Fault-lines between policy and practice in local partnerships

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) are key to addressing health inequalities.
• The role of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in LSPs is increasingly emphasized in policy.
• Understanding the practical involvement of VCS members in LSPs is crucial for effective health equity strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify discrepancies between policy and practice concerning VCS involvement in LSPs.
• To examine the engagement of VCS members in addressing health inequalities within LSPs.
• To explore barriers and facilitators to VCS participation in local health policy.

Main Methods:

• Documentary analysis of relevant policies and strategies.
• Semi-structured interviews with VCS representatives from English LSPs.
• Interviews with key national stakeholders and researchers in public health.

Main Results:

• National policies promoting VCS involvement in LSPs for health inequalities are not consistently implemented.
• VCS members face tensions within LSPs regarding strategic vs. local priorities and decision-making approaches.
• Effective health inequality reduction requires a strategic, integrated approach within LSPs, reflected in constituent partnerships.

Conclusions:

• This study provides insights into VCS involvement in LSPs for health inequalities, highlighting both effective practices and barriers.
• The findings offer valuable lessons for multi-agency public health partnerships in England and internationally.
• This research addresses a gap in understanding VCS perspectives on health inequalities within LSPs.