Community Integration and Partnership Working as Social Value in Care Services
Social value in adult social care increasingly extends beyond organisational boundaries into communities, partnerships and local systems. Commissioners look for evidence that providers contribute positively to local networks, reduce isolation and support integrated working. This article forms part of Social Value Policy, National Priorities & Public Sector Duties and aligns with the wider Social Value Knowledge Hub. The emphasis here is on how community-focused social value is delivered safely, consistently and with measurable impact.
Why Community Integration Matters in Social Value
Community integration supports multiple public sector objectives, including prevention, wellbeing and reduced demand on statutory services. In adult social care, this includes:
- Reducing social isolation
- Strengthening informal support networks
- Improving access to community-based resources
Commissioners expect providers to demonstrate structured, ethical engagement rather than ad-hoc activities.
Operational Example 1: Reducing Isolation Through Community Access
Context: A supported living service supports adults with limited social networks and high reliance on staff-led activities.
Support approach: Social value delivery focuses on sustainable community participation rather than one-off events.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Staff map local community resources and work with individuals to identify meaningful activities aligned to interests. Support plans include graded exposure, transport planning and contingency strategies. Staff receive supervision focused on balancing encouragement with respect for choice.
How change is evidenced: Participation levels, wellbeing indicators and incident trends are monitored to ensure community engagement does not increase anxiety or risk.
Operational Example 2: Partnership Working With Local Organisations
Context: A community mental health support provider works alongside housing, VCSE and primary care partners.
Support approach: Social value commitments focus on coordinated, joined-up working.
Day-to-day delivery detail: The provider participates in regular multi-agency forums, shares risk information appropriately, and aligns care planning with partner services. Staff are trained on information sharing boundaries and escalation routes.
How change is evidenced: Reduced duplication, faster referrals and improved crisis response times are tracked and reviewed.
Operational Example 3: Volunteering and Community Contribution
Context: People using services express interest in contributing to their local community.
Support approach: The provider supports volunteering opportunities aligned with individual strengths.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Risk assessments, role matching and ongoing support ensure safe participation. Staff review volunteering experiences during keywork sessions and adapt support as needed.
How change is evidenced: Engagement levels, satisfaction feedback and safeguarding indicators are reviewed through governance forums.
Commissioner Expectation
Commissioner expectation: Commissioners expect providers to evidence meaningful community impact that supports prevention, wellbeing and system integration.
Regulator / Inspector Expectation
Regulator expectation: Inspectors expect community engagement to be safe, person-centred and supported by robust risk management and safeguarding oversight.
Governance and Assurance Mechanisms
Community-focused social value should be governed through:
- Clear partnership agreements and information-sharing protocols
- Risk assessment and safeguarding oversight
- Monitoring of participation outcomes and adverse events
- Senior review of community engagement strategies
Embedding Community Social Value
Effective community social value strengthens resilience for individuals, services and systems. Providers that evidence structured delivery and learning are better positioned in commissioning and inspection contexts.