Integration of health and social care

Changes in how health and social care are organised in Scotland may present opportunities for community organisations working in this area.

The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 requires health boards and local authorities to integrate a range of health and social care services. Under this legislation, health and social care partnerships are required to involve service users and carers in the planning of local services.

Often, voluntary and community organisations will represent these interests on health and social care structures, and many will involve their members in identifying priorities for improving services.

Here are some ideas if you want to find out more about these opportunities for involvement.

• A place at the table - This CHEX briefing describes how community-led health organisations can get involved in Scotland's integrated health and social care arrangements. Click here to download the briefing (pdf)

• Much more of a partnership - A CHEX case study of the involvement of one community organisation, Active Communities in Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Read the case study on CHEX’s website.

• The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 - View the legislation here.

Renfrewshire-based community organisation, Active Communities is involved in local Health and Social Care Planning