VODG Spring newsletter 2018
Welcome to the VODG Spring newsletter. In this issue find out about:
- VODG's contribution to Civil Society Futures
- tackling health inequalities and #WeSupportSTOMP one year on
- sleep in payments crisis
- advocacy and influencing
- coming up.
VODG's contribution to Civil Society Futures
VODG’s discussion paper Challenges can fuel change: A VODG contribution to Civil Society Futures contributes to Civil Society Futures, the independent inquiry into civil society in England. VODG members are calling for disabled people to have a stronger voice in decision-making, and for voluntary sector providers to to stand up for the future of civil society. The sector needed to transform to meet the challenges of the future – read also the blog on the Civil Society Futures hub by VODG chief executive Rhidian Hughes. The interim report from the inquiry is now available here.
Tackling health inequalities and STOMP one year on
VODG’s discussion paper Tackling health inequalities examines what first line social care leaders believe can help or hinder efforts to tackle health inequalities. Contributors shared tips for making reasonable adjustments, delivering good support and sharing good practice. The report demonstrates that greater awareness of the health issues experienced by disabled people are vital in achieving better health outcomes. We will be holding a follow up event later in 2018 and have also begun pilot activity to explore the nutritional value of what people eat and drink.
VODG has also been coordinating social care efforts in the STOMP (STopping Over-Medication of People with a learning disability, autism or both) healthcare campaign. The STOMP campaign has been steadily gaining support throughout the sector, with over 160 social care providers pledging support and a further 33 delivering a STOMP action plan. This graphic illustrates the progress that has been made. Sign up to STOMP news here to keep up with the latest developments.
Sleep in payments crisis
VODG has been working across the sector to campaign to raise awareness of the underfunding of sleep-in shifts, and the effect that this could have on the lives of people who rely on care and support to live independently. This includes children and adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and some older people’s services. We are calling on government to fully fund the back pay bill which has arisen as a consequence of confused official guidance. The campaign has gained the attention of major politicians and the media, and the issue was raised by a number of key MPs at a recent parliamentary debate on social care. Further work is continuing to ensure the issue remains on Westminster’s radar. Read a recent blog by VODG chair Steve Scown.
Advocacy and influencing
Alongside our work on the sleep in payments crisis VODG has been stepping up influencing on a range of issues affecting the sector. We lobbied peers debating the select committee report on the long-term sustainability of the NHS, with many peers raising points about the urgent need for greater and more sustainable funding which we made in our evidence to the select committee and in our True Costs report.
We also responded to Department of Health and Social Care workforce consultation and responded to specific workforce questions from the Public Accounts Committee on adult social care. We have submitted evidence to the long term funding of adult social care inquiry and are continuing to advocate for a strong focus on disability issues ahead of the social care green paper.
Coming up
Sir David Behan CBE is Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission and has announced his decision to step down. Prior to his departure Sir David will address VODG members and stakeholders at our annual sector event on the evening of 4 June.
We also look forward to welcoming Dr Nan Carle Beauregard back to VODG in July for our follow up discussions to last year’s seminar on social care leadership in turbulent times.
This year our annual conference will be held on 17 September.
Check our news pages and @VODGmembership on Twitter for the latest on our work, including our lobbying and campaigning activities.
