Partnerships and voluntary sector representation
Voluntary sector representation was one of the most talked about subjects at our last health and social care forum in October. Currently, there are a number of partnership boards with voluntary sector representation, including the Adult Strategic Partnership Board and its subgroups, including one for Learning Disability.

In addition there is voluntary sector representation on the:
- Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board

However, there is no standardised role for each of the reps who attend. And the mental health partnership board does not have voluntary sector representation. Part of our work here at VAL involves trying to ensure that there are structures in place to provide a voice for voluntary sector reps by working alongside the council. At the last forum we got a range of feedback on these structures, and this included suggestions on how to make these boards work better for the voluntary sector. A further motivation for reviewing these partnership boards is that there is also the possibility that a health and wellbeing board may be created in the coming year.

At VAL we are interested in finding out from members what they think. Perhaps you have a comment about who would be a suitable rep for each of the boards? Or maybe you have strong opinions about what you think the role of rep should entail? Whatever your view, we want to know if you have any thoughts on representation.

Your comments count
If you have comments about representation or if you would like to find out more, then phone Mark on 020 8314 9841