The Chair of the Community, Voluntary and Faith (CVF) Sector Reference Group introduced the report which detailed the work of the Reference Group and sought to establish a working relationship with the Health and Wellbeing Board. The report detailed the background to the establishment of the reference group and the overall aim of the group and its relationship with the Health and Wellbeing Board.

The Board was advised of the vital role the CVF sector played in a progressive health and care system and highlighted the need for the sector to be aligned to the governance arrangements as part of the Integrated Care System and embedded within how the system operated. It was further reported that there was a need to strengthen communities through developing community assets and harnessing the skills of those in the sector, which would build upon the work of the humanitarian cell. Organisations around the table were encouraged to develop community-based approaches to utilise the extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience in communities on how services can support local residents.

Members across the Board expressed their thanks to the community groups involved in bringing the work together, as well as thanks to the sector as a whole for the work it had undertaken during the Covid-19 response and recognised the vital role the sector would play in developing future working arrangements. It was queried how the change in the way of working could take place, where it was acknowledged that working alongside local people would enable a change in how services were delivered and allow residents to access those wider community services when required.

Resolved – That

(1)  the establishment of a Community, Voluntary and Faith Sector Reference Group be noted.

(2)  the development of a progressive and effective working partnership with the Community, Voluntary and Faith sector through the Reference Group be supported.

(3)  the principal aim of the Reference Group be supported to build and support the development of local infrastructure, in support of ongoing programmes and plans to meet the health and wellbeing needs of Wirral’s communities and residents.

(4)  the secondary aim of the Reference Group, to work in full partnership to bring forward the opportunities and benefits for communities and residents arising from Government programmes and new legislation be supported.

(5)  the use of all available data sources by the Reference Group to inform its contribution to plans and programmes be supported.