A new leadership message from West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership highlights the next phase of the Power of Communities programme, with VCSE infrastructure organisations set to lead the work from April 2026.
The update comes from Jo Baker (Associate Director, Harnessing the Power of Communities Programme), Arfan Hussain (ICB Programme Manager) and Kim Shutler (CEO, The Cellar Trust and VCSE Partner Member on the ICB Board).
What is changing
As the Integrated Care Board (ICB) transitions into a strategic commissioning role, responsibility for continuing the Power of Communities programme will move to VCSE infrastructure organisations across West Yorkshire.
These include:
• VCS Alliance Bradford
• Calderdale VAC
• TSL Kirklees
• Forum Central (Volition) – Leeds
• Nova Wakefield
This shift reflects the importance of a strong, embedded VCSE sector within health and care systems, particularly as place-based partnerships and neighbourhood health models continue to develop.
Why this matters
Power of Communities has played a key role in strengthening how the VCSE sector is involved in decision-making, planning and delivery across health and care.
Moving leadership into the VCSE sector marks a significant step in recognising the sector as a core partner, not just a stakeholder.
For organisations in Leeds, this reinforces the role of Forum Central and the wider infrastructure network in shaping how communities influence health and care locally and across West Yorkshire.
What has been achieved so far
Since launching in 2018, the programme has delivered a range of system-wide changes, including:
• over £5 million invested directly into the VCSE sector
• embedding VCSE across major strategies, including the Joint Forward Plan and People Plan
• establishing VCSE representation at board level within the ICB
• developing a co-produced memorandum of understanding with the VCSE sector
• embedding social value in commissioning and procurement processes
• supporting volunteering strategy and leadership across West Yorkshire
• strengthening VCSE involvement in health pathways such as MSK, stroke and long-term conditions
The programme has also contributed to work on health inequalities, including leadership development, volunteer diversity and targeted support for organisations working with different communities.
In December 2025 we posted a full Power of the Communities Final Report. This blog post can be found on our website. You can also read the report here.
What happens next
From April 2026, VCSE infrastructure organisations will lead the next phase of Power of Communities, ensuring continued:
• connectivity between the sector and the ICB
• strategic input into planning and commissioning
• use of community insight and population data at place and neighbourhood level
Further details on next steps and key contacts are expected in May.
Find out more
Read the full leadership message on the WY Partnership website.
Explore resources on the Futures platform.
