Residents are being invited to apply to become a member of a new proactive ‘community insight’ group set up by West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The organisation plans and buys health and care services for 300,000 people in Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest, and has an annual budget this year of £335.5million.

The new, diverse group will put individuals who can speak on behalf of different groups of local people at the forefront of decision making and provide the CCG with insight into up-to-the-minute viewpoints. The group will be formed of a wide range of local people who share the ambition to influence decisions on health and social care. By sharing their experiences and opinions, and those of their communities, the group will have a direct impact on board level decisions that impact on front line services.

Last month, West Essex CCG announced plans to improve the ways in which the public can share their opinions on healthcare in their area. Now, people over 16, who are living or working in west Essex are being offered the chance to be part of their local NHS by joining a group that will have a direct say on health and care services.

The CCG wants to hear from people who can speak with experience or insight into all areas that affect local people’s lives and the way they access health services.

Jackie Sully, lay board member of West Essex CCG, said: “It’s great that people of all backgrounds from across west Essex will be able to have a real say and influence on health and care.

“This group will be innovative because its members will be bringing first-hand experience, if not of health and care services, then from the perspectives of different groups and the impact that their personal circumstances have on their health.

“As a lay member, it’s been thoroughly rewarding to be part of the CCG’s development and I would urge anyone to take the chance to become a member of this group which really is respected by the CCG.”

This group in west Essex is a proactive, innovative and effective way of bringing public opinion into the core of West Essex CCG decision making. The members will receive training and support to provide them with the skills they need to represent their communities at approximately six meetings per annum and share their community’s feedback and outcomes.

Those with commitments that would prohibit the attendance of regular meetings during normal working hours such as employment, caring, personal or child care responsibilities, are still invited to register their interest as there will be opportunities to join on a flexible, remote or virtual basis.

Closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday, June 11 and anyone interested should visit westessexccg.nhs.uk to find out more and to apply.

Anyone needing support filling in the application pack is asked to contact patient engagement coordinator Anita Millar on 01992 566140 (ext:1463) or e-mail weccg.comms@nhs.net.