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Shaping Health and Care Together: The Role of the VCSE Assembly in Norfolk

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15 Aug, 2025by Julie GibsonInformation, advice and guidance

The VCSE Assembly has a vital role in ensuring that the voice of the VCSE sector is heard and embedded in health and care planning across Norfolk and Waveney. As part of the region’s Integrated Care System (ICS), the Assembly brings together charities, community groups, social enterprises and public sector colleagues to help shape services that reflect the real needs of local people.

What Does the VCSE Assembly Do?

The Assembly provides a structured way for the VCSE sector to collaborate with statutory partners like the NHS and local authorities. Its mission is to promote meaningful engagement, share sector insight, and ensure that voluntary and community organisations are directly involved in the co-design and delivery of local health and wellbeing strategies.

This includes:

  • Representing VCSE voices at ICS leadership and planning levels.
  • Supporting the implementation of key strategies such as the NHS 10-Year Plan.
  • Facilitating neighbourhood-level collaboration through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams.
  • Promoting inclusive procurement opportunities.
  • Leading engagement on action plans such as “Get Norfolk Working” and the Health Inequalities Framework.
 

Why This Matters?

The VCSE sector plays a crucial role in improving health and wellbeing outcomes, particularly among underserved communities. By working together through the Assembly, VCSE organisations can influence decision-making and drive innovation in the delivery of services at both a local and system-wide level.

The Assembly also enables the sector to stay informed and engaged with emerging plans and policies, such as the new NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) Blueprint and Social Impact Procurement Frameworks. As the health and care landscape evolves, this collaboration ensures that services remain community-focused, inclusive and responsive to need.

What Is Its Impact Across Norfolk?

For organisations operating across Norfolk, the Assembly is a gateway to participation, funding opportunities, and shared learning. It encourages the formation of new partnerships, strengthens the sector’s influence, and enhances our collective capacity to tackle major issues such as health inequalities, employment and skills development, and climate-related health risks.

In short the VCSE Assembly is not just a forum, it is a catalyst for change.

Stay Connected: July 2025 Newsletter Now Available

We invite you to read the latest VCSE Assembly Newsletter (July 2025), which includes:

  • Updates on the NHS 10-Year Plan and what it means for our sector.
  • Details on a new regional procurement framework to support VCSE delivery.
  • Information on the Neighbourhood and Place VCSE Working Group.
  • Opportunities to join initiatives such as the Core20PLUS Ambassador Programme.
  • Invitations to upcoming events including the “Get Norfolk Working” follow-up session.
 

By subscribing to the newsletter, you can stay up to date with developments and opportunities relevant to your organisation and the communities you serve.

To receive future editions, simply email here.

Read the August newsletter here.