Department of Health announces continuation of Strategic Partner programme
At All Change, the Department of Health Voluntary Sector Strategic Partners conference held at Hotel Russell on 21 November, Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services, used his keynote speech to announce an extension to their £3.5 million Strategic Partner programme for 2012-13.
The Strategic Partners programme directly funds twenty five national charities. It was launched in April 2009 to improve communication and dialogue between the Department and voluntary sector health and social care organisations across England.
Katy Wing, Director - Improving Local Services, said
“I am delighted to hear this announcement. The Health and Social Care Bill is bringing about fundamental change. This announcement shows that the Minister understands how vital the voluntary and community sector is to the reforms.
If the sector is to have a major role in shaping and delivering future health and social care services, now is the critical time to engage with the emerging health and social care structures. This programme supports this work, allowing voluntary organisations, including NAVCA, to continue to influence the department’s thinking.”
