South East London ICB research event: leading systems in collaboration

On September 4th, the South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) hosted an insightful research event focused on “Leading systems in collaboration.” This gathering brought together a vibrant community of researchers, practitioners, and leaders from various sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Integrated Care Systems (ICS).

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Opening remarks

Alec Fraser, a lecturer specialising in health policy at the Business School, kicked off the event with a warm welcome. He highlighted the importance of integrated care systems and the potential they hold for improving services through collaboration. Alec emphasised that the event aimed to foster discussions that could lead to meaningful research and improvements in service delivery.

Keynote speakers and panels

The event featured several insightful sessions, starting with a panel discussion on successful collaborations involving the voluntary and community sector (VCS) within the ICS framework. The panel included:

• Sarah Morgan, Chief People Officer from North Central London ICS
• Tal Rosenzweig, Director of Voluntary Sector Collaboration and Partnership for South East London ICS and Community Links Bromley
• Alison Robert, Partnerships Manager for Tower Hamlets VCS

Each panelist shared their unique perspectives and experiences, shedding light on the critical role of the VCS in integrated care systems.

Highlights from Tal Rosenzweig’s talk

Tal Rosenzweig delivered an inspiring talk about the importance of collaboration and the innovative approaches being taken in South East London. Tal’s role, funded by the Integrated Care Board but accountable to the voluntary sector, exemplifies the commitment to bridging gaps between statutory health services and community organizations. Tal emphasized the need for equitable partnerships and the importance of power-sharing to create impactful and sustainable solutions.

Key themes and discussions

Throughout the day, several key themes emerged:

1. Conversation and Relationships: Building trust and fostering open dialogue between statutory bodies and the VCS is crucial. The event highlighted the importance of friendly, accessible, and ongoing communication to strengthen these relationships.
2. Co-Creation and Co-Production: The need for genuine co-creation was a recurring theme. This involves engaging the VCS and community members early in the planning process to ensure that solutions are relevant and effective.
3. Commissioning and Stability: One of the significant challenges discussed was the need for more stable and long-term funding for VCS organizations. Short-term contracts and competitive funding models often hinder collaboration and sustainability.

Success stories and future directions

The event also showcased several success stories, such as the “Flourishing Communities” project in Tower Hamlets, which has made significant strides in improving access to services for women from marginalised communities. These examples underscored the potential of collaborative efforts to bring about real change.

Conclusion

The South East London ICB research event was a resounding success, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas. As the day concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue working together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities within integrated care systems.

We look forward to the next event and the continued collaboration that will drive positive change in our communities.