NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB joins Social Value Network as part of commitment to addressing health inequalities

NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has joined the national Social Value Network, hosted by NHS Arden & GEM, as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver social value in the services it commissions.

Delivering social value means looking beyond just the financial cost of services that are commissioned or procured. It places importance on considering the economic, social and environmental impact on local communities when developing and delivering services.

The Social Value Network works with members to deliver a collaborative, joined-up approach to creating positive value for communities, the economy and the environment through expert advice, information and practical support. A dedicated online portal provides access to resources, best practice, a forum and an Advisory Board of social value leaders, as well as a platform to store and share documents.

Joining the network will enable NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB to evidence delivery of the fourth aim for all integrated care systems (ICS), of supporting broader social and economic development, by:

·       Ensuring a clear definition of social value

·       Producing a social value charter

·       Identifying a series of pledges and key value indicators

·       Developing a roadmap for delivery.

Work has already begun within Coventry and Warwickshire and the newly formed system working group met for the first time in April 2024. The immediate priority of the working group will be to develop a social value charter, which will set out the guiding principles for system partners to deliver social value for the people of Coventry and Warwickshire.

Coventry and Warwickshire has also recently been chosen as one of the WorkWell pilot areas - a new work and health support service designed to help people with health conditions remain in or return to work. The pilot project is an excellent example of how system partners can work together to deliver a tailored package of support that focus on health, social and economic factors – increasing the social value of services delivered locally.

By joining the Social Value Network, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB also hopes to achieve the Social Value Quality Mark Health bronze level accreditation, an independent verification of social value progress which recognises and celebrates the highest social value standards in healthcare.

Phil Johns, Chief Executive Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB said:

“We are delighted to be joining the Social Value Network and we are looking forward to developing a system-wide approach to social value which is co-produced with both ICS stakeholders and the wider community.  

“There is already a lot of good activity taking place across Coventry and Warwickshire, but developing a clear vision and consistent framework to measure progress across system partners will maximise the social value in the services we commission. We hope this will bring many benefits to our local communities, increasing employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and ultimately addressing inequalities experienced by those living in deprived neighbourhoods and supporting people with long-term health conditions.”

Becky Jones, Social Value Network Lead and Social Value Specialist at NHS Arden & GEM said:

“The Social Value Network aims to grow social value knowledge, learning, skills and expertise within the public sector and I am pleased that Coventry and Warwickshire ICB has chosen to be part of this community of practice. By working together, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the delivery of local services and in tackling local health inequalities. This work will drive a renewed focus on using resources as effectively and sustainably as possible to improve healthcare access, experience and outcomes.”

Find out more about Coventry and Warwickshire ICB here [https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/

Find out more about the Social Value Network here [https://www.ardengemcsu.nhs.uk/services/social-value-network/].