For those CCGs in the process of getting to grips with their public sector duties including the duty to consult and involve the public in their clinical commissioning decisions and all those working with them to achieve authorisation, NHS Networks has published a series of 'Smart guides' focusing on people, relationships, leadership and creating value.
The guides are intended to be pragmatic relevant and practical approaches to engaging with patients and the public about the planning designing and delivery of services and to reflect the principles and good practice that get results.
Seven Smart Guides have already been published and we hear on the grapevine that more are expected. These will include guides dealing with the use of social media and other digital means of engaging with patients and the public working with Patient Participation Groups and working with local authority overview and scrutiny committees.