The input of local people, partners and local organisations is invaluable to us in shaping healthcare services.

We often have involvement exercises running, and the details of any that are currently active will be available below - simply click the title to read more.

Current ICB involvement opportunities

We are recruiting a small co-design expert advisory group focused on improving interpretation and translation services, to better meet the language and communication needs of people when accessing NHS primary care services in the Black Country.

We are seeking applications from experts with lived and learned experience, to review and shape a new specification as part of a re-procurement of the service, with people and communities at its heart, through their insights, experiences and ideas.

Applicants will be local organisations, community groups, or leaders who are trusted voices in the community, who work closely with people experiencing language and communication barriers, or who have good knowledge of the needs and challenges experienced by the community, when accessing primary care.

We are seeking representatives of the following:

  • Top 10 non-English languages spoken in the Black Country  (Punjabi, Polish, Urdu, Romanian, Bengali, Kurdish, Arabic, Gujurati, Pakistani Pahari and Lithuanian)
  • Hearing loss and sensory impairments
  • Learning disabilities
  • Autism

Commitment

There will up to four half day advisory group meetings to review and critique the draft service specification using your specialist expertise. This will hopefully determine if there are any gaps in our insight, or if there is a need for further engagement.

Members of the co-design expert advisory group will be required to attend all sessions that go ahead which are planned for the following dates:

  • Tuesday 3 June 2025, 1pm – 4pm
  • Wednesday 11 June 2025, 2pm – 5pm
  • Thursday 19 June 2025, 2pm – 5pm
  • Monday 23 June 2025 1pm – 4pm

There may be a further opportunity to nominate one member of the advisory group as an impartial lay representative, to sit on the procurement panel (subject to conflicts of interest).

Remuneration

Successful applicants will be compensated for their involvement at the rate of £75 per meeting.

If a need is identified for further conversations with people and communities, this will be agreed and appropriately remunerated (if applicable).

More information and how to apply

To apply, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and submit by 11.59pm on Thursday 8 May 2025.

Please request an EOI form by emailing involve.blackcountry@nhs.net and submit your response once completed to involve.blackcountry@nhs.net . Alternatively you can complete using our online EO form here: https://re-url.uk/WLJK

We would recommend completing at your earliest convenience, as we reserve the right to close applications early in the event of high response levels.

If you would like more information or support during the application period, please contact kathryn.meredith@nhs.net or register to attend our online briefing session on Wednesday 30 April at 2pm.

As technology is being used more frequently within health and social care settings, the Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) has launched a survey to explore how GP services are being accessed digitally and connect with people who may not have access to a digital device.

We would like to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences and any barriers faced, in accessing digital resources for their health and care needs. This will build on the insights we have gathered from local people over the last couple of years and once collated, will shape what more we can be doing to support people to access digital tools, help and advice.

You are invited to complete our survey, and we encourage you to share this opportunity with any relatives, friends, neighbours or groups who may not be online/ don’t have a digital device and may need support to complete the survey. This could be in one of the following ways:

  • By completing the online survey, with the help of someone who has a device or can complete it on their behalf if needed at: https://forms.office.com/e/dN7Nr2uDSF
  • By completing the survey over the phone – Please contact the Involvement team on 0121 612 1447, who will arrange a call-back with the Digital Inequalities team.
  • By requesting paper copies of the survey to share with any groups you may belong to, whom this survey might apply - please send requests directly to emma.sharman@nhs.net

Current partner consultation/engagement activities

Walsall Council’s Bereavement Services is currently seeking residents’ views on a range of aspects of service for our cemeteries and the chapels and grounds at Streetly Crematorium. The consultation, which is now open, will help shape the future of Bereavement Services and create an opportunity to respond to some proposed changes to our cemetery rules and regulations, preferences regarding the range and style of memorial products we provide and burial options available.

The Council’s Bereavement Services is responsible for the maintenance of seven cemeteries across the borough: Bentley Cemetery, Bloxwich Cemetery, James Bridge Cemetery, North Walsall Cemetery, Ryecroft Cemetery, Streetly Cemetery and Willenhall Lawn Cemetery, as well as Streetly Crematorium.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council said, “We all face the realities of loss at some time in our lives and sadly bereavement will at some point affect all of us. The council’s Bereavement Services is committed to offering residents the highest standards of service.”

“Whilst a sensitive subject for many, we invite all residents to share their views, by participating in this survey. We understand that the needs and preferences of those we serve are diverse and evolving and by engaging with our local community, we aim to ensure that the services and products offered meet the highest standards of care and support. This consultation will help us identify areas for improvement and innovation, ensuring that we continue to offer a meaningful and respectful service at such a challenging time.

To complete the online survey visit: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/bereavement-services-consultation

The survey takes around 5-10 minutes to complete. The closing date for responses is 23:59 on 21 April 2025.

The Bereavement Services team look forward to hearing everyone's views.

Should you or someone you know need this information or survey in an alternative format to their say, i.e. large text, audio, or a community language, please email consultations@walsall.gov.uk or call 01922 650000 and we will work with you to meet your / their needs.

Healthwatch know that young carers like you play a vital role in supporting family members or loved ones, but young carer needs and experiences can go unheard. This survey is young carer’s opportunity to share your thoughts about the support available  - whether from schools, healthcare services, or the community. Feedback will help us highlight what's working well and where improvements are needed.

engagingcommunities.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/17ddpx

Tell us how using your pharmacy works for you.  Take part in a short survey and you may help with the development of Walsall Pharmacy services in the future.

engagingcommunities.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/ute7pf

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