Connected Approach to Neighbourhoods

Derbyshire Voluntary Action Conference 9th September 2025

Connected Approach to Neighbourhoods DVA Conference 2025

This year’s Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) Conference focused on the government’s new model for a Connected Approach to Neighbourhoods and the opportunities it creates for charities, community groups, health partners, and statutory services.

We brought together 117 delegates from the NHS, ICB, Public Health, and the VCSE to explore how neighbourhood-based working can transform outcomes across Derbyshire.

Gathering together leaders, frontline professionals, and community voices to share learning, explore practical solutions; all committed to shaping neighbourhood-based collaboration.

“Real change happens at community level”

Jacqui Willis

CEO Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Key Takeaways

  • Strong support across sectors for integrating lived experience in neighbourhood planning
  • Clear consensus on the need for sustainable funding and infrastructure to enable multi-agency working
  • VCSE seen as essential partners; calls for greater inclusion in decision-making and system design
  • Practical challenges identified: data sharing, alignment of priorities, capacity in grassroots organisations
  • Commitments from partnerships to follow up workshops, maintain momentum, and embed neighbourhood working into system planning

Healthcare partnerships

NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB
NHS
Presentation 1: Community Voice, Community Agency

Introduction:
Luan Wilde, Public Health Lead for Localities and Place
Personal stories from:
Tim Aldwick, Mindscapes
Darrell Price, Pain Inspired

Presentation 2: The Neighbourhood Model

Angela Wright, Assistant Director Place Development & Delivery Jim Austin, Chief Executive, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS FT (DCHS)

Presentation 3: A Different Way of Working – A GP’s Perspective

Alice Fenton, GP Royal Primary Care & Chesterfield Local Place Alliance Clinical Lead

Presentation 4: Working within a Multi-Agency Neighbourhood Approach – The Value of VCSE

Sharon Gibbs, Senior Commissioning Manager, NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board & Chesterfield Neighbourhood Alliance Lead
Tom Watson, General Manager, South Hardwick PCN

“Over the coming months, DVA will be working with partners across the NHS, ICBs, Public Health, local authorities and the VCSE to turn these insights into action. We'll be supporting how neighbourhood working can succeed in Derbyshire, publishing a report of our findings, and ensuring community voices remain central.”
Jacqui Willis
CEO Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Helping people help communities