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Developing a lay member network for North West CCGs

All CCGs in the North West.

On April 1, 2013 Clinical Commissioning Groups became responsible for the commissioning of healthcare services across England. Each CCG has a governing body made up of clinicians, NHS healthcare managers, and lay members that manages the organisation.

Lay member representatives bring specific expertise and experience to the work of the governing body in a number of key areas including: finance; patient and public engagement; clinical input; and governance. Lay members have a key strategic and impartial role, providing an external view of the work of the CCG, which is removed from the day-to-day running of the organisation.

Following discussions with lay members from the 12 Greater Manchester CCGs, Greater Manchester Commissioning Support Unit (GMCSU) identified the need for a local network to support lay members in the new NHS landscape.

While this initiative was not directly commissioned by the CCGs it was felt that the planned support could add significant value to the work of lay members in CCGs. GMCSU agreed to lead and host the planned network and to review progress at six and twelve month intervals.

GMCSU collaborated with Chief Operating Officers and lay members from the Greater Manchester CCGs to determine if there was appetite a lay member network. Responses indicated that there was both a need and enthusiasm for a network; some lay members had already begun to think about establishing local networks.

The main aim of the network is to support lay members in their corporate and specialist roles on CCG governing bodies by providing opportunities to:

  • Share experience and expertise through peer support
  • Develop capability in their role
  • Consider commissioning issues and topics through discussion and external input from relevant speakers or organisations
  • Develop a network in the North West to share good practice in four key areas; governance, patient and public involvement, clinical expertise and quality outcomes for patients
  • Make connections locally, regionally and nationally to support lay members in their role.

GMCSU responded to an identified need, collaborating with lay members from the start, to provide a value added service for CCGs.

The purpose and format of the proposed network was agreed and a steering group was established to plan and develop the network further. The steering group, which is representative of lay members, ensures that planning is driven by the needs of lay members.

GMCSU hosts the network, providing administration support and coordination of  the necessary communications and planning determined by the steering group. Social media is also used to make connections, regionally and nationally.

Meetings take place on a quarterly basis at a central Manchester venue. The meetings provide time for lay members to network informally, listen to expert speakers, take part in a panel questions and answers on hot topics, and experience shared peer support through focused discussions in responsibility groups.

The responsibility groups are led by lay members in the areas of governance, patient and public information and clinical input. The groups enable lay members to have detailed discussions about their wider corporate responsibilities.

The network operates at a minimal cost and is supported by the Local Area Team, which provides the venue. GMCSU has a key role in supplying expert speakers who share knowledge and advice from GMCSU specialist teams. Additional speakers often include network contacts and other lay members.

Lay members unable to attend network meetings have the opportunity to contribute by email or telephone. Following the meetings, a summary document is sent out to all North West CCGs for information. 

Development of the North West Lay Member Network is proving to be very positive with lay members benefitting from valuable peer support opportunities. It is also fulfilling a need to make new relationships and connections in the new NHS landscape.

Continuing collaboration between GMCSU and lay members ensures that the needs of CCG’s are understood and that the network continues to add value to their work.

The initiative, which originated in Greater Manchester, has been extended across the North West in response to enquiries from lay members. The network is growing in numbers with membership increasing from 30 to around 90 registered members in a period of six months.

Lay members are appreciative of the opportunity for peer support offered by the network. Meetings are evaluated and feedback has predominantly been ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent.’ 

The network is becoming better known regionally and nationally. A number of links have been established to develop the network and to avoid duplication with alternative provision of CCG support:

  • The network is part of the Community England Learning Environment website, currently being developed by NHS England (http://www.community.england.nhs.uk/)
  • GMCSU’s Lead Business Advisor is chair of the North West Leadership Academy Sub Group for Non Executive Director and Lay Member development
  • An informal partnership has been created with Mersey Internal Audit Agency (MIAA).

Future successful developments of the NHS will depend on collaboration and relationships to respond to the challenges of the day and beyond. Having a motivated and experienced group of lay members working on CCG governing bodies can only be a positive force in enabling excellence in their work.

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