About Us
What is Hull LINk?
Hull Local Involvement Network (LINk) is a network of local people, organisations and groups who want to make local health and social care services better.
LINks are the idea of the Government and have been set up across England as part of their plan to give people and groups a stronger local voice about the health and social care services they receive.
LINks give people and groups the chance to say what they think about local services and to suggest ideas to help improve them. They work with their local Council, NHS Trusts and other organisations providing health and social care services funded though the taxpayer to make sure that these views are heard and to influence their plans and spending decisions.
What powers does Hull LINk have?
Hull LINk has legal powers as set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The Act also places a duty on the City Council, local NHS and other organisations to listen and respond to the Link.
Under the Act, Hull LINk can:
- Ask for information from the commissioners and providers of services. Commissioners/providers must respond to the LINk within a set time.
- Collect views and experiences of services and submit reports and recommendations on issues to commissioners and providers. Again commissioners/providers must respond to these recommendations within a set time.
- Approved Hull LINk representatives can ‘enter and view’ health and social care premises to look at how services are being provided to people.
- Ask the City Council’s Health and Well Being Scrutiny Commission to investigate issues further and receive a response.
Hull LINk provides real influence over those who commission, provide, manage and scrutinise local health and social care services, to help improve these services.
How is Hull LINk run and who funds it?
Hull LINk is an independent body run by its members who decide the LINk work priorities. An annually elected Steering Group then manage this work programme and decide how the LINK budget is spent. Ultimately it is the members of Hull LINk who are in control as they will elect the Steering Group, and approve the LINk work programme and its annual report and accounts.
Hull Community and Voluntary Services Ltd (Hull CVS) has been commissioned by Hull City Council to be the ‘host’ organisation to help set up Hull LINk, support its development and hold its finances. A staff team of four employed by Hull CVS perform the day-to-day work of the LINk.
See our Who’s Who page for more details of the LINk Steering Group and the staff team.
The LINK is funded though a grant from the Government for a period of 3 years. Hull City Council monitors the performance of Hull CVS as the LINk ‘host’.
Why Join?
To be an effective and strong voice on local health and social care services Hull LINk needs the expertise of local voluntary and community groups and individuals.
Hull LINk will not take over or duplicate the work of groups who use or represent those who use health and social care services, but will help to bring together those groups with the rest of the community to give people a stronger local voice and to make a difference, using its legal powers.
Hull LINk needs to be able to represent everyone in the local community – people and groups of all backgrounds in all parts of Hull.
Hull LINk also helps people and groups who do not usually have a voice the chance to give their views. Many people and groups would like to influence services but may not have time to attend meetings or sit on committees, Hull LINk uses a many ways to help you get involved. It’s up to you how and when you get involved.
Interested? Then Join Us
Any Questions?
Look at our Frequently Asked Questions where it may be answered, or Contact Us.
