A VCSE focused summary document to introduce the release of the Government’s Neighbourhood Health Framework, March 2026 which can be viewed in full here.
1. Overall Summary
The Government’s Neighbourhood Health Framework sets out a major national shift in how health and care will be designed and delivered across England. At its core, it introduces a neighbourhood health service that organises care around people and communities, rather than organisations.
Services are expected to work together to serve defined local populations, be delivered closer to home, focus on prevention and early intervention, and reduce reliance onhospital-based care.
This framework establishes a clear expectation of joint working between NHS organisations, local authorities and wider partners, explicitly including the voluntary,
community and social enterprise sector. VCSE organisations are therefore recognised as part of the delivery model, essential to community engagement and insight, and key contributors to prevention and reducing inequalities.
In practice, this will be delivered through integrated neighbourhood teams, Neighbourhood Health Centres (a term used for groups of services operating and
working in partnership with each other – not necessarily in a single building), and new commissioning approaches focused on population outcomes. This represents a structural shift rather than a standalone programme.
2. Implications for Health and Wellbeing Boards
Health and Wellbeing Boards are positioned as central leaders of neighbourhood health planning and integration. They are expected to lead the development of
neighbourhood health plans, bringing together integrated care boards, local authorities, VCSE organisations and wider partners. These plans will be based on local population needs and priorities.
HWB partners will define local outcomes and success measures, aligning with national NHS goals, Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and local outcomes frameworks. This includes a focus on reducing inequalities and improving prevention and independence.
The framework requires co-production with communities and VCSE organisations, ensuring services are designed with and for people. HWBs are also expected to align neighbourhood health with wider public services including social care, employment, housing and community services.
In addition, HWBs will play a role in defining neighbourhood geographies and shaping how services are organised locally. This represents a shift from oversight to system leadership, with HWBs acting as the integration point for health, care and community services.
3. Top Takeaways for VCSE Organisations
➢ VCSE is now recognised as part of the core health and care system alongside NHS
and local authorities.
➢ The expectation has shifted from engagement to co-design and co-delivery of
services.
➢ Prevention and early intervention are central priorities where VCSE organisations
play a leading role.
➢ Integrated neighbourhood teams will bring services together locally, increasing
collaboration with VCSE organisations.
➢ Neighbourhood health centres will create opportunities for co-location and
partnership working.
➢ Community voice and insight are essential, strengthening the role of VCSE as a
bridge between communities and systems.
➢ Place-based partnerships will drive planning and commissioning, requiring VCSE
involvement.
➢ There will be a stronger focus on outcomes and impact, increasing the
importance of demonstrating value.
➢ Local areas will design their own models, creating opportunities to shape
approaches in Dorset.
➢ This is a long-term system change, and early engagement will influence future
roles and opportunities.
Final Message
Neighbourhood health represents a significant opportunity to reshape how health and care works with communities.
For the VCSE sector, this is a moment of recognition, influence and responsibility. The priority now is to ensure the VCSE sector in Dorset is visible, coordinated and ready to contribute fully to shaping and delivering neighbourhood health.