This LINk to HealthWatch task and finish group that has been meeting fortnightly since November 2010 with various partners to explore the implications of the transition from LINks to HealthWatch.
This group:
• Reviewed the work of Liverpool LINk so as to ensure that during the transitional phase firm foundations are retained, good practice is maintained and any weaknesses are identified.
• Recommended to the Core Group that a Referendum be sent to Liverpool LINk members that would enable the current Core Group to continue in position during the transitional year. As members will know, this recommendation was agreed by the Core Group and actioned.
• Gathered information both national and local developments about the new and emerging structures (Attending relevant meetings and events)
• Listened to presentations from our partners and asked appropriate questions
• Produced and circulated a LINk to HealthWatch questionnaire so that members, friends and partners can feed in their views about the work to date and priorities for the transitional year.
• Recommended to the Core Group that from April 2011 work groups be established to operate during the transitional year that would explore the implications of HealthWatch.
- Roles, representation and responsibilities
- Governance
- Training, support and development
- Engagement methodology and practice
- Marketing and promotion
This recommendation was agreed by the Core Group and the first work group exploring roles, representation and responsibilities group commenced in April 2011 and is currently in the process of putting forward different observations, options and recommendations to the LINk Core Group. From finalising the work of this group other groups will run consecutively.
LINk Members and partners need to be assured that no firm decisions or actions will be taken in relation to any outcomes from these groups relating to the changing in governance or structure until the official HealthWatch guidelines are produced and that the membership are consulted.