This guidance about Local Involvement Networks describes the important role they play in helping to improve health and social care services. They are a key way of listening to the community and involving them in important decisions about the commissioning and running of services.

The role of Networks is to help improve the care that is provided. The core strength of a Network lies in the expertise and experience of its members and in their independence.

There are networks in every local authority area to give people more influence over how their local health and social care services are planned and delivered. It is important that managers working in health and social care are in close touch with their network. Effective engagement throws up information that can result in innovative new ideas, improved quality and higher productivity. Working with the local Network should be a key part of commissioning, running and reviewing health and social care service.

ENGAGING AND RESPONDING TO COMMUNITIES – LOCAL INVOLVEMENT NETWORKS is available from DoH. http://www.dh.gov.uk/dr_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_111428.pdf