Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust has published its refreshed Third Sector Strategy for 2024 to 2027, setting out how it will strengthen partnership working with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across Leeds.
The strategy has been co-produced with Forum Central, the umbrella organisation for the third sector in Leeds, and builds on the Trust’s first Third Sector Strategy (2020–2023). It reflects the growing recognition that strong, equitable partnerships with the VCSE sector are essential to improving health outcomes and tackling inequalities.
Why this strategy matters
The refreshed strategy comes at a time of significant pressure across health, care and the VCSE sector. The combined impact of the pandemic, prolonged austerity and cost of living pressures has led to:
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Increased poverty and widening health inequalities
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Deterioration in physical and mental health and wellbeing
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Rising demand and complexity for statutory and VCSE services
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Reduced capacity across the third sector, including challenges with staffing, volunteering and sustainability
Against this backdrop, the strategy sets out how Leeds Community Healthcare aims to deliver outstanding care by maximising the expertise, reach and community trust of the VCSE sector.
A partnership-led approach
Delivery of the strategy is overseen by a joint LCH and third sector Steering Group, with representation from Leeds Community Healthcare and Volition on behalf of Forum Central. The Steering Group is responsible for shaping the implementation plan, responding to emerging challenges and ensuring learning is shared across the system.
Importantly, the strategy is not a detailed delivery plan. Instead, it provides a clear framework and shared direction for partnership working.
Four strategic priorities for 2024–2027
Following a review of the previous strategy, the refreshed version consolidates earlier objectives into four core priorities:
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Driving culture change within Leeds Community Healthcare
Ensuring staff fully recognise the value of the third sector, proactively seek partnership opportunities, and enable two-way navigation and connections with communities. -
A strategic approach to third sector partnerships
Developing inclusive and accessible services, enabling “left shift” into prevention and community-based support, and reducing health inequalities through co-production and co-delivery. -
Championing and supporting third sector resilience
Including fairer approaches to funding and contracting, open dialogue about sustainability pressures, and exploring ways to better support the long-term health of the sector. -
Championing a ‘one health system’ approach
Aligning infrastructure across statutory and third sector partners to enable effective collaboration, information sharing and joint delivery.
What this looks like in practice
The strategy builds on practical examples from the previous period, including:
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Co-produced Easy Read and accessible information
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Third sector-led support for people with sensory impairment
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Community-based clinics and self-management health hubs in VCSE venues
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Stronger links between neighbourhood teams, Local Care Partnerships and VCSE organisations
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Investment in third sector capacity to support hospital discharge, falls prevention and community wellbeing
There is a strong emphasis on two-way learning, shared accountability and embedding partnership working into everyday practice, not treating it as an add-on.
Aligning with wider city priorities
The strategy aligns with the Leeds city Third Sector Strategy, approved in 2023, which sets out how partners across the system can support a resilient third sector that helps communities to thrive.
By refreshing its Third Sector Strategy, Leeds Community Healthcare is signalling a continued commitment to collaboration, co-production and valuing the VCSE sector as a core partner in the health and care system.
Find out more
Read about the Third Sector Strategy 2024–2027 on the Leeds Community Healthcare website
Download the full strategy document for detailed context and priorities
This strategy provides an important foundation for strengthening partnership working across Leeds and ensuring the VCSE sector continues to play a central role in improving health and wellbeing for local communities.
