Leicestershire Partnership and Northamptonshire Healthcare Associate University Group has joined the Social Value Network, hosted by NHS Arden & GEM, to support delivery of the priorities and commitments outlined in its social value charter.

The Group, which comprises Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, published its first social value charter in October 2023 to highlight a commitment to social, environmental and economic improvements for local communities across Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.

The charter identifies five focus areas for the Group, which have been informed by the needs of its population, patients and workforce, and identified by local partners including the Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.

  1. Organisational resilience
  2. Economic inequality
  3. Climate change
  4. Equality of opportunity
  5. Volunteering.

Andy Griffiths, Partnerships Manager at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said:

“Our vision for social value across the Leicestershire Partnership and Northamptonshire Healthcare Associate University Group is that everyone recognises their contribution to social value, including the changes it can bring about to reduce avoidable inequalities and improve health and wellbeing. We are looking forward to sharing our experience with other trusts and systems, as part of the Social Value Network, so that collectively we can fulfil our responsibilities as anchor organisations.”

By joining the Social Value Network, the Group will access resources, best practice, a forum and expert advice from an Advisory Board of social value leaders. Members also join ‘The Vault’ – an online platform to collaborate on and share documentation.

The Social Value Network will support Leicestershire Partnership and Northamptonshire Healthcare Associate University Group in its ambition to achieve the Social Value Quality Mark Health accreditation, an independent verification of social value progress which recognises and celebrates the highest social value standards in healthcare.

Becky Jones, Social Value Network Lead and Social Value Specialist at NHS Arden & GEM said:

“I’m delighted that Leicestershire Partnership and Northamptonshire Healthcare Associate University Group has chosen to join the Social Value Network. The Group is already contributing to local communities through its commitment to social, environmental and economic improvements and collaborating with the Network will enable them to take this commitment forward in line with organisational strategies and national priorities.”

Find out more about the Social Value Network here.