the ABPI Patient Advisory Council. 

Core topics include:

• Optional advice for patient organisations on how to disclose or develop current disclosure of funding received from pharmaceutical companies
• Tips for effective and accessible communication of funding information
• An overview of the pharmaceutical industry’s disclosure requirements required by the ABPI Code of Practice

Access the full guidance via the ABPI website here.

A framework for greater equity in children and young people's health

The Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC) has published a framework to understand the drivers of health inequality.

The aim of the framework is to underpin action for achieving greater equity in children and young people’s health and wellbeing.

It will be used to support the development of pilot interventions in the three partner integrated care system (ICS) areas.

CHEC is a partnership between the UCL Institute of Health Equity, Barnardo’s and Birmingham and three ICSs – Solihull, Cheshire and Merseyside, and South Yorkshire.

Find out more and download the framework from the Barnardo's website here.

Guide to co-designing social prescribing initiatives with older people

The National Academy for Social Prescribing has published a toolkit to help organisations set up social prescribing initiatives for older people in their communities.

The guidance is based on learnings from two pilot projects commissioned in partnership with PIF member Independent Age.

Projects were led by Hastings Voluntary Action and Reaching People in Leicester. Both organisations engaged a diverse range of older people and communities to understand people’s experiences and priorities.

The guide includes tips for co-designing social prescribing initiatives based on this engagement.

Download the guidance from the National Academy for Social Prescribing website here.

Listen: Black maternal health care and community groups

The King's Fund has published a podcast exploring how community groups are bridging gaps and building trust between Black mothers and health and care services.

Guests include Amanda Smith, founder and chief executive of Maternity Engagement Action CIC, Benash Nazmeen, professor of midwifery and co-founder and co-director of the Association of South Asian Midwives CIC, and Chrissy Brown, founder and chief executive of the Motivational Mums Club CIC.

Listen to the episode via The King's Fund website here.

Understanding Endometriosis resource pack

The ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have produced resources on endometriosis, in support of the Women's Health Plan.

The new resources include:

• Understanding Endometriosis webinar
• Endometriosis Information and Resource sheet
• Understanding Endometriosis graphic

View the resource pack via the ALLIANCE website here.

Good quality assurance in primary care

National Voices has published a report exploring what good quality assurance looks like in primary care.

The report is based on a roundtable session with members and people with lived experience.

It includes eight recommendations, including that: 

• Additional communication needs are recognised and planned for in advance so the obligations under the Accessible Information Standard are met alongside additional needs such as translators.

Read the full report via the National Voices website here.