National Support and Learning Networks for Test Sites
National Support
Support for the test sites and the wider health inequalities learning network, will be provided and resourced by the Scottish Government, co-ordinated by a dedicated Programme Manager within the Health Inequalities team (Karen Grieve: Karen.Grieve2@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, Tel: 0131 244 2136). The Equally Well test network is sharing ideas and learning through its own Equally Well social networking site.
Each support package will be based on individual area needs and will be flexible and innovative in its approach, using a combination of the following:
Sharing of National and International Knowledge e.g.
- Challenges of health inequalities, possible solutions, what works and does not work.
- Practice developments from current strategies, standards and workforce approaches.
- Methods for engaging communities and individual clients.
Using Improvement Techniques and Innovation e.g.
- Learning loops cycles, complex adaptive systems approaches.
- Possible models for management arrangements to support service redesign, innovation and creativity.
Learning and Rapid Dissemination
- Learning Network Events, bringing sites together with each other, with central support teams, with wider Scottish and International experts. With the knowledge exchange and learning being two way, with learning coming in from sites influencing policy and delivery approaches.
- Effective data collection and analysis, including the promotion of shared information across agencies.
- Evaluating and assessing health inequalities and other outcomes for clients, using new evaluation approaches designed for complex interventions.
- Supporting sites to keep the public and political profile high, via communication strategies, social marketing etc.
- Identifying any longer term resource implications and where nationally-led changes are required for maximum impact e.g. workforce development.
However, in addition to supporting the eight core test sites we will also provide assistance and networking opportunities for the other applications. As these proposals demonstrated a local desire for service redesign aimed at reducing health inequalities, we have encouraged the other applicant organisations to take forward their proposals. We will welcome the learning that is generated from these sites and will provide them with links into learning networks to share their knowledge and learn from others.
It is expected that any service change within the test sites will be managed using resources that are already available locally.
Learning networks
Learning networks will initially operate among the test sites and members will lead and support service redesign and transformation in their own area.
Learning networks will also draw on and feed into individual topic-based developments and networks e.g. Changing Lives, Getting It Right For Every Child, Fairer Scotland Fund, Workforce Plus and especially around Early Years and Young People.
We will aim to spread learning from the test sites across Scotland, as it emerges. We will use new and effective approaches, to inspire and enthuse others about what works in delivering real change, based on the main themes illustrated in Equally Well.