Local Involvement Network – LINk
Local Involvement Networks (LINks) were introduced in 2007 in the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act to give local communities a stronger voice in the process of commissioning and delivering health and social care. Every local authority in England that has a responsibility for health and social care services must have a LINk.
A LINk is made up of individuals, community groups, and organisations who will help to shape, develop and improve health and social care services. LINk is an independent body that has a much wider remit than the former Patient and Public Involvement Forums that it replaces.
Anyone can join the LINk and using the powers available, can help to ensure agencies listen to the needs of communities so that they purchase and deliver services that meet those needs. Using the “enter and view” powers, members can also ensure that these changes are actually happening.
Councillor Tony Hicks of Gloucestershire County Council, Cabinet Member responsible for Community and Adult Care Services.




