Towards a Model Neighbourhood: Next steps on implementing neighbourhood health (published April 2026) is a major new report from PPL, produced in partnership with the NHS Alliance (formerly NHS Confederation). The report brings together learning from across England on how neighbourhood health can move from policy ambition into practical, deliverable change.

It sets out a clear operating model for neighbourhood health that is preventative, proactive and person-centred, and it is grounded in real examples from places that are already making progress. Crucially, it recognises that neighbourhood health is not just an NHS agenda – it is about building stronger communities and addressing the wider social and economic determinants of health.

‍

Why this report is important for the VCSE sector

We are particularly encouraged by how clearly the report articulates the role of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in neighbourhood health.

The report positions VCSE organisations as central partners, not add‑ons or gap‑fillers. It recognises the sector’s:

• Trusted relationships with communities
• Ability to reach people and groups underserved by statutory services
• Role in prevention, early intervention and ongoing support
• Contribution to tackling health inequalities at their root

Throughout the report, VCSE organisations are described as essential to the leadership, convening, coordination and delivery of neighbourhood health, working alongside the NHS, local authorities and other partners as part of neighbourhood “teams of teams”.

‍

Key messages we strongly support

The SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance fully supports the report’s calls for:

• Meaningful partnership with the VCSE sector at neighbourhood and place level, including involvement in leadership, planning and decision‑making
• Equitable data sharing, enabling VCSE organisations to contribute insight and deliver joined‑up care while respecting consent and governance
• Multi‑year funding, moving away from short‑term, fragmented and non‑recurrent funding that undermines sustainability
• Investment in VCSE infrastructure, ensuring the sector has the capacity and capability to engage as an equal partner in neighbourhood delivery

These are long‑standing priorities for the VCSE sector in south east London and beyond, and it is hugely positive to see them so clearly set out in a national, system‑level report.

‍

A practical, place‑based framework

The report goes beyond vision and language. It offers:

• A clear neighbourhood operating model
• Practical guidance on commissioning, contracting and funding flows
• Insight into integrator roles and place‑based leadership
• Examples from across the country showing how neighbourhood health is already working in practice

Importantly, it emphasises that neighbourhoods should be built from where places are now, recognising existing community assets, relationships and VCSE leadership rather than imposing one‑size‑fits‑all solutions.

‍

Working together to make this real in London

We are super excited to be working with the amazing PPL team to help turn this vision into reality in London.

South east London has a strong, diverse VCSE sector and a growing shared commitment to neighbourhood‑based approaches. This report gives us a powerful framework to strengthen partnership working, shift resources upstream, and design neighbourhood health with communities rather than for them.

‍

Access the report

You can download and read the full report here:

PPL and NHS Alliance – Towards a Model Neighbourhood (April 2026)

We encourage VCSE leaders, infrastructure organisations, commissioners and system partners to read the report and consider what it means for how we work together at neighbourhood and place level.

‍