Charity calls for stronger third sector role

Age Scotland, the ALLIANCE, and partners from across the third sector have published a briefing paper for MSPs detailing support from across the third sector for a range of amendments to the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill, which aims to integrate health and social care services across Scotland so that these patients and care users experience them as a seamless service, reaches its third and final stage of consideration by the Scottish Parliament today. MSPs will vote on a number of amendments brought forward by members from across the different political parties.

While Age Scotland backs the Bill in principle, the Charity and its partners believe that it will be strengthened by ensuring that third sector organisations will sign-off of strategic plans developed by each Health and Social Care Partnership. Conservative MSP Nanette Milne has proposed a change that would see third sector organisations' views taken into account in the planning process. Although not as strong as the joint sign-off arrangements for Change Fund Plans under Reshaping Care for Older People, the Charity believes this would help to embed the role of the third sector as a key strategic partner clearly on the face of the legislation.

In the paper Age Scotland and its partners call for MSPs to support a range of other measures. These include:

That the Bill more strongly and clearly reflects human rights, in particular taking a more person centred approach
Embedding the principle throughout the legislation that patients and service users must be involved in designing services to meet their needs
Ensuring consideration is given to support, through access to independent advocacy
Ensuring effective access to complaints processes

Age Scotland spokesperson Doug Anthoney says: "This is a very complex Bill dealing with the intricate wiring behind public services, but at heart the issue is very simple. It's about ensuring that whenever older people need health and social care services they no longer, as is too often the case, find themselves let down by service providers who don't speak to each other or cooperate effectively.

"Third sector organisations often have in-depth knowledge of individual and community needs, unparalleled experience and commitment, and receive tremendous feedback from beneficiaries. To fully achieve the Bill's aspirations and improve public services it is essential that third sector organisations are fully involved in the process of change, and not marginalised."

Download the briefing paper for MSPs