On Wednesday 8 July, the Civil Society Council met for the second time in 10 Downing Street.

Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister for Care, began by setting out this government’s vision for health and care where preventative, community-based services are built around people and places. Partnership must be at the heart of this, and the Minister invited Council Members’ reflections on how service models can be developed together with civil society and communities. The Minister and Council Members discussed the importance of trusted relationships, as well as local empowerment and experiences, where a collaborative culture, supported through strong local infrastructure, can encourage innovation, a sense of shared ownership, and drive real change for people and communities. The Minister agreed to continue working with Council Members to strengthen partnership working in the shift to neighbourhood health.

The Council then discussed progress made to improve ways of working between government and civil society.

The Council Chair, Kate Lee, concluded the meeting by thanking Council Members for their contributions and the significant work already underway.