The DHSC joins the network

image of DHSC logo and Dr's and nurses in background

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in Leeds is confirmed as the fourteenth member of the Leeds Anchor Network (LAN), a thriving and influential large-scale cross-organisational partnership.

Established in 2018 the LAN is the most mature anchor network in the country. Network Chair Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, describes the LAN as: ‘A way of thinking and working towards making a difference to communities.’’

It fits with the notion of PLACE, and is an agglomeration of organisations who can collectively:

•    Be good employers ‘of’ the city (not just ‘in’ the city)
•    Identify projects to drive better outcomes for people in Leeds 
•    Build impact
•    Drive sustainability
•    Consider wider determinants of health

This initiative aligns with DHSCs commitment to embed and belong to the wider health and care community, through deepening collaborative partner relationships. It complements the Civil Service Places for Growth Strategy, bringing civil servants closer to citizen experience and front-line delivery partners, providing the following benefits:

•    Improved visibility and inclusion as a health and care anchor
•    Benchmarking against other large-scale organisations
•    Opportunity to influence direction of travel
•    Strengthen relations across the health and care sector 
•    Share cross-organisational /sector learning and insights 
•    Pool resources to maximise impact 
•    Deliver collective action on areas of shared priority

This developing relationship is supported by DHSCs Thematic Campus, the Leeds Health and Social Care Hub, acting as a system connector for local, regional and national priorities. The hub builds and nurtures system relationships to identify fresh opportunities for collective action to deliver government health missions.  We welcome them on board.