What is a Memorandum of Understanding and why is it important?
An MOU denotes a common direction of travel between two or more parties, in this case the VCSE and the ICB. It indicates how the parties will interact, share and collaborate on matters related to our ICB. The document is to make sure that the VCSE has a clear voice, relationship and involvement in the decisions made by the ICS, ICB and ICP. This will help navigate our seat at the table.
We held our VCSE Partnership Forum on 27th September.
Lisa Taylor, Health & Wellbeing Programme Director at VONNE, shared the first draft of the Memorandum of Understanding between the VCSE sector and the ICS, which is now open for comment so everyone has the opportunity to share their views.
The link to the document is here it will be live until 9am on Monday 24th October and comments should be emailed directly to Lisa.Taylor@vonne.org.uk
Once the feedback has been added to the MOU, it will be taken back to the Partnership Programme Steering Group for comment, then a final version will be shared online before it is taken to the ICB.
Executive Director of Corporate Governance, Communications and Engagement for the ICB, Claire Riley, talked about the ICB’s ambitions for the North East and North Cumbria, and how the integration of the VCSE sector is a key factor in realising these ambitions. Claire is leading on the relationship with the sector and is keen that all ICS partners understand the importance of working in partnership with the VCSE to support shared outcomes. She will be supporting the Partnership Programme to showcase positive examples of services via ICS communication channels.
Dan Jackson, ICB Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Affairs delivered a presentation on Integrated Care Partnership formation and Memorandum of Understanding development, giving an update on developments across the ICS and discussing how the Memorandum of Understanding will support a positive relationship between the VCSE sector and other ICS partners.
All comments and feeback should be sent to lisa.taylor@vonne.org.uk