Where we are? LINk Steering Group started talks early 2012 with Derbyshire County Council. Implementor (Exact Consultants) appointed in November. Board appointed December. Board met 2 X monthly – Officers and sub-groups appointed Service agreement with DCC signed, outcome measures agreed Staff all TUPE’d and Manager appointed. Moved to new office and started work on 2 nd April Company limited by guarantee and charitable status applied for.

Where we are going? Working on short, medium and long term business plans. Continuing dialogue with Derbyshire CC about set up and development plans and support from Exact Consultants through April. Board Sub Groups working on priority areas of governance, finance and audit, communication, enter and view. Launch events with stakeholders and communities.

Immediate Challenges? Settling in. Building reputation, trust and confidence. Ensuring that the board and the staff work well together. Building strategic relationships. Ensuring a smooth running organisation. Signposting

Development needs? A national approach for areas like data analysis, enter and view and local Healthwatch performance. A clear mechanism for information sharing with Healthwatch England. Regional networking forums to share experiences, learning and best practice. Improved approaches to delivering high quality, evidence based reporting. Possible buddy system for chairs.

Thank you Darren Bailey, Chair Healthwatch Derbyshire Executive Board