Our Decision-making Policy

Every Local Healthwatch must have a published Decision-Making Policy. This policy helps Healthwatch Rutland (HWR) to make decisions, to prioritise and choose what will go in the workplan as well as approving and accepting any other relevant work during the year. This guidance is for Chairs, Advisory Board Members, all HWR volunteers and staff.

Healthwatch Rutland makes its decisions in an open and transparent way and ensures the interests of the people of Rutland are always paramount. This policy and associated procedures outline the steps taken to ensure decisions are evidence based and lead to substantive impact in the community.

The governing regulations and standards are:

• The NHS Bodies and Local Authorities (Partnership Arrangements, Care Trusts, Public Health and Local Healthwatch) Regulations 2012 – referred to as Regulation 40 throughout this document.
• Freedom of Information Act 2000.
• Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles).

This policy applies to all relevant decisions made by Healthwatch Rutland and is an essential part of how it is run, ensuring that :

• Healthwatch Rutland meets legal requirement to demonstrate independence in the way we operate and make decisions. Without a published policy, the trademark license to operate as a local Healthwatch may be at risk.
• We have a clear process that will support our Advisory Board and working groups in building a robust evidence base and prioritising the calls for our time and attention.
• We demonstrate transparency and openness to all who have an interest in the work we do, enhancing our reputation as a trusted and credible partner.