Taking LINKs forward in Lincolnshire

Brenda CookCentre for Public Scrutiny

A LINk is NOT…

• Another method of inspection

• Managed by the local authority or NHS

• Based on bureaucracy and meetings

• Based only on the involvement of individuals

• Optional

LINks are …

• Networks of local people and organisations

• Focus on health and social care

• Based on local authority boundaries

• Supported by a ‘host’ commissioned by the local authority

• A tool for strengthening the voice of local people and communities in influencing the commissioning of local services.

LINks can involve …

LINk

Carers Network

Neighbourhood renewal network

Youth Council

Patients Transport Groups

Foundation Trust Governors

Tenants Groups

Local business groups

Patient Groups

Older People’s Forum

Faith GroupsSupport Groups for

Specific Service Users

IndividualsIndividuals

Individuals

Minority Ethnic Groups

Local Strategic Partnership

Individuals

anyone

LINks can …

• Give people a chance to comment on local services

• Investigate specific issues of concern to the community

• Give people a chance to check how services are planned and run

• Feed back what people have said and suggest ways to improve services

• Provide information to systems that scrutinise and regulate care services

LINks can …

• Enter certain care premises to see what is happening and, where appropriate, talk to service users

• Ask for information and be provided with it within a specified time

• Make reports and recommendations

• Expect a reply within a specified time

• Refer issues to an Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) and receive a response

Establishing a LINk in Lincolnshire

February 1st April 30 September

Getting Ready for LINks Group

Tendering for host

Informing groups and individuals

Transitional LINk starts

Develop protocols

Start to develop relationships

Encourage involvement

Start to identify priorities

Host must be in place

All governance in place

Continuing to develop involvement methods

Exerting influence Review

Continuous development

April 2009

What needs to happen next?