Integrated policy development and service delivery, in theory, can provide a number of benefits to recipients, commissioners and providers. This ‘joined-up thinking’ approach is arguably of significant interest to those involved in health prevention, wellbeing and care, providing individuals and the wider community with continuous and seamless services.

The steady introduction of ‘joint posts’, spanning local authorities and health care commissioners and providers, has highlighted a number of potential benefits: broader strategic perspective for service designers and commissioners, faster decision making and lower management costs. In an economic environment that will challenge public bodies to be innovative in the way it provides services to community, while faced with a reduction in resources the potential benefits of joint working could become more feasible for more public bodies.

The potential drawbacks for such ‘joint posts, however, are still challenging and those considering such a move will need to address legal and regulatory issues, develop effective systems of management and accountability, and ensure cultural fit between the partners.

This meeting will highlight the benefits and disadvantages of such ‘joint posts’ from the perspective of a local authority seeking to adopt this approach and a legal professional with wide ranging experience of advising health trusts and local authorities.

Bookings close Friday 18th June 2010

Programme