FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LINk?
‘LINk' stands for the Local Involvement Network for Brighton and Hove. Local Involvement Networks are being set up around the country, replacing the Patient and Public Involvement Forums (and before that the Community Health Councils). The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum will host the LINk in Brighton and Hove.
Why the change from the Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIF)?
The LINks will broaden representation to existing networks and health groups. The remit of LINKs will also broaden to include adult social care. LINks are now linked to a geographical area, rather than Trust responsibility area.
Who can get involved?
The LINk is open to all individuals, groups and organisations who live in Brighton and Hove. The LINk aims to get a wide range of views so that all health and social care services in the area can be influenced. The network will ensure that some service users who have had less involvement in the past, such as mental health service users will be involved.
What are the benefits of getting involved?
The LINk will provide opportunities for individuals, groups and organisations across communities to work together to make a difference to health and social care services.
What power does the LINk have?
Legislation means that LINks will be able to:
- enter and view specific types of premises where services and care are
provided;
- ask for information and get a response within a specific timescale;
- make recommendations and get a response within a specific timescale; and
- refer matters to the local Overview and Scrutiny Committee and get a
response
Who is setting the Brighton and Hove LINk up?
The Brighton and Hove LINK is hosted and supported by The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF). CVSF has been contracted by the council as host as it has experience of engaging a wide range of people.
Who decides what the LINk looks like?
The structure, principles and initial priorities of the network will be decided by a steering group through consultation with the network.
Who is on the steering group?
The 15 members of the steering group have been formally elected. The role of the steering group is to guide the development of the network. The group is a balance of individuals and representatives of organisations and represent the wider LINk network. We will be developing these pages over the coming months to include more information about the group.
How can I get involved?
Every section of the community will be asked to contribute their views and experience and will ensure that groups and individuals, who might not often have their voice heard, get a say.
How much time will it take up?
There are lots of different ways to have a say and it doesn't have to be sitting on a committee. The LINk will provide more ways for more people to be heard and will work hard to engage with people who may be easier to ignore. Opportunities such as using the internet, focus groups, events and other mechanisms will be established for people to express their views. For those who want to get more involved, there will be opportunities to work on a specific issue or join a group.
