NAVCA – Summary of the NHS England Update

This move aims to streamline NHS governance, reduce bureaucracy, and cut administrative costs, with an expected 50% reduction in staff across NHS England and DHSC. 

In this health update from NAVCA, we explore the main announcements and policy changes, as well as the risks, opportunities, and implications for the voluntary sector.

Main announcements and policy changes

Abolition of NHS England

  • NHS England will be absorbed into DHSC over two years.
  • The goal is to eliminate duplication between NHS England and DHSC.
  • ICBs and local NHS leaders will have more autonomy, but the extent of this decentralisation remains unclear.
  • Financial savings from reduced bureaucracy will be redirected to frontline services, though concerns remain about the potential impact on service delivery.

Financial pressures and cost-cutting

  • The NHS inherited a £6.6bn financial gap and must make significant savings.
  • Julian Kelly, NHS England’s Chief Financial Officer, stated that ICBs and NHS England must cut their workforce by 50%, equating to over 12,500 job losses and a saving approximately £400 million annually.
  • In the House of Commons debate on 13th March, Wes Streeting confirmed there would be 50% staff cuts across DHSC and NHSE.
  • The government insists that cuts will focus on administration, not frontline services, but concerns persist about reduced capacity to engage with the VCSE sector.

Decentralisation and ICS role

  • The government aims to devolve more power to local NHS leaders and frontline staff, ending “micromanagement” from the centre.
  • ICBs and ICSs will play a more autonomous role, but concerns were raised about whether these changes will genuinely empower local systems or create more central control under DHSC.
  • There is a commitment to shifting NHS resources from hospitals to community care and prevention.

Workforce and NHS leadership changes

  • A new transformation team, led by Sir Jim Mackey, will oversee reforms.
  • NHS England’s current leadership, including CEO Amanda Pritchard, will be stepping down at the end of March.
  • A focus on stronger clinical leadership was emphasised, with new medical directors for primary and secondary care.

Concerns raised by MPs

  • Job losses: Uncertainty about how many NHS England staff will be absorbed into DHSC or made redundant.
  • Implementation risks: Warnings that this top-down reform could distract from immediate service delivery needs.
  • Funding for ICSs and ICBs: Fears that financial pressures will lead to cuts in local services, particularly in primary care and social care.

Impact on the VCSE sector and ICS-VCSE Alliances: Risks, opportunities, and implications

The restructuring of NHS England and ICB workforce reductions present both risks and opportunities for the VCSE sector. While the government has highlighted the importance of prevention and community care, there was no direct mention of the VCSE sector’s role, raising concerns about how these changes might affect engagement, funding, and partnerships. 

Key risks:

  • Reduced engagement with VCSE organisations: With ICBs cutting 50% of their workforce, their capacity to collaborate with the VCSE sector and Alliances may decline, making it harder for community organisations to influence local decision-making.
  • Funding pressures and service cuts: ICBs are under significant financial strain, and cost-cutting measures could reduce investment in VCSE-led services, despite the sector’s vital role in addressing the wider determinants of health (SDOH) and improving healthy life expectancy. This presents a critical challenge for the entire VCSE sector, requiring a collective effort to ensure our contributions are recognised and resourced.
  • Shifting priorities and potential marginalisation: The restructuring may result in statutory services dominating decision-making, undermining VCSE engagement within ICSs unless strong advocacy efforts are made.

Opportunities for the VCSE sector:

  • Deeper partnerships with local decision-makers: If decentralisation empowers local ICBs, this could create opportunities for the VCSE sector to play a greater role in designing and delivering health and care solutions. NAVCA and ICS-VCSE Alliances should actively engage with ICBs to ensure community-led approaches are embedded.
  • Alignment with NHS priorities: The government’s focus on prevention and community care closely aligns with VCSE expertise. This presents an opportunity for new partnerships and funding, but only if the sector remains actively engaged in shaping these transitions.
  • Strengthened VCSE leadership: With the NHS shifting resources away from hospitals, VCSE-led services could play a more prominent role in community-based health and social care—if partnerships and funding frameworks support this shift.

Implications for NAVCA members and ICS-VCSE Alliances

While ICBs and the VCSE sector both face limited room for maneuvre, proactive engagement remains essential. LIOs and ICS-VCSE Alliances should play a key role in ensuring that VCSE representation and community perspectives are embedded in decision-making, and that the shift towards prevention and community-based care is properly resourced.

Next steps for action:

  • Continue efforts to ensure that the VCSE sector remains a core partner in health and care decision-making, despite the challenges posed by top-down system changes.
  • Strengthen partnerships with ICB colleagues to maintain collaborative working relationships and amplify the sector’s role in system transformation.
  • Continue to make the case for the co-benefits of investing in the VCSE, emphasising its contribution to improved health outcomes and more sustainable care models.

If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, please email us on helpline@valonline.org.uk

 

Local Energy Advice Partnership

The Energy and Money Saving Service LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) is a completely FREE OF CHARGE service, to help reduce your energy usage and keep you warm and cosy. Free for local residents.

How it works

If you are eligible, one of their friendly, qualified advisers can:

  • Check your energy bills to ensure you are not paying too much for your energy.
  • Give you hints and tips to reduce the amount of energy you use and ensure your heating system is set up to keep you warm and save money.
  • Refer you for further funded improvements to keep your home warm e.g. insulation and heating systems.
  • Provide FREE, simple energy-saving measures, which can save the average household £30 on their energy bills a year.
  • Arrange a FREE appointment to help with benefits, debt and other money problems.

Are you eligible?

You may be eligible for the LEAP service if one of the below apply:

  • You have a low income You receive housing benefit
  • You receive universal credit You receive an income or disability related benefit

0800 060 7567 Freephone to book your appointment between 08:45 – 17:30 Monday to Friday, or apply online: applyforleap.org.uk

Government Announces Abolition of NHS England

A significant announcement was made on the 13th March 2025 by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to abolish NHS England. This is likely to have major implications at a national and local level for our work and we know you will have questions.

A briefing paper by Healthwatch England (HWE) has been released to present the key facts and views as shared by the government, Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire emphasise the importance of continuity of care for local communities.

We expect many more details to emerge in coming weeks and the policy team will aim to give you a weekly summary of all developments. Our leadership, committee and other teams across Healthwatch England will be considering the implications for the whole network.

Healthwatch England Statement

Why is the government abolishing NHSE?

Wes Streeting told Parliament it was time to tackle “bloated and inefficient bureaucracy” which had left NHS staff “drowning in micro-management”. Abolishing NHSE would free up “hundreds of millions of pounds of savings” for front-line patient care and amount to the “greatest decentralisation” seen by the NHS in its history.

He pointed to the fact that spending on DHSC and NHSE staff had doubled since 2010 but back then waiting lists were at their lowest and patient satisfaction was at its highest.

When and how will NHSE be shut down?

The process will be complete within two years, Streeting said. Recently appointed interim NHSE chief executive Jim Mackay and incoming chair Dr Penny Dash will oversee this transition.

During this time NHSE will have a reduced remit as various functions are absorbed into DHSC.

How many jobs will be lost?

The Secretary of State said he wanted 50% cuts across the NHSE workforce of 15,300 and 3,300 DHSC staff. This would amount to 9,300 jobs going.

Will new legislation be required?

Yes. Streeting is now discussing the timetable for bringing this forward, but he also said immediate work would begin on some changes that don’t depend on primary legislation.

Has the government commented on the future of HWE?

Not specifically. He reiterated in the Commons his support for the need to reform the CQC and also referenced the upcoming Dash review on patient quality and safety as a way to aid and speed up those changes.

What is the government’s view on ICB cuts?

Streeting urged MPs to back ICB leaders who would be making tough local decisions as a result of the government’s decision. Layla Moran, chair of the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee, told the health secretary that ICB cuts must not undermine place-based initiatives that would be needed to underpin the government’s aims for neighbourhood health services.

What have we said publicly about the announcement?

Our chief executive Louise Ansari said:

“People want changes that mean better access to and experience of care for everyone, in particular those facing health inequalities, including disabled people, carers, and those on low incomes.

“During the period of change for NHS England, it’s important that everything possible is done to ensure that patients’ care is not disrupted and that the progress the NHS has been making in some areas as is not reversed. Going forward, any changes in structures need to have improvements in patient access to and experience of care at their heart.”

Healthwatch Leicester & Healthwatch Leicestershire

Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire (HWLL) emphasise the importance of continuity of care for local communities with as little disruption as possible, making sure our communities are fully informed of any changes.

Adults & Communities – Health and Care Integration Programme

The NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB) in partnership with Leicestershire County Council & University Hospitals of  Leicester would like to invite you to our Equality Delivery System (EDS) Domain 1 Grading Sessions/Workshops focused on Intermediate Care (when people are discharged from hospital to home). We are particularly keen to hear from people who have used or are using the service as well as those who support people who use/used the service.

During the grading sessions, leads from the Intermediate Care Service will present evidence gathered from within their service against the four different outcomes. You will then be asked to assess the service using specific EDS criteria.

We want to know how you think we are doing with healthcare provision for people that represent the protected groups, demographics and socio-economic status of the local population across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), including where and how we should improve.

Two sessions* will be held via Microsoft Teams on the following date and times:

Grading Session 1: Tuesday 25th February 2025 9-11am via Microsoft Teams –  Join the meeting
Grading session 2: Thursday 27th February 5-7pm via Microsoft Teams – Join the meeting

You would only need to attend one session.

If you would like to attend, would like more information, comment in advance or comment by another method please contact us at the following email address:  llricb-llr.beinvolved@nhs.net Alternatively, you can just join us on the day.

SAVE the Leicester Sports Centre – Your support is needed!

DEADLINE 10:30am Monday 19th January 2025 

Every planning application submitted to a local authority must undergo a period of public consultation, applications made to the Leicester City Council are put on a public file and will be available to members of the public and organisations to inspect.

Please click on the link https://planning.leicester.gov.uk/Planning/Comment/20241529 to register your objection.
Selecting your response type as “objection” to the application – not “support”.

The sports centre has been a vital community hub for over 30 years, hosting activities like football, cricket, and wheelchair sports, as well as events promoting diversity and supporting vulnerable groups. It offers free facilities for youth teams and has hosted major events, including international cricket and boxing. With endorsements from figures like Steve Walsh and Chris Pyatt, it plays a key role in local well-being and tackling issues like knife crime. However, a planning application seeks to convert the building into a warehouse, threatening these services. The community is urged to object to ensure the venue’s continued operation and benefits.

Read our response, on behalf of our VALUES Project to object to this application below:

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of VALUES, a day centre dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities, we are writing to express our strong support for the continued operation of Leicester Sports Centre. This venue is an invaluable resource for our clients, providing a safe and welcoming space for them to access their community, engage in sports, and socialize with their peers.

We use the sports centre several times a week, and it plays a critical role in promoting the physical and mental well-being of our clients. For many of the individuals we support, opportunities to participate in community activities can be limited. Leicester Sports Centre offers a unique environment where they can feel included, develop their confidence, and enjoy meaningful social interactions.

The centre’s accessible facilities and inclusive ethos have allowed us to integrate sports and physical activity into our program. These experiences help our clients build essential life skills, form friendships, and improve their overall quality of life. The loss of this venue would be a devastating blow, not just to VALUES but to the many vulnerable individuals and groups who rely on it for social connection, personal development, and community inclusion.

While alternative venues have been suggested, none provide the same combination of accessibility, versatility, and community focus that Leicester Sports Centre offers. The closure of this facility would leave a significant gap in provisions for people with learning disabilities and other marginalized groups, directly contradicting efforts to build an inclusive and supportive community.

We strongly urge the council to reject the planning application to convert the Leicester Sports Centre into a warehouse. Doing so would protect an essential community asset that has served generations of individuals and continues to provide life-changing opportunities for those who need them most.

Thank you for considering our perspective.

Please click on the link https://planning.leicester.gov.uk/Planning/Comment/20241529 to register your objection by DEADLINE 10:30am Monday 19th January 2025 by entering your details, selecting your response type as “objection” to the application – not “support”.

Please provide comment on why you think that the Centre is not surplus to requirements and what community benefits you think are being delivered. Please click submit and you should received an email confirming that your objection has been received for the application.  Please confirm by reply once you have registered your objection.

Please share this link with all those that you think will be affected by and adverse change of use of the building.

Growth Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs

This is a fully funded programme until March 2025 through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.

The aim of the Growth Accelerator is to keep social entrepreneurs in business, protect and create jobs, and to help them grow.

The Growth Accelerator involves:

  • Masterclass training modules in growth strategy, from leading University of Leicester School of Business academics, using a cutting-edge digital learning platform
  • Free 1:1 consultancy support from CASE (Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development Agency) and Community Enterprise Engine; and
  • Peer support growth circles, to develop partnerships and collaborative offers and crowd source solutions to your challenges and opportunities

Taking part in this project gives you a new strategic planning toolkit, inspiration on how to grow your social enterprise, and the connections and collaborations to make new, exciting and fundable projects a reality.

Project Partners

The programme is delivered by the University of Leicester School of Business (ULSB) in partnership with the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Development Agency (CASE), and Community Enterprise Engine (CEE).

  • ULSB offers leadership and management programme expertise, most recently co-developing and delivering the Government‘s Help to Grow: Management course.
  • CASE has been supporting the growth of the social economy in Leicester for over 40 years.
  • CEE was born from 5 years of leading social enterprise support at Voluntary Action LeicesterShire and was formed to help community venues diversify their trading income streams.

University of Leicester Benefits

As part of this programme, you will receive a University of Leicester IT account and ID card during the length of this project.  Your ID card will grant you access to the School of Business Brookfield campus on London Road where meet up spaces are available in the ULSB Hub. There will also be opportunities for you to access the talent of School of Business staff and students through volunteering, projects, and placements.

Eligibility

To be eligible for support from the Growth Accelerator you need to:

  • Be from an existing social enterprise and based in Leicester;
  • Be a charity, CIC, cooperative or not for profit company
  • Be trading for community benefit; have social objects in your articles/governing document, and reinvest into your social purposes

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Read more about the Leicester City Council Shared Prosperity Fund.

If you’d like us to send you a programme enrolment form, or have any queries, please email ulsb.business@leicester.ac.uk

VAL AWARDS 2024: A Night for Leicester’s Community Champions

The Winners of VAL Awards 2024 – Image by Saul Morgan

We had a record number of nominations and were totally overwhelmed. The event, sponsored by Hastings Direct, was a resounding success, bringing together community leaders, volunteers, and organisations to celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals who often work quietly behind the scenes.

The night was filled with heartfelt stories, inspiring moments, and a deep sense of pride for the community. Hosted by Kevin Allen-Khimani, VAL CEO and Rupal Rajani, the ceremony shone a light on those whose dedication and selflessness have strengthened our community, but often go unnoticed.

“This evening was a true celebration of the spirit of Leicester and Leicestershire,”

said Kevin Allen-Khimani, VAL CEO.

“The dedication and selflessness we have witnessed tonight from our award winners is nothing short of inspiring. These individuals are the backbone of our communities, often working tirelessly and without recognition, to support others and make a real difference. We are proud to have hosted this event, and it is an honour to recognise these unsung heroes who inspire and uplift us all. Their actions remind us of the power of community, and how, together, we can achieve lasting change.”

Awards were presented in several categories, including City Charity of the year, County Charity of the year, Volunteer of the year, Trustee of the year, Fundraiser of the year, Charity and Business Partnership to Lifetime Achievement. Each winner represents the heart of the community, from grassroots organisations to individual changemakers working tirelessly to improve the lives of others.

Among the notable highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Khudeja Amer-Sharif, in recognition of her decades-long dedication to community service. Khudeja’s unwavering commitment to improving lives and fostering positive change has left an indelible mark on Leicester and Leicestershire. Her work, spanning through the years, has truly embodied the spirit of selfless giving and community empowerment.

 

VAL Awards 2024 Lifetime Achievement award of the year winner – Khudeja Amer-Sharif – Image by Saul Morgan

A special thank you goes out to Hastings Direct and other sponsors for their generous sponsorship and support, making this incredible evening possible. Their contributions helped bring together the community in celebration of those who work tirelessly to make Leicester and Leicestershire a better place for everyone.

See the list of all winners below:

The VAL Awards 2024 Finalists – Inspiring Community Champions

Winners: City Charity of the Year – Big Difference Company, County Charity Of the Year – Helping Hands Community Trust & Social Enterprise of the Year – Team Hub CIC – Winners from the 2023 VAL Awards. (Image by Saul Morgan.)

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is excited to announce the finalists for the 2024 VAL Awards. Supported by Hastings Direct as the headline sponsor, these prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations that make invaluable contributions to our local communities in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The VAL Awards, originally established in 2019, celebrate the incredible contributions made by the voluntary and charity sector across Leicester and Leicestershire. This year’s event promises to be another memorable evening dedicated to acknowledging the tireless work of volunteers and community heroes who selflessly give their time and energy to make a positive impact on the lives of others across our city and county.

The ticketed event will be held on Friday 18 October in The King’s Hall at Leicester’s The Grand Hotel. 

The awards are made possible by the generous support of local businesses, which include headline sponsor, Hastings Direct.  Confirmed category sponsors include Gambit Insurance Solutions, PPL PRS, Leicester University Business School, Aspire Pharma and Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Association. Monies raised allow the event to run without charge to nominees and their guests.

Finalists for each category are as follows:

City Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions

  • Trade Sexual Health
  • Rachel’s Table
  • The Olive Trust
  • Leicester Hospital’s Charity

County Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions

  • Marlene Reid Centre
  • PACE
  • Warning Zone
  • Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL)

Social Enterprise of the Year – Sponsored by University of Leicester Business School/Community Business/CASE

  • The People’s Buddhi CIC
  • Coalville CAN
  • Buzzing Roots

Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year – Sponsored by Hastings Direct

  • Alice Hawkins Community Projects CIC
  • Diabetes Self-Help Group
  • HAB – Anti Bullying & Mental Health

Trustee of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

  • Peter Smith – Cook-E Learning Foundation
  • Usha Mehta – Jain Samaj Europe
  • Nigel Swan – Helping Hands
  • William Richardson – Sue Young Cancer Support
  • Helen Stone – Goodacres Almshouse Charity

Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – Sponsored by Aspire Pharma

  • Lynda Green – VAL
  • Jasu Tailor – Leicester Community Links
  • Khadeeja Saleh – CKI School of Martial Arts
  • James Chantry – After18
  • Kath Allen – VASL

Inspiring Leader of the Year – Sponsored by Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Housing Association

  • Suki Kaur – Freeva
  • Chris Desai – UOCEAN and UEARTH
  • Rana Rajput – MindAid UK
  • Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan – Zinthiya Trust
  • Danny Aldred – Pedestrian

Fundraiser of the Year – Sponsored by Paragon Sales Solutions

  • Emily Corrigan – Living Without Abuse
  • Joanna Burrows – Love4Life
  • Margaret Green – Arthritis Support

Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS

  • Café No:7 and One Roof Leicester
  • Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland MIND and Northwest Leicestershire GP Federation
  • Heartwize and Druck

Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO of VAL, commented:

“The calibre of entries for this year’s VAL Awards was outstanding, and we feel the shortlist showcases the dedication and resilience of the charity sector over the past year. These organisations and individuals represent the very best of our community, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements.”

Julie Taylor, Hastings Direct Chief Customer and Operations Officer, said:

“We are proud to be sponsoring and supporting the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire Awards. The awards and ceremony shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond in our local community, and we are honoured to play a part in recognising and celebrating these extraordinary individuals and groups in Leicestershire.”

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire looks forward to another unforgettable awards ceremony and invites you to join them in celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups that make our community stronger and more vibrant. For tickets to the awards, visit https://valonline.org.uk/valawards/

Severn Trent – The NeighbourGOOD Scheme

They would love to help with any community-driven project be that enhancing a public space or supporting a local event, from coaching for vulnerable young people to a garden refurb in a care home, we are here to help!

They want to ask customers across the region to apply for up to £2.5k funding and 20-30 Severn Trent volunteers across 2 days to support with the delivery of their projects. The money can be used towards materials for the project and our staff will come to deliver the work.

The idea is that they will be able to deliver 10 projects in total, one in each county of our region. To decide which projects they will deliver they are going to be setting up a panel of judges from each county to shortlist the projects to 3 per county, which will then go to public vote.

They are looking to open applications in the first week of September for a 4–6-week window with the shortlisted projects for each county being announced mid-end October. The public vote will open mid-November with winners being announced before Christmas and all works completed before end March 2025.

For more Information contact :

Adam Stevens
Societal Strategy Officer, Severn Trent Water Ltd.
Tel: 07977858095      Email: adam-cd.stevens@severntrent.co.uk

NHS Constitution: 10 year review

The NHS constitution sets out the principles, values, rights and pledges underpinning the NHS as a comprehensive health service, free at the point of use for all who need it.

The NHS Constitution empowers patients, staff and the public to know and exercise their rights in order to help drive improvements in quality, efficiency and responsiveness throughout the NHS.

Department of Health and Social Care are seeking views on how best to change the NHS Constitution. To complete the consultation survey (as an individual or on behalf of your organisation), please visit: https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/en/660d21db9ecc4223dd0174bf.

The consultation period will close at 11.59pm on 25 June 2024.

Further information about the consultation can be found here: NHS Constitution: 10 year review – GOV.UK