Introduction
When local partners – the NHS, councils, voluntary sector and others – work together, they provide better care and support that leads to better outcomes for people. Integrated care systems were set up in 2022 to make this happen. Their aim is to improve health and care services – with a focus on prevention, better outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
High quality health and care services are dependent upon a highly skilled and valued workforce. The 42 ICSs, covering all of England, bring together organisations to plan and deliver health and care services delivered by one workforce, that connects across all parts of the system. In partnership with NHS Employers and Skills for Care, Partners in Care and Health have developed some resources to support employers in planning for one integrated workforce:
Integrated workforce thinking
The guide on Integrated workforce thinking: Practical solutions to support integrated care systems (ICSs) provides tips and insight to help system leaders consider what is needed to plan for and achieve a successfully integrated workforce. It is aimed at ICS workforce leads, chief people officers, directors of adult social services, chief executives, human resource (HR) directors, elected members including ASC portfolio holders and chairs of health and wellbeing boards, and those who are responsible for integrated workforce thinking across health and social care.
Six ways to create a culture of integration
Creating a culture of integration is key to successful collaboration across systems. In six ways to create a culture of integration we outline six practical ways to create an environment where integrated working can thrive.
Self-reflection toolkit
To empower and support health and care professionals to evaluate their experiences through times of peak pressure we developed a new self reflection toolkit. The toolkit can be used to identify strengths and address challenges for teams, partners and individuals.
The guide, produced in partnership with NHS Employers and Skills for Care, provides tips and insight to help system leaders consider what is needed to plan for and achieve a successfully integrated workforce. It is aimed at ICS workforce leads, chief people officers, directors of adult social services, chief executives, human resource (HR) directors, elected members including ASC portfolio holders and chairs of health and wellbeing boards, and those who are responsible for integrated workforce thinking across health and social care.
Read the report
The report can be read on NHS Employers' website.
Putting people at the centre of their care shows the challenges an individual can face in health and care and how integrated workforce thinking can have a positive impact on their life.