Supporting people in our neighbourhoods and communities as a cornerstone of the NHS’s 10-year strategy

National policy expects more collaboration and clearer accountability at place level. The Place Provider Partnership responds to this by giving partners a single forum to agree priorities, reduce duplication and focus on shared outcomes.

From April, it will enter a shadow year and take joint responsibility for services like neighbourhood health, community NHS care, community mental health and key VCSE contracts – around £100 million of activity.

The scope will widen over time once the model has been tested and we understand where it adds value.

During transition, the Place Provider Partnership will develop recommendations within its scope and the Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership Committee will formally approve them.

Over time, the Place Provider Partnership will make decisions directly about services.

This is a significant shift in how health and care services work, and leaders at our Integrated Care Board have been asking partners for their views on how things should work. Their aim is to protect what works, strengthen how we plan services together, and improve outcomes for the people of Wakefield District.

This is the latest step in the evolution of our partnership – building on years of collaboration to shape new, shared approaches to planning and delivering services.