Building strong integrated care systems everywhere: ICS implementation guidance on working with people and communities (2 September 2021)

Summary

Integrated care systems (ICSs) are partnerships of health and care organisations that come together to plan and deliver joined up services and to improve the health of people who live and work in their area. This guidance outlines how partners in an ICS should agree how to listen consistently to, and collectively act on, the experience and aspirations of local people and communities.

Content

Key points

• A strong and effective ICS will have a deep understanding of all the people and communities it serves.
• The insights and diverse thinking of people and communities are essential to enabling ICSs to tackle health inequalities and the other challenges faced by health and care systems.
• The creation of statutory ICS arrangements brings fresh opportunities to strengthen work with people and communities, building on existing relationships, networks and activities.