The newly published 10-Year Health Plan for England sets out a bold vision to shift the centre of gravity in healthcare: away from hospitals and into homes, neighbourhoods and communities. Away from treatment-first and towards prevention. It is a vision grounded in equity – tackling avoidable illnesses, closing the gap in outcomes and recognising the impact that housing, food, work, environment and early trauma have on our long-term health.
At its heart, the plan acknowledges what many of us working in health and care already know: we can’t fix the NHS by only looking within it. Health is built in our communities, and the strongest partnerships we can form are with those who live and work there, including voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).
That’s where the Social Impact framework comes in.
This framework has been built as a practical tool. A compliant route to market, yes, but more importantly, a shared space. The Social Impact framework provides a way for the NHS and other public sector bodies to work more closely with organisations that understand the lived experience of those most in need. These are providers with deep local roots and a social purpose at their core. They bring knowledge, trust and access – all critical if we are serious about reaching underserved populations and addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that still define health outcomes across our nation.
The framework offers 23 lots, many of which align directly with the priorities set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The lots include:
- Green community health services, supporting wellbeing through outdoor activities, encouraging climate resilience and building healthy, sustainable lifestyles.
- Food security and healthy eating services, which can complement measures like the Healthy Start expansion and school food reforms.
- Children and young people services, helping schools and families build the foundations of wellbeing.
- Carer support and respite, essential as more care moves into the home and informal networks.
- Mental health and wellbeing services, echoing the expansion of Young Futures Hubs and early support teams.
- Inclusion of health, ensuring support for those experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse or exclusion.
Some lots may feel ahead of their time, but that’s by design. This framework isn’t just for now, it’s for what might be. If we succeed in laying the right foundations, like more preventative care, more trusted local delivery and more focus on health outcomes rather than activity, the future of care will look different. And when it does, we will need structures in place to deliver it.
The Social Impact framework represents a shift in approach – one that recognises that systems alone can’t fix inequality. It’s people who do that. It’s time to work alongside those already embedded in communities, already doing the work, already trusted. And to do that, we need routes that are accessible, fair and built for partnership.
The Social Impact framework is open to NHS bodies, local authorities and wider public sector organisations. It enables commissioners to connect with providers who are locally known and socially driven, offering services shaped by community insight and responsive to barriers people face in engaging with health and care systems.
At CPH, we’re proud to play a part in this movement: towards prevention, towards neighbourhood care and towards health equity.
Real change begins when we design with people, not just for them.
If you are a provider, particularly an SME or VCSE, and are interested in getting involved with the Social Impact framework, supplier bids are now open. Search for opportunity C371576 on Atamis or visit the Find a Tender Service to submit your bid.