LINks - Local Involvement Networks

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill received Royal Assent on 30th October 2007, heralding a fresh approach to giving people a say in their local health services.

As of April 2008, existing Patient and Public Involvement Forums and their co-ordinating body, the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) will be replaced with 150 Local Involvement Networks (LINks). The legislation also updates and strengthens the duty on NHS bodies to involve and consult local communities about changes to services.

As of April 2008, existing Patient and Public Involvement Forums and their co-ordinating body, the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) will be replaced with 150 Local Involvement Networks (LINks). The legislation also updates and strengthens the duty on NHS bodies to involve and consult local communities about changes to services.

Local Involvement Networks (LINks) LINks will:

provide everyone in the community, from individuals to voluntary groups, with the chance to say what they think about local health and social care services, what’s working and what’s not.

give people the chance to influence how services are planned and run

feedback to services what people have said about services so that things can be improved

You can download further information by clicking on the links below:

Easy Guide to LINks
This pdf gives you an 'in brief' look at what LINks is and how it will work. (Department of Health)

A Stronger Local Voice
This document sets out a framework for creating a stronger local voice in the development of health and social care services. (Department of Health)

Easy Read Consultation on LINks
A Consultation on the regulations for Local Involvement Networks (LINks). (Department of Health)

Consultation on LINks
This document outlines draft versions of these regulations, explains more about them, and asks for views and comments on them. (Department of Health)

Getting ready for LINks - Planning your Local Involvement Network
To help local communities prepare for LINks, this resource provides guidance on issues such as the actions that local authorities need to consider, who to involve in establishing a network, the resources required and how a network could work. (Department of Health)

Getting ready for LINks - Contracting a host organisation for your Local

Involvement Network
This resource provides guidance on procuring a host, including the services a host should provide, and a process for establishing a network. (Department of Health)

LINks press release (Government News Network)

VOX Convention
VOX held a Convention to inform community members and workers about Local Involvement Networks. You can take a look at the presentations made by the speakers by clicking on the links below.
NB: Early Adopter Projects are LINks pilot programmes set up in various local authority areas.

Stephanie Varah, Early Adopter Project Manager, Department of Health

Jason Stamp, Transition Co-ordinator, Doncaster