Update from CQC's Regulators Pioneers Fund project
The Health Inequalities Improvement Framework was developed through a structured process of scoping, co-design, testing, and refinement. Each phase involved a collaborative effort with ICSs, VCSEs, and people with lived experience, ensuring the framework is practical, impactful, and ready to drive meaningful change in tackling health inequalities.
To see our project phases please scroll down.
If you would like more information about the project, or how we are involving ICSs and other stakeholders please contact, ICShealthinequalities@cqc.org.uk
Phases
Scoping phase
From February to May 2024, the Point of Care Foundation conducted a review of existing practices in engaging people and communities to address health inequalities. This review included case studies and frameworks to inform the development of the improvement framework and co-design workshops.
National Voices held interviews with four ICSs to understand how engagement frameworks are currently used. These interviews revealed the limited application of existing tools, largely due to ICSs being relatively new and working within challenging environments while prioritizing long-standing relationships with communities.
Read the existing practice review
Next Steps: Insights from the scoping phase guided the co-design workshops, ensuring the framework's foundation is evidence-based and relevant to ICS contexts.