NHS Sheffield CCG values the involvement of the public in its local and collective decisions, and we utilise various engagement approaches to ensure an inclusive approach to involving the diversity of our citizens.

We involve members of the public at the earliest opportunity in our decision making process. In addition to direct regular contact with our citizens through the Involve Me network and city-wide involvement meetings, we hear from harder to reach communities through tailored approaches and partnership working with HealthWatch Sheffield; and the voluntary, community and faith sector in the City. We also identify opportunities for public representatives to be directly involved in our planning and decision making through participation in project meetings, partnership boards and procurement activities.

Many local people give their time and energy to engage with us on specific topics. Information about these activities can be found here. Sharing the outcomes of our decision making with the public, and highlighting where public voice has impacted on our plans and decisions is vitally important to building trust with our communities and encouraging more involvement.

Two Lay Members are identified with responsibility for public engagement. Between them they Chair the Strategic Patient Engagement, Experience and Equality and Quality Assurance Committees, as well as being voting members of the Governing Body; and Remuneration, Primary Care Commissioning and Audit and Integrated Governance Committees. This further ensures there is a voice for patients and the public throughout our decision making and governance.

We consult with relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees:

• Healthier Communities and Adult Social Care Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee

• South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Wakefield Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

 

Strategic Patient Engagement, Experience and Equality Committee (SPEEEC)

Our engagement activity is overseen and assured by our Strategic Public Engagement, Equality and Experience Committee whose members include local people, Governing Body lay members, HealthWatch Sheffield, the Local Authority and Sheffield University.

The Committee has delegated responsibility from our Governing Body to:

• gain assurance that engagement, patient experience and equality and diversity activity is being carried out in line with statutory requirements and to a high standard by the CCG and by its providers
• gain assurance that information from this activity is used appropriately to influence commissioning
• oversee equalities, engagement and experience activity
• assure work in these areas is effectively joined up with partners

The Terms of Reference for the Strategic Public Engagement, Equality and Experience Committee can be found here.

Key points sent to Governing Body from the Strategic Public Engagement, Equality and Experience Committee can be found in the Governing Body papers here.