SLCVO

​Established following the Highland Hospice "Together We Care" Conference in November 2025 the Highland Community Health and Social Care Working Group has come together in recognition of the significant challenges facing rural communities and the anticipated changes to the way health and social care services will be delivered in the future.

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​Our Vision 

• Fair and resilient resourcing for Highland communities, enabling people of all ages and abilities to access support and live well in their own communities.

• Strong, transparent and constructive relationships with NHS Highland, The Highland Council and other statutory partners.

• Collaboration between communities across Highland to share learning, address common challenges and strengthen local resilience.

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To meet with the working group or discuss your views and ideas on how we go forward please contact our Development Officer, Harry Tedstone

Email:  harry.tedstone@slcvo.org.uk

Mob:     07595 427 270

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Earlier this year, the working group issued surveys to community organisations, third sector groups, statutory bodies and public agencies across Highland to explore whether a Highland Community-led Health and Social Care Network is needed and what role it could play.

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The findings showed strong support for a network that is:

• Rooted in the knowledge, experience and strengths of local communities.

• Able to provide a strong collective Highland-wide voice.

• Focused on representation, engagement and collaboration.

• Supportive of shared learning, capacity building and partnership working.

• Complementary to existing networks and activity rather than duplicating them.

 

The Working Group is now considering the next steps, including the network's aims, governance arrangements, membership, resourcing requirements and opportunities for a pilot hosted model. It is anticipated that a formal network could begin operating Summer 2027.

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Scottish Government Programme for Government

The Scottish Government's Programme for Government sets out the actions and priorities it intends to take over the coming year. As policies and reforms develop, they can have a significant impact on health, social care, communities, and the third sector.

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The Highland CHSC Working Group is working with third sector organisations, public sector partners, and community representatives to understand what these changes could mean for health, social care, and community wellbeing across the Highlands. Through discussion and shared learning, the group aims to identify opportunities, challenges, and practical actions that can help ensure communities and organisations are prepared for, can respond to, and can help shape future developments.

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Find out more information here Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 - gov.scot 

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Item 7 of the full Highland Council Meeting on 17th Septembers is about  'Programme for Government – Public Sector Reform (including Models of Integration Phase 2 Review Update). Find out more information here 17 September 2026: Highland Council - Highland Council

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