The Government has launched its10-Year Health Plan for England—placing prevention, community support and citizen voice at the heart of future health services. But what does this mean for charities, social enterprises and community groups in Dorset? We’ve created a clear, one-page briefing to break it down for you.
Find out how your organisation can shape services, access new funding opportunities, and be a strategic partner in local health systems.
Click here to read the summary and access the full plan
Prepared for: VCSE Leaders, Board Members & ICS Partners
Overview
The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformative vision for health and care in England. It places stronger emphasis on prevention, neighbourhood integration, and citizen voice—creating significant opportunities and responsibilities for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.
Key Changes & Opportunities
- Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs)
- VCSEs are recognised as core partners in neighbourhood-level health teams alongside NHS and councils.
- Local collaboration will drive place-based care delivery.
- Prevention and Tackling Inequality
- The plan prioritises early intervention and the wider determinants of health (e.g. housing, social support).
- Long-term funding will favour organisations addressing root causes of poor health.
- Digital & Data Readiness
- Shared care records and digital tools will underpin integrated care.
- VCSEs will need support to access systems and build digital confidence.
- Workforce & Community Capacity
- Volunteer pathways, peer support roles, and training are central to future workforce planning.
- VCSEs will play a key role in mobilisation and support.
- Social Prescribing Expansion
- Community-based services—including many provided by VCSEs—will become central to treatment pathways.
- Increased commissioning expected for mental health, isolation, and long-term condition support.
- Funding Reform & Outcomes Focus
- Move towards longer-term, outcome-based commissioning.
- VCSEs must evidence impact and align with ICS goals.
- Co-production & Citizen Voice
- The plan calls for stronger community voice in design and delivery.
- VCSEs are trusted intermediaries for engaging diverse communities.
What This Means for the VCSE Sector
- Greater role in shaping and delivering services
- Access to new commissioning and partnership opportunities
- Need for investment in digital, data, and quality systems
- Shift from short-term grants to long-term, outcomes-based models
- Enhanced visibility as equal partners within Integrated Care Systems
Next Steps for VCSEs:
– Build digital readiness and outcome reporting capability
– Engage actively in place-based planning and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
– Position services as essential to prevention and community health
– Advocate for capacity-building support from ICS partners
Any feedback, please send through via email to adam.martel@dorsetvcsa.co.uk