Barnardo's is calling for the Health and Care Bill to undergo a Child Impact Assessment to ensure it is fit for purpose in delivering the joined up, holistic care and support services so many of our children desperately need.
As currently proposed, the Health and Care Partnership, which is set up by the local Integrated Care Board, will only include representatives from the NHS and relevant local authorities. We are concerned that this will exclude charities and risks losing the resource and expertise they hold that could inform the assessment and planning of services to meet the needs of children, young people and families in all areas of England.
Primary legislation and guidance should establish a clear, inclusive, robust framework for localities to work with, that harnesses local expertise and maximises collaborative working amongst all agencies who deliver these services, including charities. We are calling for the Bill to include a duty to guarantee representation of voluntary and community sector organisations on the Integrated Care System (ICS) Health and Care Partnerships.