HSC Innovation Scheme Consultation PaperOn 25 June 2015, Minister Hamilton announced that he intended to introduce a new Health and Social Care Innovation Scheme. The purpose of the Innovation Scheme is to promote innovation across health and social care by voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Northern Ireland. It will be open to all VCSE organisations, new or existing.
In developing the proposals outlined in this consultation paper, the Department has engaged in an extensive co-design process. A Design Team was established with representatives from NICVA, CO3, Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Big Lottery, the Centre for Effective Services and officials from this Department to oversee the development of proposals. Additionally, a series of pre-consultation workshops were held in October and November 2015 and attended by almost 200 representatives from the VCSE sector. Information from these workshops was used to inform the development of the consultation paper.
In accordance with guidance produced by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and in keeping with Regulation 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Health and Social Care Innovation Scheme has been equality screened and a preliminary decision has been taken that a full EQIA is not required. This preliminary decision is subject to change following analysis of feedback received during this consultation.
The Department will consider requests to produce this document in other languages or in alternative formats (such as Easy Read, Braille, audio formats (CD, mp3 or DAISY), large print). Please contact us with your requirements on 028 9052 0530 or by emailing InnovationScheme@dhsspsni.gov.uk.