CSIP Networks

CSIP Networks support local service redesign and the integration of all care economies across the regions. A key delivery arm of the Department of Health and other government bodies, the networks adopt an integrated, theme-based focus to help services implement national policies for local benefit. Leading on specific policy and service improvement programmes such as Assistive Technology, Health Act Flexibitilities, Care Trust development, Foundation Trusts, Commissioning, Practice Based Commissioning, Care in Housing and Social Enterprise, we offer our members direction in a changing environment.

CSIP Networks are a small, dedicated team lead by national programme lead, Jeremy Porteus. We draw from a broad range of experts to offer flexible consultation and brokerage services for both colleagues in the regions and government. We facilitate the sharing of good practice and develop practical tools and guidance to meet the needs of our members. Our excellent links with people working in all care economies enable us to conduct consultations, reporting local level responses to new developments in policy quickly.

We work with our CSIP colleagues to improve services; increase choice, control and equality; promote community-based action; and support system reform.

Are you networked?

CSIP Networks provide a range of services to help facilitate integration and service redesign. These include:

• Regularly guidance, practice examples, toolkits and advisory notes (online)
• Newsletters keep members up to date with current developments in policy and local change
• Online websites and interactive discussion forums facilitate the sharing of information
• Major national conferences to help provide direction around our specific policy areas.
• Regional workshops and meetings
• Masterclasses

You can join any of our networks by e-mailing your name, job title, organisation and contact number to mbicn@dh.gsi.gov.uk, stating the network you are interested to receive information about.

Our Networks

Better Commissioning Learning and Improvement Network

The Better Commissioning LIN works to forge closer partnerships and build more efficient and effective processes to improve commissioning that will facilitate better social care delivery and practice. and the LIN works across all areas of CSIP and with other government departments at policy level, including DH, DfES, DCLG and OGC. We also work jointly with agencies such as CSCI, IDeA, ADSS, LGA, SCIE and others to improve delivery and help ensure a collaborative approach. In addition, we produce guidance such as the Fair Contracting Guides and place accessible and up-to-date information at the disposal of commissioners through the commissioning ebook (www.cat.csip.org.uk/commissioningebook ). This includes the use of podcasts on pertinent topics. Members of the LIN also provide support for each other through email exchanges and may request assistance through the Network lead.

www.changeagentteam.org.uk/better_commiss

Housing LIN

The Housing LIN promotes new ideas and supports change in the delivery of housing, care and support services for older and vulnerable people. Helping forge partnerships between senior staff within local authorities, PCTs, Registered Social Landlords and the private sector, the Housing LIN supports the implementation of the DH's £147m Extra Care Housing Grant arrangements. It also supports successful applicants in the development process and shares their learning, while secures research funding to test and evaluate new and innovative models of housing and care solutions for older people and vulnerable adults through its national and regional networks.

www.changeagentteam.org.uk/housing

Integrated Care Network

The ICN provides guidance on whole systems and partnership working for frontline NHS, local government and the third sector seeking to improve the provision to users, patients and carers by integrating the planning and delivery of services. We seek actively to influence the development and implementation of policy so that each informs the other. Areas of work include System Reform including leading on Care Trust development and supporting to Foundation Trusts, Finance (section 31 Health Act Flexibility arrangements), HR (joint workforces) and leadership development in partnerships, partnership frameworks, inclusion (users and carers), governance, partnership assessment and performance and Practice Based Commissioning in partnership with local government. In March 2005, the ICN was commissioned by the Department of Health to promote Health Act Flexibilities and maintain S31 databases.

http://www.icn.csip.org.uk/

Telecare LIN

A subsidiary network of the Housing LIN, the Telecare LIN supports service redesign through the application of telecare. It works closely with commissioners and providers to make best use of the DH £80m Preventative Technology Grant. It also has links with other housing, care and support capital and revenue programmes. The LIN supports the development and implementation of regional and local telecare action plans.

www.cat.csip.org.uk/telecare

Contacts