is an ongoing dialogue with the local population which seeks to build up a positive and meaningful relationship.
is the formal process of asking the public their views on any proposals to change the way a service is provided and delivered.
Engagement Champions are from local VCSE organisations, have strong links to their community and enjoy listening and talking to people. Because their role is to talk to local communities about changes to local health services, it is important they have an interest in health issues.
The mandatory training is spread over 4 half day sessions and has 5 elements, including a practical task:
Once the training has been completed Engagement Champions are:
Offered opportunities to carry out surveys or run focus groups
Able to earn money for their local VCSE organisation for each survey completed.
Invited to local events where they can meet with the people and organisations involved in shaping local health services.
On completion of the training, Engagement Champions receive a certificate valid for 2 years. It’s easily renewed by taking part in a bi-annual refresher session.
To gain your certificate you must attend all the sessions and successfully complete the practical task.
The role of VCSE organisations
Because Engagement Champions must have links to a local VCSE organisation, that organisation must confirm it meets certain standards.
This is to make sure that the organisation can deliver any engagement or consultation activities safely and competently.
If you are interested in taking part in our Engagement Champions Programme, please email engagement@cvac.org.uk
| Programme 1 - 2025 | Presenters | |
|---|---|---|
| Training Session 1 How the NHS Works | New Dates TBC | WY ICB Engagement team |
| Training Session 2 Legal and statutory obligations for engagement. | New Dates TBC | WY ICB Engagement team |
| Training Session 3 Engagement Methods & approaches | New Dates TBC | WY ICB Engagement team |
| Training Session 4 Equalities, Safeguarding and Evaluation and Certificates | New Dates TBC | - WY ICB Equality team -VAC |
©Copyright 2025 VAC is the operating name of Voluntary & Community; A Registered Charity No 1087518 and Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No 4115234.
You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!
Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.
When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.
They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.
We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members. Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector.
The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.
To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.
The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.
The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.
A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!
A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.
40% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.
25% Discount on Virtual Office – Perfect for start ups or smaller organisations, our Virtual Office service offers a postal address, pigeonhole and reception facilities.
25% Discount on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.
Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.
All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven. As a VAC + Member, you will receive a considerable discount on all VAC Training and Events.
You will receive a VAC Member welcome pack with useful information on getting the most out of your membership and a few extra treats!
Every member of VAC will be invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and has voting rights for resolutions and proposals either in person or by proxy.
When you sign up to be a VAC Member, you will be assigned a Go-To Contact from the VAC team.
They will be your main point of contact for your membership, helping to answer questions and signposting you to the right place within VAC and/or our partnerships.
We want the VAC membership offer to be responsive to the needs of our members. Member check ins keep us up to date on your organisation’s news and developments but also on any challenges or support gaps that may be affecting the VCSE sector.
The information we receive during our member check ins will highlight trends and challenges that we can then explore support and solutions for via our membership offer and partnerships with local providers and authorities.
To support VAC members to feel connected and informed, we have created a unique Member Area on the VAC Website.
The online dashboard will keep you and your colleagues up to date on the latest member opportunities, training and news.
The Member Area also has a forum function, allowing VAC Member organisations to interact and support each other.
A quarterly newsletter to keep our members up to date on not only VAC Membership updates and opportunities but also specifically created content on topics of interest to the local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
The Bimonthly Member Network is for VAC Members to connect with other VAC Members!
A perfect opportunity to support one another, find out about other local services and explore new collaborative opportunities and partnerships with fellow VAC members.
20% Discount on VAC Room Hire – We offer a range of flexible rooms for hire located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Our rooms include a fully equipped, large training room with SMART board and flipchart facilities seating up to 25 theatre style, two smaller meeting rooms seating up to 12 and a small office with computer facilities suitable for one-to-one meetings or rent-a-desk.
Competitive rate on ID Badge Printing – Competitively priced to accommodate for smaller orders, our in-house ID Badge service supports both design and printing.
Based on feedback and insight we gain from our members, our training and events offer will complement local infrastructure support training programmes.
All sessions are cost effective and VCSE sector driven.
