Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA)

JSNA is a statutory duty on local authorities and PCTs to work in partnership to undertake an overarching assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of their area. The process is intended to lead to stronger partnerships between communities, local government and the NHS, providing a firm foundation for commissioning that improves health and social care services, encourages local innovation, reduces health inequalities and delivers better services.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is central to the new policy landscape, but, as an existing statutory requirement, is also ‘business as usual’ over the coming years as other changes in NHS services and local government take effect.

Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) has collated a number of tools and good practice relating to JSNAs, including guidance from the Department of Health and briefing papers relating to what is next for JSNAs as a result of the White Paper.

Further Information

Hull’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
Details of the current JSNA in Hull

Local Government Improvement and Development
Good practice advice for local authorities including tools to assist with transfer of JSNA to health and well-being boards, using JSNA to inform commissioning, and making ready JSNA contribution to scrutiny function. Also explains how JSNA’s emerged.