Care minister Stephen Kinnock has discussed with charity leaders how the sector can be more involved in the government’s healthcare agenda.

The discussion took place at the second meeting of the Civil Society Council, which has been set up to improve links between charity leaders and Whitehall as part of the government’s Civil Society Covenant agenda.

Kinnock attended to set out the “government’s vision for health and care where preventative, community-based services are built around people and places”, according to the government’s readout of the meeting.

“Partnership must be at the heart of this, and the Minister invited Council Members’ reflections on how service models can be developed together with civil society and communities.”

The government’s account of the meeting added: “The Minister agreed to continue working with Council Members to strengthen partnership working in the shift to neighbourhood health.”

Also discussed at the meeting were barriers to charities in public procurement. The Cabinet Office is currently working to “put in place solutions to this”, said the government.

Work is also taking place to promote volunteering among civil servants.

Training modules are also being developed “to build capability and understanding across the civil service and civil society”.

The Council is chaired by Kate Lee, chief executive of the NCVO.

“Efforts are already well underway to strengthen the relationship between civil society and government - so that the important work of our sector can be amplified,” said the charity infrastructure body following the meeting.

“In the coming months and years, the Council will continue to meet with the government to ensure close, effective collaboration.”

---