Local Involvement Networks (LINks)

Richmond upon Thames LINk is one of 150 local involvement networks set up throughout England to monitor, evaluate and influence health and social care services. It is a network of local individuals and organisations who want the borough of Richmond residents to receive the care and support which best serves their needs.

What does Richmond upon Thames LINk do?

It gathers together everyone’s views and ideas for improvements and then uses these to directly influence and inform decisions about the planning, design and provision of local services. The LINk plays an important role in supporting the community to hold providers and commissioners of services to account.

How can I get involved?

Membership of the LINk is open to everyone who has an interest in our local services and there will be different levels of engagement depending on how much time you might have to commit to LINk activities. You can join either as an individual member or as an organisational member. Please see the membership form for more details.

What can I contribute?

Anyone with an interest in health and social care for the borough of Richmond upon Thames can participate in the LINk in a way that suits them. For instance, you can:

Share any concerns you have about health and social care in Richmond through participating in surveys, questionnaires or discussions at meetings
Take part in a project looking at, for example, the quality and reliability of maternity services, or catering and nutrition in care homes. You could contribute to projects by carrying out research or contributing to writing a report
Represent the LINk on groups or committees set up by other organisations
You may just wish to be kept informed of what is going on, and possibly fill in a survey from time to time.

Will I get paid for it?

No, but as a volunteer you can claim reasonable expenses for undertaking the work of the LINk.

Does the LINk have any powers?

Yes, the LINk is able to:

Enter and view some premises providing health and social care services
Ask for information and expect a response within a specific timescale
Make recommendations for improvements and expect a response within a specific timescale
Refer matters to the local Overview and Scrutiny Committees which have health and social care responsibilities