The Provision of Healthwatch and Local Engagement in the County of Devon

Devon County Council (DCC), Plymouth City Council (PCC) and Torbay Council (TC), in partnership with NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), are proposing to jointly commission a Healthwatch and Local Engagement Contract across the footprint of the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) for Devon. Services purchased under this lot will be on a 'spot' basis only.

By working together, there is greater opportunity for continued service innovation, collaborative working, sharing knowledge, expertise and capacity in order to jointly realise benefits for service users and maintain a sustainable Local Healthwatch function and support community engagement on health and social care issues. On confirmation of your booking, the details of the venue and arrangements will be provided.

We are keen for providers to input into this process, to help inform how the service might be delivered in the future. The Chair of Healthwatch England in his recent letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and accompanying 'State of Support' briefing report, understood the funding pressures on local councils, while emphasising the impact on Local Healthwatch.

We share his desire to continue to give people a strong voice in the big decisions about health and social care, and within the resources available feel the approach outlined above provides the best sustainable solution for the future. We will continue to engage with the market, together with Healthwatch England, as we progress with our joint commissioning approach.

A key to this will be: retaining the strong Healthwatch brand within Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, building on the good work to date; ensuring the public can continue to access Local Healthwatch face-to-face; and sustaining the volunteer base in all three areas, recognising the vital role they play in supporting Local Healthwatch and engaging with their communities. It is envisaged that the new contract will commence on 1st April 2020.