Principles met
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Co-production
We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
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Innovation
We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.
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Maximising social value
We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.
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New models of meeting priority needs
In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
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Social partnership
We will strengthen the co-operative partnership between citizens, communities, enterprises and Councils, based on a shared sense of responsibility for wellbeing and mutual benefit.
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Walking the talk
As a membership organisation, we will make this statement of our principles operational by:
• Co-operation among members: Our members work together to help each other implement our values, sharing experiences and learning.
• Openness of membership: Full, Associate and Affiliate Membership is open to any qualifying Council, organisation or individual who shares our values and is committed to putting them into action.
• Co-production of the Network’s work: Members help shape the Network’s work programme and the content of events and written products.
• Action-focused: The network is a vehicle for helping councils translate co-operative values and principles into policy and practice.
•Membership-based: The network is majority funded by modest membership subscriptions from its member Councils, Associates and Affiliates.
•Non-party-political: Members share the belief that working co-operatively within and across communities holds the key to tackling today’s challenges.
Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council have demonstrated the huge impact district councils can have when they extend their core functions to support health and social care. Through their innovative approach, they have developed social prescribing functions embedded within early intervention and community support services, enhancing their effectiveness. The councils’ local presence and networks enable them to provide comprehensive and place based support. The service has significantly improved residents’ wellbeing and demonstrated substantial cost savings for the health system. This innovative approach highlights the crucial role of district councils in addressing health and social care challenges.
Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council are two sovereign district authorities in Lancashire with populations of circa 100,000 each. The two Councils work together and share a number of services including leadership but remain separate local authorities. Whilst the Communities functions and the social prescribing services that sit within them are sovereign, the teams work collaboratively to share knowledge and experience.
The social prescribing services were developed against a backdrop of unsustainable pressures across all public services. The wider context is a system that is fragmented and is increasingly based on rationing to manage demand, waiting for issues to escalate and get worse.
For further information contact:
Polly Patel
Transformation & Policy Lead
Chorley Borough Council
