Mon 24 Feb: Third Sector Reference Group Response to EIJB Consultation
Edinburgh’s TSI and the Third Sector Reference Group have submitted a response to the EIJB Draft Strategic Plan 2025-28. The response recognises the challenges of rising demand and financial pressures on the health and social care system in Edinburgh.
They believe the focus of the final Strategic Plan should be on:
- Creating and sustaining healthy communities as the common purpose for the Plan
- Maximise strategic partner collaboration in shaping a City Prevention Programme
- Maximise community and local participation in health and social care.
Fri 21 Feb: Collective Third Sector Response to EIJB Consultation
EVOC submitted a collective response to the EIJB Strategy Consultation that presents views from a range of voluntary sector organisations that engage in health and social care across Edinburgh.
These perspectives were gathered through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The priorities, concerns, and recommendations were collated, summarised and submitted on behalf of the third sector by EVOC.
For further details on the engagement process, including how organisations were involved and the information provided ahead of this review, please visit: EVOC’s information page.
Thu 23 Jan: EIJB Consultation on Draft Strategy 2025-28
Please note the deadline for this was Sun 23 Feb 2025.
Tue 21 Jan: Update on the EIJB Third Sector Funding
Funding Extension: Following discussions with the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) and affected charities, the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) has extended third sector grant funding until 30 June 2025.
Future Funding Discussions: Chief Officers from organisations impacted by cuts will be asked to collaborate with charities and Edinburgh’s TSI to develop proposals on how the third sector can contribute to EIJB priorities and secure funding from the current £900m budget post-June 2025.
Potential Impact: These discussions could affect all current EIJB-funded organisations. Engagement is essential for shaping future funding arrangements.
Reference Group and Workshops: A Reference Group of third sector leaders and TSI representatives are working with EIJB Chief Officers through a series of workshops to develop these proposals.
Representation via Forums: To streamline engagement, Voluntary Sector Forum Chairs will represent their members in the process. Organisations are encouraged to engage with their Forums to ensure their views are included.
Questions or Queries: charlie.wright@evoc.org.uk
Fri 13 Dec: Briefing – Resetting the Third Sector relationship with the EIJB
The financial situation of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) is very challenging. In 2025/26, the IJB seek to realise around £51m of savings. Future years will see further savings required, currently estimated to be £76m in 2026/27 and £105m in 2027/28. These savings will be difficult and their impact will be substantial. So, managing change, and ensuring key services are delivered to communities will require collaboration by the IJB and city partners, including the Third Sector.
Thu 28 Nov: Actions Following the EIJB Meeting (1 Nov)
Following the EIJB Board Meeting on Fri 1 Nov, we are delighted to share an update on behalf of Edinburgh’s third Sector Interface (TSI) – EVOC, Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, and Volunteer Edinburgh.
Diarmaid Lawlor (TSI Chair) has written to the Chair of the EIJB, the leader of the Council, the City of Edinburgh Council Chief Executive, and the NHS Lothian Chief Executive. He has emphasised the need for:
- Resetting investment: there is a need for a whole city conversation on a sustainable financial settlement for the Third Sector
- Reforming ways of working: there needs to be a better approach to commissioning, valuing and supporting The Third Sector through change
- Repairing relationships: recognising and valuing the value of the Third Sector contribution to communities is an important part of relationship development
