I am delighted to learn that Headway UK was one of 13 charities invited to meet David Cameron and key Cabinet  members to discuss the transformation of public services. Charities play a vital role in delivering crucial services not met by government, such as Headway, which provides rehabilitation for adults with an acquired brain injury, and it is essential that these services continue, and they have to adapt to meet new government requirements.

It is certainly impressive that charities were invited for a round the table discussion with the Prime Minister and other high level figures, including Sir Gus O’Donnell, Cabinet Secretary;  Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Oliver Letwin, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office; Frances Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General; Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society; and Greg Clark, Minister of State for Decentralisation.

During the meeting Peter McCabe, Headway’s CEO, explained that the concept of the Big Society was not new and that Headway was formed on this very principle more than 30 years ago. He voiced concerns that some of the Headway groups that were formed to provide a vital role in their local communities may not survive the funding cuts being imposed on them by their local authorities.  The response from David Cameron was that it was not necessary for local authorities to cut funding to service providers, and that government needs to be made aware if councils are imposing disproportionate cuts to voluntary sector organisations rather than looking to make internal savings.

Peter also raised concerns about commissioning of services – particularly when GPs take control of commissioning. With pressures to save money from the health budget, Peter is concerned that GPs may not see the value in the services of community brain injury services or Headway services. Peter stated that commissioning of services must take into account benefits across departmental and geographical boundaries, as well as recognising the need for specialist services. The government team’s response was to state that it wants to find a way to ensure such services will continue to be commissioned, despite changes to the health service.

It was felt that this was an excellent opportunity to ensure the Prime Minister and his senior ministers were made aware of the impact government policies are already having and will continue to have at ground level. The fact that so many high-level government representatives – including the Prime Minister – were in attendance suggests the government is genuine in its desire to understand the impact of the cuts and keen to ensure that impact is not disproportionately absorbed by voluntary sector organisations. It certainly is positive to have a listening government.

*As chair of trustees for Headway Cambridgeshire, I am delighted to have persuaded a GP to join our board (my former GP!), Dr Pam Kenny, a highly regarded MAGPAS doctor too, and I am confident her knowledge and contacts will be invaluable in helping us with the uncertainties we face regarding GP commissioning. It makes it even more vital for charities to demonstrate positive outcomes and how they have made a huge difference to their users.