In my spare time I coach girls’ rugby. As everyone knows, rugby is a team sport with different players, all with very different strengths, playing different positons. Quick, agile players in the backs, big heavy, strong players in the forwards and dextrous, skilled ball handlers and kickers ensuring the ball gets to the right players at the right time. The team can only succeed when players work together to enable everyone to maximise their strengths and play their part at the right time and in the right place. Right person, right time, right place – sound familiar?
In Health and Care what is often meant by this, is ensuring that people see the right professional at the right time in the right place; usually referring to the NHS, sometimes remembering to include the care sector but often forgetting the voluntary sector. This is like playing rugby with a team of forwards.
Having worked in the Health and Care sector since the late 1990’s and having been in Senior Manager Roles since 2010, I have always believed that the Health and Care system cannot succeed without the essential contribution of the Third Sector. Whether it’s the big, well known organisations delivering services on a national or international scale, or the small local charities serving individual towns and communities, they all have a part to play. That is why in 2015 I joined the Board of Voluntary Health Scotland.
It has been great to be part of VHS’ 20-year journey, strengthening the voice and contribution of the voluntary sector in addressing health inequalities across Scotland. In that time, I have seen the contribution of the third sector go from strength to strength both locally and nationally. Locally and nationally third sector organisations were crucial in responding to the Covid Pandemic and locally they have also supported our longer-term strategic design and delivery of a huge transformation agenda. Smaller and more agile than either the NHS or Councils, third sector organisations have been able to adapt quickly and respond to emerging need, connect authentically with families and communities, plus support wellbeing and prevention in ways that big, public-sector organisations have struggled to do. As we respond to new health challenges of the 21st century, such as a growing older population, an epidemic of obesity and the effects of wealth and health inequality, we are shifting our attention and resources towards more prevention and early intervention activity.
I’m looking forward to continuing, as part of Voluntary Health Scotland’s Board, to enabling the third sector to maximise its’ strengths and contribution to our Health and Care team, in addressing these challenges over the coming years.
Billy McClean is a VHS Board Member and Head of Community Health and Care Services in South Ayrshire.
