Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
Task 1: Agencies used to meet individual needs
P6 Introduction
Agencies work together to provide more comprehensive, coordinated, and
effective care that addresses all aspects of an individual's needs, physical,
emotional, psychological, and social. Collaboration between different
organisations and professionals ensures that individuals receive person-
centred support, especially when their circumstances are complex or
require input from more than one service. For example, A GP may refer a
patient to social services if they are struggling to live independently or are
showing signs of neglect. A second example would be a school may work
with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to support a
student showing signs of anxiety or depression. The school provides a safe
environment, while CAMHS delivers clinical support, such as therapy or
counselling, to improve the child's emotional well-being. A last example
would be housing officers often work with healthcare professionals when
tenants are living in unsuitable or unsafe accommodation. For instance, if
someone with severe asthma is living in damp conditions, this can
severely damage their health. When agencies work together, they are
able to share relevant information (with consent), reduce duplication of
services, and form a complete picture of the individual’s needs. This helps
in creating a holistic care plan that takes into account not only the
person’s physical health but also their emotional well-being, social
situation, housing, and financial needs. Many different agencies may be
involved in providing care, such as NHS services (including hospitals, GPs,
psychologists), Local authority services (housing officers), and institutions
(schools and workplaces).
P6 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England
CCGs were groups set up by the NHS to plan and pay for healthcare
services in local areas. They were mainly made up of GPs, nurses, and
other health professionals who understood what their communities
needed. Their job was to make sure people had access to the right health
services, like hospital care, mental health support, or community clinics.
They aimed to use the money wisely and focus on what was best for
patients. CCGs helped meet individual needs by listening to people in the
community, making services more personal, and making sure everyone
got the care that suited them best. (NHS confederation, 2021)
P6 local authorities
Local authorities are part of the government that look after services like
social care, housing, and public health in a local area. When it comes to
social care, they help people who need extra support, like the elderly,
Page 1 of 38
,Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
people with disabilities, or carers, by providing things like home care, care
homes, or day centres. The team usually includes councillors and social
care staff who make decisions and organise support. They focus on
helping people live as independently as possible. Local authorities meet
individual needs by talking to people about their situation, finding out
what support they need, and working with other organisations to make
sure people get the right help. (access, 2024)
P6 health and wellbeing boards
Health and Wellbeing Boards are groups set up in local areas to bring
together organisations that plan and deliver health and social care
services. Their main aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of the
local population, reduce health inequalities, and make sure health and
social care services work well together. Members usually include
representatives from the local authority, NHS (such as public health and
clinical commissioning representatives), adult and children’s social care,
local councillors, and sometimes voluntary and community groups. They
work by looking at local health needs and deciding on shared priorities,
like mental health, support for carers, or tackling obesity. These boards
help meet individual needs by encouraging services to work together and
focus on people, not just systems.
in Patrick’s case, it seems the Health and Wellbeing Board in his area
might not be doing enough to support people living with HIV. Patrick and
James received support mainly through a sexual health advisor, a charity
(the Terence Higgins Trust), and their GP. For example, stigma around HIV
and worries about their landlord finding out show that more education and
advocacy in the community may be needed, which HWBs are supposed to
lead. Also, the lack of visible, ongoing multi-agency involvement from
social services or mental health teams means Patrick’s care might not be
as well-rounded or person-centred as it should be. This suggests that the
HWB isn’t effectively identifying or responding to the needs of people like
Patrick, who may be overlooked when it comes to long-term planning for
sexual health and HIV support in the local area. (GOV.UK, 2022)
P6 Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
The Common Assessment Framework is a structured approach used
mainly in children’s services to help identify and assess the needs of a
child or young person as early as possible. It is a shared tool that allows
professionals from different agencies, such as schools, social services,
health services, and youth organisations, to come together and create a
clear picture of a child’s needs and how best to support them. CAF aims to
provide early help by spotting concerns as soon as possible and putting
Page 2 of 38
,Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
the right support in place quickly. It avoids duplication of services and
ensures that the child or young people don’t have to keep repeating their
story to different professionals. The role of CAF includes assessing the full
range of a child’s needs, whether those are related to their health,
education, emotional wellbeing, or family situation, and then developing a
care or support plan. The people involved in the CAF process can include
teachers, social workers, youth workers, school nurses, and sometimes
voluntary sector workers. CAF helps to meet individual needs by making
sure the support provided is tailored to each child’s specific situation. By
bringing professionals together, the plan is more holistic and focused on
what will help the child thrive. It promotes early intervention, encourages
family involvement, and ensures the child’s voice is heard in the planning
process. This joined-up way of working ensures better outcomes and a
more positive experience for the child and their family. (Learning ladders,
n.d.)
P6 The National Eligibility Criteria (Care Act 2014)
The National Eligibility Criteria is a framework used in England to
determine whether an adult is eligible to receive care and support from
their local authority. It was introduced under the Care Act 2014 to ensure
that everyone is treated fairly and consistently when asking for help. The
criteria help professionals decide who qualifies for support, based on a
national set of rules, rather than leaving it to each local area to decide
differently. The National Eligibility Criteria aims to make the process of
accessing care and support clearer and fairer for everyone. It looks at how
a person’s needs affect their ability to carry out day-to-day activities, such
as washing, dressing, eating, maintaining relationships, and staying safe.
It also considers whether not receiving support would have a significant
impact on their well-being. The role of professionals such as social
workers, occupational therapists, and care assessors is to carry out
assessments using these criteria. They work with the individual to
understand their situation, explore what support is already in place, and
decide if more help is needed. The nationality eligibility criteria help to
promote individual needs, ensuring support is focused on an individual's
daily life and what restricts them and therefore requires support. It
ensures people can access help effectively and in a way tailored to meet
their specific needs.
In Patrick’s case, he may meet the eligibility threshold due to the
emotional and psychological impact of his recent HIV diagnosis. The
stress, anxiety, and lifestyle changes he is now facing affect his overall
well-being and could interfere with daily tasks like work, relationships, and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By working with professionals like a sexual
Page 3 of 38
, Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
health adviser, counsellor, and GP, Patrick is receiving tailored support. He
was offered counselling, has started treatment, and is also being guided
through housing support to address confidentiality concerns. These
services aim to support his mental and physical health while promoting
independence and emotional stability. In Brenda’s case, her long-term
mental health issues, combined with severe asthma, affect her ability to
manage basic daily tasks such as remembering to take medication,
maintaining her health, and living safely on her own. Brenda benefits from
a multi-agency care plan involving professionals like a GP, a psychiatric
nurse, asthma specialist. This team ensures her physical and mental
health needs are met in a way that supports her safety and quality of life.
Her preferences are respected, and accommodations are made (where
possible), such as ensuring female professionals attend visits when
possible and having her advocate involved in decision-making. In Maria’s
case, she experienced emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for
her mother. This pressure is affecting her ability to work and sleep, and
she’s become reliant on sleeping medication. Her GP recognised these
issues and referred her to a counsellor while also contacting social
services. After carrying out assessments, Maria began to receive help from
a community assistant and a night sitter, following further arrangements
for her mother to have access to an interpreter. Maria could also gain
support in her workplace and was granted compassionate leave, helping
her manage all her responsibilities while also prioritising herself and her
health. (Hendy, 2023)
P6 National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare
The National framework for NHS continuing healthcare ensures that
individuals with long-term complex health conditions receive the care and
support they need in a fair, consistent way. Its main aim is to provide
funding for people who need ongoing healthcare outside of a hospital
setting, such as in their own home or in a care home, with no cost to the
individual. This care might include nursing care, support with personal
care, or help with daily living, depending on the severity of the health
condition. The process of activating the framework begins with an
assessment, carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, using a decision
support tool to measure the levels of an individual's needs for things such
as mobility, mental health, and communication. If the individual, based on
the assessment, meets the criteria, the NHS will fund their full care. The
National framework for NHS continuing healthcare aims to meet individual
needs by making sure that care packages are tailored specifically for the
individual. This means care is tailored to what the individual needs rather
than offering all individuals the same service. It allows people to receive
care in the most appropriate setting for them, whether that’s their home,
Page 4 of 38
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
Task 1: Agencies used to meet individual needs
P6 Introduction
Agencies work together to provide more comprehensive, coordinated, and
effective care that addresses all aspects of an individual's needs, physical,
emotional, psychological, and social. Collaboration between different
organisations and professionals ensures that individuals receive person-
centred support, especially when their circumstances are complex or
require input from more than one service. For example, A GP may refer a
patient to social services if they are struggling to live independently or are
showing signs of neglect. A second example would be a school may work
with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to support a
student showing signs of anxiety or depression. The school provides a safe
environment, while CAMHS delivers clinical support, such as therapy or
counselling, to improve the child's emotional well-being. A last example
would be housing officers often work with healthcare professionals when
tenants are living in unsuitable or unsafe accommodation. For instance, if
someone with severe asthma is living in damp conditions, this can
severely damage their health. When agencies work together, they are
able to share relevant information (with consent), reduce duplication of
services, and form a complete picture of the individual’s needs. This helps
in creating a holistic care plan that takes into account not only the
person’s physical health but also their emotional well-being, social
situation, housing, and financial needs. Many different agencies may be
involved in providing care, such as NHS services (including hospitals, GPs,
psychologists), Local authority services (housing officers), and institutions
(schools and workplaces).
P6 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England
CCGs were groups set up by the NHS to plan and pay for healthcare
services in local areas. They were mainly made up of GPs, nurses, and
other health professionals who understood what their communities
needed. Their job was to make sure people had access to the right health
services, like hospital care, mental health support, or community clinics.
They aimed to use the money wisely and focus on what was best for
patients. CCGs helped meet individual needs by listening to people in the
community, making services more personal, and making sure everyone
got the care that suited them best. (NHS confederation, 2021)
P6 local authorities
Local authorities are part of the government that look after services like
social care, housing, and public health in a local area. When it comes to
social care, they help people who need extra support, like the elderly,
Page 1 of 38
,Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
people with disabilities, or carers, by providing things like home care, care
homes, or day centres. The team usually includes councillors and social
care staff who make decisions and organise support. They focus on
helping people live as independently as possible. Local authorities meet
individual needs by talking to people about their situation, finding out
what support they need, and working with other organisations to make
sure people get the right help. (access, 2024)
P6 health and wellbeing boards
Health and Wellbeing Boards are groups set up in local areas to bring
together organisations that plan and deliver health and social care
services. Their main aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of the
local population, reduce health inequalities, and make sure health and
social care services work well together. Members usually include
representatives from the local authority, NHS (such as public health and
clinical commissioning representatives), adult and children’s social care,
local councillors, and sometimes voluntary and community groups. They
work by looking at local health needs and deciding on shared priorities,
like mental health, support for carers, or tackling obesity. These boards
help meet individual needs by encouraging services to work together and
focus on people, not just systems.
in Patrick’s case, it seems the Health and Wellbeing Board in his area
might not be doing enough to support people living with HIV. Patrick and
James received support mainly through a sexual health advisor, a charity
(the Terence Higgins Trust), and their GP. For example, stigma around HIV
and worries about their landlord finding out show that more education and
advocacy in the community may be needed, which HWBs are supposed to
lead. Also, the lack of visible, ongoing multi-agency involvement from
social services or mental health teams means Patrick’s care might not be
as well-rounded or person-centred as it should be. This suggests that the
HWB isn’t effectively identifying or responding to the needs of people like
Patrick, who may be overlooked when it comes to long-term planning for
sexual health and HIV support in the local area. (GOV.UK, 2022)
P6 Common Assessment Framework (CAF)
The Common Assessment Framework is a structured approach used
mainly in children’s services to help identify and assess the needs of a
child or young person as early as possible. It is a shared tool that allows
professionals from different agencies, such as schools, social services,
health services, and youth organisations, to come together and create a
clear picture of a child’s needs and how best to support them. CAF aims to
provide early help by spotting concerns as soon as possible and putting
Page 2 of 38
,Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
the right support in place quickly. It avoids duplication of services and
ensures that the child or young people don’t have to keep repeating their
story to different professionals. The role of CAF includes assessing the full
range of a child’s needs, whether those are related to their health,
education, emotional wellbeing, or family situation, and then developing a
care or support plan. The people involved in the CAF process can include
teachers, social workers, youth workers, school nurses, and sometimes
voluntary sector workers. CAF helps to meet individual needs by making
sure the support provided is tailored to each child’s specific situation. By
bringing professionals together, the plan is more holistic and focused on
what will help the child thrive. It promotes early intervention, encourages
family involvement, and ensures the child’s voice is heard in the planning
process. This joined-up way of working ensures better outcomes and a
more positive experience for the child and their family. (Learning ladders,
n.d.)
P6 The National Eligibility Criteria (Care Act 2014)
The National Eligibility Criteria is a framework used in England to
determine whether an adult is eligible to receive care and support from
their local authority. It was introduced under the Care Act 2014 to ensure
that everyone is treated fairly and consistently when asking for help. The
criteria help professionals decide who qualifies for support, based on a
national set of rules, rather than leaving it to each local area to decide
differently. The National Eligibility Criteria aims to make the process of
accessing care and support clearer and fairer for everyone. It looks at how
a person’s needs affect their ability to carry out day-to-day activities, such
as washing, dressing, eating, maintaining relationships, and staying safe.
It also considers whether not receiving support would have a significant
impact on their well-being. The role of professionals such as social
workers, occupational therapists, and care assessors is to carry out
assessments using these criteria. They work with the individual to
understand their situation, explore what support is already in place, and
decide if more help is needed. The nationality eligibility criteria help to
promote individual needs, ensuring support is focused on an individual's
daily life and what restricts them and therefore requires support. It
ensures people can access help effectively and in a way tailored to meet
their specific needs.
In Patrick’s case, he may meet the eligibility threshold due to the
emotional and psychological impact of his recent HIV diagnosis. The
stress, anxiety, and lifestyle changes he is now facing affect his overall
well-being and could interfere with daily tasks like work, relationships, and
maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By working with professionals like a sexual
Page 3 of 38
, Olivia Slade
Unit 5 National Health and Social Care
health adviser, counsellor, and GP, Patrick is receiving tailored support. He
was offered counselling, has started treatment, and is also being guided
through housing support to address confidentiality concerns. These
services aim to support his mental and physical health while promoting
independence and emotional stability. In Brenda’s case, her long-term
mental health issues, combined with severe asthma, affect her ability to
manage basic daily tasks such as remembering to take medication,
maintaining her health, and living safely on her own. Brenda benefits from
a multi-agency care plan involving professionals like a GP, a psychiatric
nurse, asthma specialist. This team ensures her physical and mental
health needs are met in a way that supports her safety and quality of life.
Her preferences are respected, and accommodations are made (where
possible), such as ensuring female professionals attend visits when
possible and having her advocate involved in decision-making. In Maria’s
case, she experienced emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for
her mother. This pressure is affecting her ability to work and sleep, and
she’s become reliant on sleeping medication. Her GP recognised these
issues and referred her to a counsellor while also contacting social
services. After carrying out assessments, Maria began to receive help from
a community assistant and a night sitter, following further arrangements
for her mother to have access to an interpreter. Maria could also gain
support in her workplace and was granted compassionate leave, helping
her manage all her responsibilities while also prioritising herself and her
health. (Hendy, 2023)
P6 National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare
The National framework for NHS continuing healthcare ensures that
individuals with long-term complex health conditions receive the care and
support they need in a fair, consistent way. Its main aim is to provide
funding for people who need ongoing healthcare outside of a hospital
setting, such as in their own home or in a care home, with no cost to the
individual. This care might include nursing care, support with personal
care, or help with daily living, depending on the severity of the health
condition. The process of activating the framework begins with an
assessment, carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, using a decision
support tool to measure the levels of an individual's needs for things such
as mobility, mental health, and communication. If the individual, based on
the assessment, meets the criteria, the NHS will fund their full care. The
National framework for NHS continuing healthcare aims to meet individual
needs by making sure that care packages are tailored specifically for the
individual. This means care is tailored to what the individual needs rather
than offering all individuals the same service. It allows people to receive
care in the most appropriate setting for them, whether that’s their home,
Page 4 of 38
