Third Sector Community Infrastructure Support

Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire West ICP have identified an opportunity to develop growth and improvement within the community sector which will enhance resource and benefit the wider system

Cheshire West and Chester Council recognises the importance and value or working with the community sector under the principles of the CWAC compact 2020 - 2024.

In addition the development of Care Community Steering Groups is a key priority for both Cheshire West ICP and the wider VCFSE sector. As the steering groups have developed it has become clear that there are certain identifying features of organisations identified as Community Anchor Organisations these include being:  Independent and Community led

 Operating in a Local area (in this case Care Communities)

 Well established, often around a building or place

 Committed to positive economic, social and/or environmental change

 Comfortable working interdependently

The Council's vision for the transformation of adult social care and health services includes the community sector having a key role in delivering Services in the CWAC communities. The ambition is that people with identified needs are matched with community solutions. The Council has recognised to achieve this there needs to be an active, innovative and string infrastructure to ensure the sector has skill, capacity, knowledge, and links to better meet the needs of CWAC's most vulnerable residents.

To achieve a closer working relationship with CWAC community sector organisations the Council has awarded a contract to Cheshire West Voluntary Action ("CWVA").

In addition the CCG wish to direct award CWVA with a sub contract arrangement to Cheshire Community action to develop key anchor organisations across the 9 care communities. These proposals have been advertised and tendered separately and will be co commissioned via the council contract.