Theme 2: Cross-sector collaboration and engagement

The need for improved collaboration and engagement across the whole system was identified by both community-based and bed-based providers. This included increasing collaboration between providers and improving the engagement with Gloucestershire County Council and GICB. Some providers have created independent local networks to support workforce development and share resources in addition to the established care provider association.

Opportunities for networking, such as provider forums, were seen as beneficial investments of time and resource for providers to build relationships across the sector, to share issues/good practice and to feel ‘heard’ by commissioners.