ACHCEW Training Pack
For over a quarter of a century, the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales (ACHCEW), has offered a training programme for CHC Members.  The aim of this was to enable the members to fulfil their roles effectively. The key skills needed to be an effective CHC member include the abilities:

  • To look at healthcare services from the perspective of users and carers
  • To listen to the views of people from all areas of the community
  • To represent their views to those who plan and manage health services  

It follows that this requires a sound knowledge of the structures of the NHS.

One of the most popular ACHCEW training days for both experienced and inexperienced members, was the 'Understanding the Changing Health Service'.  ACHCEW found that even those with a wealth of experience in the NHS, found it difficult to keep up with the changes in the way in which the healthcare was provided and structured.

ACHCEW was commissioned by the Department of Health to produce a Training Resource Pack to support the implementation of Local Authority review and scrutiny of healthcare provision.  The aim of the Pack was to:

  • Provide an overview on the structure of the NHS for use by the members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs) across England
  • Ensure that OSCs had the benefit of CHCs' years of experience of scrutinising health services

CHCs have had a long and close relationship with Local Authorities.  A third of the CHC members were drawn from Local Councils.  This project enabled ACHCEW to continue both its constructive relationship with Local Authorities, and to ensure that its most important legacy, the skills and experience of its staff and membership, is passed on to those who can best make use of it: the new Overview and Scrutiny Committee members.

The Pack was written by Christine Sheppard and Beryl Furr for ACHCEW and the Department of Health.  Part One was originally devised by Ros Leveson who is a freelance consultant and trainer.  Christine Sheppard was also a freelance consultant and trainer and Beryl Furr was Chief Officer of Southend CHC.  Many ACHCEW staff also contributed their expertise.

The Training Resource Pack
ACHCEW - December 2002  ...   82 pages