In February, we announced our work with National Voices and the Point of Care Foundation on a Regulators ' Pioneer Fund project.
The aim of the project is to develop a voluntary improvement framework for integrated care systems (ICSs) to understand how well their engagement with people and communities is helping tackle health inequalities. Through focusing on local communities, understanding what people need, and what is working, ICSs can improve services and reduce health inequalities for the people they serve.
In our last update, we shared the significant progress made during the scoping and co-design phases of the project. We are now pleased to report that the testing phase of the framework has been successfully completed, marking an important milestone in the project’s journey.
Testing Phase (Autumn 2024)
From September to November, the draft framework was tested in partnership with four ICSs:
- Black Country ICS
- Gloucestershire ICS
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICS
Testing focused on:
- Understanding how the framework fits into existing ICS health inequality processes.
- Identifying areas where the framework could help ICSs critically assess the impact of their engagement strategies on health inequalities.
Each ICS provided detailed feedback on the usability, relevance, and potential impact of the framework. This feedback has been instrumental in shaping the final version.
What We Learned
The testing phase highlighted key opportunities where the framework will better meet the needs of ICSs. For example:
- Flexibility: ICSs appreciated the framework’s adaptable structure, allowing them to focus on areas most relevant to their unique contexts.
- Guidance: ICSs highlighted the need for clear guidance and examples to support implementation.
- Impact Measurement: Feedback emphasised the importance of ensuring the framework helps ICSs measure the tangible outcomes of their engagement efforts on reducing health inequalities.
- Resourcing: Integrating the framework with existing strategies for population health to support managing resource limitations while still tracking impact.
We are currently incorporating the feedback to ensure the framework is practical and has a real impact on people and communities experiencing health inequalities.
Framework Launch: Spring 2025
The health inequalities improvement framework will launch as part of a dedicated virtual event on 12 February 2025. The event is set to bring together ICS leaders, stakeholders, and partners to explore the framework’s practical application and its role in tackling health inequalities.
It will feature experts in health inequalities and engagement with attendees having an opportunity to engage directly with the framework and explore its components.
This event will help create a shared understanding of how the framework can drive improvements in outcomes for people and communities.
Registration details and a full agenda will be shared in the coming weeks.
We encourage all ICS leaders, engagement teams, VCSEs, people with lived experiences and other stakeholders to join us at the event.
For questions or more information about the launch event, email icshealthinequalities@cqc.org.uk.
Chris Day, Director of Engagement at CQC, said:
I am pleased to hear the positive feedback from the four ICSs who participated in the testing phase. Incorporating their perspectives has helped strengthen the framework, ensuring it better supports ICSs in measuring the impact of their engagement efforts on reducing health inequalities. Throughout the testing phase, a wide range of stakeholders and people with lived experience have continued to provide valuable insights and feedback.
The framework is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing population health strategies, enabling ICSs to better understand how people access and experience care. It also provides a foundation for using this understanding to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities. This focus aligns with what truly matters to people accessing and using services.
Jacob Lant, Chief Executive at National Voices, said:
We are excited to share the progress from this important piece of work with CQC and the Point of Care Foundation, and would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the Regulators Pioneer Fund for their investment.
This project has demonstrated what true co-production looks like, with both people and the voluntary sector. It has been both rewarding and heartening to see the level of buy-in from systems, as their feedback has been taken on board to further strengthen and shape the framework.
Our collaborative approach will result in a tool that works well for people, voluntary organisations and ICSs and that it will go forward to drive a much-needed improvement in health inequalities.
Sarah Massie, Director of Programmes at the Point of Care Foundation, said:
We are very grateful to the ICSs and everyone who contributed to the workshops during this testing phase. The feedback provided has been invaluable in ensuring the framework is as accessible and effective as possible. It has been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm for the framework and its potential to reduce health inequalities. We're pleased to hear ICSs’ have found the framework helpful for reflecting on what they are doing well and identifying areas for development.
It is our hope this project will help develop truly inclusive and compassionate services by working directly with communities. As we look forward to the launch next year, we remain committed to supporting meaningful progress in this work.
Regulators' Pioneer Fund (RPF)
The Regulators ' Pioneer Fund (RPF) is a grant-based fund to enable UK regulators and local authorities to help create a regulatory environment that encourages business innovation and investment. The current £12m round is being delivered by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).