Healthwatch Sheffield

Every English local authority has a duty to make provisions for the delivery of Healthwatch statutory activity in their local area. This means establishing a contractual arrangement with an independent organisation that should be a social enterprise that delivers Healthwatch activity. Healthwatch are set apart from the statutory structures, voluntary and community sector they work within, as they perform public functions, deliver statutory duties and receive public funding. This is recognised in law, for instance, as Healthwatch have specific requirements under the Freedom of Information Act as well as Healthwatch legislation. Sheffield City Council (SCC) is responsible for commissioning the functions of Healthwatch in Sheffield and ensuring their delivery. SCC is seeking to commission a Healthwatch service for a 7 year period with an option to extend for an additional 2 +1 period.