Working with People and Communities Strategy

Our Working with People and Communities Strategy sets out how we will work alongside patients, carers, staff, partners and local communities to ensure their experiences, views and voices help shape decisions about health and care services. Aligned with NHS England guidance and our statutory duties, the strategy supports our ambition to improve outcomes, tackle inequalities and deliver the goals of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

The strategy describes how meaningful and inclusive communication, engagement and involvement will support strategic commissioning and strengthen the public voice in Neighbourhoods and Places. It also outlines how we will involve and support staff, embed co-production, co-design and lived experience in decision-making, advance equality, diversity and inclusion, and strengthen partnerships with Healthwatch and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

The strategy has been developed through engagement with key stakeholders, including Healthwatch, VCSE partners and people with lived experience, alongside a review of existing involvement approaches across NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. As we move into delivery, we will continue to work with partners, patients, communities and staff to shape implementation, develop a delivery plan, establish a Memorandum of Understanding with VCSE partners, and create a joint Equality and Involvement Committee to help oversee progress.