Last Updated on May 10, 2016
With resources for social care dwindling and demand rising, how are third sector disability and care organisations responding to funding and commissioning pressures?
A new discussion paper released today by the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) which is based on findings from its recent annual conference addresses this question. The paper explores issues including:
- Language and cultural barriers between third sector organisations and health and social care commissioners.
- Approaches to negotiations with commissioners.
- Perception of social care and its public image.
The paper follows a joint sector statement about the social care funding gap made by commissioners and providers ahead of the Autumn Statement.
Launching the paper, VODG Chief Executive Rhidian Hughes said, ‘As we await the Autumn Statement there is no shying away from the fact that people are using care services at a time of unprecedented austerity. The continued squeeze on fees has led to social care markets, worth over £20 billion per year, being fragmented and unstable. Without adequate funding voluntary organisations will exit the market causing further market instability.’
He goes on to say, ‘Despite this stringent operating context, there are opportunities for improved collaboration between social care providers. Our member chief executives are reframing relationships with commissioners, seeking to improve communication and finding ways to work together within an increasingly competitive sector.’
The report is available to download from www.vodg.org.uk
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