Posted on: 26 March 2026
The West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WY ICB) has celebrated its Power of Communities programme by setting out how its vital contribution to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector will continue.
Since its launch in 2018, Power of Communities has strengthened how the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector works alongside health and care partners - helping to shape decision making, improve population health and tackle health inequalities across West Yorkshire.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector played a critical role in supporting communities - mobilising volunteers, reaching those most isolated and ensuring people could access essential support, information and care. VCSE organisations remain deeply rooted in their communities, bringing trusted relationships and insight that help health and care partners reach those most at risk of poor outcomes. They also continue to shape how services are designed and delivered.
The final Power of Communities Board meeting took place on 12 March 2026, with a new VCSE-led model starting in April.
Kim Shutler, CEO, The Cellar Trust and WY ICB Partner Member, reflected on the programme’s journey and its long-term ambition:
“This is a celebration of an end of a chapter for Power of Communities that we can collectively be proud of. NHS West Yorkshire ICB was trailblazing in really recognising the work of the VCSE sector, valuing it and putting its money where its mouth was. When we’ve spoken to other areas of the country, they ask us “how?” Sometimes, we can take for granted how far we have come, but that is also a sign of our ambition.”
Kim highlighted the programme’s impact, including more than £5 million of investment into the sector and national leadership through the Keep it Local approach:
“It’s all of our jobs to dream big for the people and communities we serve so we reach further and achieve more. We have done a phenomenal amount of work to embed this way of working across the system and into the new ways of working going forward. The VCSE sector is absolutely central to the 10 Year Health Plan for England.”
Rob Webster, CBE, Chief Executive WY ICB, talked about the ongoing importance of the sector in the changing health and care landscape:
“The VCSE sector brings reach, trust and innovation. As our system evolves, it will remain central to how we improve health, support communities and reduce inequalities in West Yorkshire.”
From April 2026, leadership will move to VCSE infrastructure organisations including VCS Alliance Bradford, Calderdale VAC, TSL Kirklees, Leeds Forum Central (Volition) and Nova Wakefield. The WY ICB will continue to support through new strategic commissioning and partnership arrangements.
Kim added: “There are huge opportunities going forward and we are handing over Power of Communities to amazing VCSE leaders and allies.”
The transition signals a new chapter, with communities, VCSE organisations and partners working together to deliver innovative solutions and improve health and wellbeing across West Yorkshire.