The formal consultation on Healthier Together will be starting soon in parallel with this process, there is an equality impact assessment; this is being carried out by consultants guided by a small steering group which has just held its first meeting, and of which GMCVO is a member.
The proposals for reconfiguring services will not affect the majority of the population, however there are some people whom it will affect greatly. There is insufficient data about who exactly they are, and whether the changes will impact more heavily on particular groups. Equality groups have been interpreted broadly and is not limited to those with ‘protected characteristics’.
There will be a series of 12 meetings held in Greater Manchester (one per CCG area) which follow the formal consultation meetings. The equality impact meetings will be about understanding how the proposals are likely to affect people – and therefore what should be done to mitigate. They will primarily want to attract voluntary and community groups who can advise about their service users.
GMCVO have asked for 4-6 weeks’ notice of each event and wanted to give prior notice that meetings are being planned and further information will be circulated soon.