NICE voluntary and community sector forum

Help make a difference on behalf of the people most affected by our recommendations.

The voluntary and community sector forum brings together organisations who want to inform and shape our work. It’s a way for you to share your organisation's views, perspectives and priorities.

With 4 virtual forum meetings held every year, you can contribute in a way that's flexible and convenient for you. We want it to be as easy as possible to slot into your existing work commitments. 

Apply to join the forum

Upcoming forum meeting dates

  • Thursday 5 December 2024, 2pm – 3pm (virtual via Zoom)
  • Wednesday 5 February 2025, 10am – 12 noon (virtual via Zoom)

Who can join the forum?

We welcome any voluntary and community sector organisation eligible to be a stakeholder in our work. This includes:

  • national organisations for people who use health and social care services, their families and carers, and the public
  • local Healthwatch organisations and local organisations that have no national group to take part on their behalf.

A maximum of 2 people can join from each organisation. We’re keen to work with those organisations whose works covers health, social care or public health.

To help us improve the quality of our work, it's important that the forum includes a wide range of viewpoints and experiences. We especially welcome organisations working with historically underrepresented groups, such as LGBTQ+ people, ethnically diverse groups, and people with disabilities.

What do forum members do?

As a member of the forum, you can:

  • influence and inform our work beyond stakeholder involvement in specific pieces of guidance
  • help to transform the way that we work
  • be involved in the implementation of our 5-year strategy
  • stay informed of our key consultations and developments
  • share information with us and other voluntary and community sector organisations about your organisation’s work and priorities
  • build relationships with other voluntary and community sector organisations, support each other and share your experiences of working with us
  • help us create training on the development and implementation of our guidance, for other voluntary and community sector organisations.

There will be 4 forum meetings each year, but you're not expected to attend every single one. We're unable to offer any payment for your membership.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, email NICEvcsforum@nice.org.uk.