Posted on: 6 March 2026
Today's leadership message is from Jo Baker (Associate Director for the Partnership’s Harnessing the Power of Communities Programme), Arfan Hussain (ICB Programme Manager, with a focus on the VCSE Sector / Power of Communities) and Kim Shutler (CEO, The Cellar Trust and ICB Partner Member representing the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector).
As an integrated care board (ICB), through our Power of Communities work, we are proud to be nationally recognised as best practice for how we strategically and meaningfully work with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. As the ICB transitions into its new role as a strategic commissioner, we are excited to share that our VCSE infrastructure organisations (VCS Alliance Bradford, Calderdale VAC, TSL Kirklees, Leeds Forum Central (Volition) and Nova Wakefield) will lead on the continuation of Power of Communities work from April 2026. This is in recognition that, as the ICB, place provider partnerships (PPPs) and integrated neighbourhood health (INH) structures and functions evolve, we know that a thriving, diverse and embedded VCSE at all levels is a vital foundation of our health and care landscape and essential in the delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan.
However, as the focus of the ICB changes, it’s important to reflect on and celebrate the achievements and progress of Power of Communities to date.
Established in 2018 through the hard work and perseverance of local VCSE leaders and strategic allies within the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, Power of Communities priorities have always been shaped by our Board of VCSE leaders (our ICB VCSE Strategic Alliance) and supported by strategic leaders across the integrated care system (ICS) and beyond. Formed to strengthen collaboration and connectivity with the sector, act as a catalyst for further embedding the VCSE in health and care including in decision-making, planning and delivery, and to ensure recognition of the unique and critical role of the sector in health and wellbeing.
So much has been achieved in the last 8 years, but a few highlights include:
- Leveraging over £5 million direct investment into the VCSE sector across West Yorkshire with much more influenced nationally, regionally and locally.
- Becoming the first Keep it Local ICS in the country and embedding the Keep it Local principles across our work as an ICB.
- Embedding the VCSE in all our main strategies, plans and frameworks including the WY Joint Forward Plan, WY People Plan, INH Blueprint, and more recently the West Yorkshire ICB’s Strategic Commissioning Plan and the PPP maturity framework.
- Delivering key aspects of the Race Review including around volunteer diversity, community leadership development and funding for capacity building for local organisations working with different population groups.
- One of the first ICBs in the country to have a co-produced memorandum of understanding with the VCSE, a VCSE member on the ICB Board and VCSE focused core staffing.
- Establishing a West Yorkshire Integrated Volunteering Group with members from across all sectors, and together we have developed a WY Volunteering Strategy and Volunteering principles.
- Co-producing VCSE Strategic Commissioning Principles embedded in the ICB Strategic Commissioning Plan.
- Embedding social value in all the Provider Selection Regime dimensions to ensure parity for local VCSE organisations in procurement processes.
- Embedding the VCSE in health and care pathways including around MSK, stroke and long-term conditions.
There is so much more to celebrate than we can cover here – things that have made a difference to the health and wellbeing of communities across West Yorkshire.
Thank you to all our colleagues in the ICB and across West Yorkshire who have made all this possible. We are grateful for your advocacy and support. And for those of you who remain in the ICB, we know you will continue to build on the work we have all done so far and ensure that we maximise our opportunities with the VCSE, embedding the sector in future planning, delivery and bringing together population health data and insight both at place and neighbourhood levels, and as an ICB.
And a special thank you to our Power of Communities Board – what amazing advocates you are for the sector. Without you we wouldn't have come so far. Thank you for your hard work and commitment and for continuing the work of Power of Communities from April 2026 and beyond.
Power of Communities continues to have a bright future ahead led by our VCSE infrastructure organisations at place ensuring ongoing connectivity and strategic input into the ICB. More details on the next steps and key contacts going forwards will be shared in May.
Thanks to you all and wishing each and every one of you success and happiness in the future – whatever that may hold for you.
You can find resources and information relating to Power of Communities and our work with the VCSE in West Yorkshire on the Futures collaboration platform.
ICB interim CEO arrangements
Following Rob Webster’s announcement in January that he will be stepping down as ICB Chief Executive, Acting Chair, Professor Nadira Mirza, has this week confirmed that Rob will leave the organisation on 15 April 2026.
Jonathan Webb, the ICB’s Director of Finance, has agreed to be Interim Chief Executive for the period between Rob leaving and a substantive Chief Executive starting in post. Ian Holmes will continue in his role as Deputy Chief Executive during this period. There’s more information on the ICB website.
ICB organisational change
The latest update on the ICB’s organisational change programme is on our website.
New apps to support asthma and COPD patients rolled out across West Yorkshire
People in West Yorkshire with asthma and COPD are being encouraged to use a set of nationally recognised digital health apps that have shown improvements in patients’ self-management, symptom control and confidence.
The apps, COPDhub, Asthmahub and Asthmahub for Parents, help people use their inhalers correctly, follow personalised action plans and make more sustainable treatment choices - supporting a reduced risk of avoidable exacerbations and healthcare visits.
The rollout in West Yorkshire follows successful use in Wales, where large-scale adoption has supported improved engagement with care teams and more sustainable inhaler choices, and was made possible through the work of Dr Katherine Hickman (Bradford GP and NHS West Yorkshire ICB Respiratory Clinical Lead). Find out more.
Major UK study of adolescent bullying reveals scale of challenge for health and education systems
The Born in Bradford Age of Wonder study surveyed over 8,400 secondary school pupils aged 12 to 15, providing a window into the experiences of young people in modern urban Britain.
The research reveals that 29% of teenagers had been bullied at school in recent months, while 14% experienced online bullying. Girls reported higher rates of in-person bullying (32%) compared to boys (26%). For girls, appearance is closely linked to peer acceptance. A 13-year-old South Asian British girl said that if she didn't follow expectations around dress, hairstyles and make-up, “You get the looks. And then within the looks you might get bullied.” Read the full story on the Born in Bradford website.
£9 million investment to transform urgent and emergency care at Pinderfields Hospital
The investment will support the relocation and expansion of the medical same day emergency care (MSDEC) unit, which will move to a purpose‑designed space directly alongside the acute medical unit (AMU). This will create a new acute medical floor, improving patient flow, reducing delays and enabling faster clinical decision‑making. It forms a central part of the trust’s vision for an integrated urgent and emergency care floor, where patients can receive the right care in the right place, first time.
Find out more on the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust website.
Yorkshire and Humber community of practice for knowledge mobilisation launched
Last week NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Yorkshire and Humber (YHARC) co‑led the launch of the Yorkshire and Humber Community of Practice for Knowledge Mobilisation. Held at The Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Beckett University, the event brought together regional leaders, researchers and practitioners to strengthen collaboration and promote the effective use of evidence across the region.
The launch marked a significant milestone in creating a shared space where research and practice can meaningfully connect. With representatives from local government, universities, communities and healthcare providers, the new community of practice aims to reduce the gap between knowledge and implementation, ensuring that evidence is more accessible, relevant and embedded within local decision‑making. Read more on the NIHR website.
Supporting recovery, wellbeing and resilience and wellbeing at work across West Yorkshire
Thanks to Healthy Working Life funding, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, three recent stories highlight how joined-up support is transforming health and work outcomes across West Yorkshire.
Long-haul flight attendant Poul is back in the skies after a life-changing cardiac event. Following six stents and two angioplasties, Poul was referred to the Mid Yorkshire Cardiac Rehabilitation team’s occupational therapy service, where co-ordinated support from an occupational therapist, nurse and physiotherapist focused on both his recovery and his goal of returning to work. Through gym-based rehabilitation and tailored guidance, he rebuilt his stamina and confidence.
Watch Poul’s story to find out more.
Since recording the video, Poul has passed his aviation medical and resumed the career he loves showing how specialist rehabilitation can turn recovery into a successful return to work.
Healthy Working Life is also supporting young people to stay and thrive in employment. Invictus Wellbeing, working in partnership with C&K Careers and the Calderdale Cares Partnership, delivers an Employee Empowerment Programme for 16- to 30-year-olds at risk of losing their jobs due to mental health challenges. Beatrice (name changed) accessed the service after burnout left her at risk of leaving her role. Through person-centred, trauma-informed counselling and practical tools to manage stress and rebuild self-belief, she regained confidence, secured a new job and continues to strengthen her resilience. Without timely intervention, she may have exited employment altogether. Instead, she is now settled, hopeful and well at work. Read more on our Healthy Working Life case study pages.
In Wakefield, a new digital learning platform is helping health and care staff build skills and support wellbeing at work. Developed by the Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership and Conexus Healthcare, the free e-learning portal brings together more than 40 flexible, on-demand courses covering leadership, inclusive workplaces and personal development. Healthy Working Life funding has enabled additional modules on supporting working carers, neurodiversity, menopause and new and expectant parents, equipping managers to lead with empathy and confidence. The platform is already strengthening workforce culture across the district, making it easier for organisations of all sizes to invest in their people. See our case study for more information.
There are around 60 Healthy Working Life projects being piloted in West Yorkshire. On 25 February, the government announced funding to allow these schemes to continue for another year to explore how investing in prevention can help people stay in work. See the news release on GOV.UK for more information.