A meeting at DH on our A+E plans.

Disappointing, but some constructive discussion was had, but frankly, we need to do more if we are to avoid a winter crisis in our NHS. I am not convinced that the department of health is currently aware of the potential of the voluntary sector’s offer to help. We will continue to push at all levels of government to encourage them to act on it now. I did get a feeling that there is some movement, particularly in their promise to review the plans of the target 53 hospitals to see if any of them have looked at their role our sector can play.

We will be meeting with Jeremy Hunt in two weeks so that they can update us on any progress and on the discussions they have had about  our offer and we will continue to discuss this matter with Number 10.I'm suggesting a big Summit to see how our sector can be used to tackle the looming A+E crisis.

Now it’s back to dear ACEVO and our annual conference taking place tomorrow. Tonight it’s our annual dinner where we will hear from Lisa Nandy, the shadow civil society minister and Sir Bert Massey introducing our leadership awards.

In the build up to the dinner the Guardian have published a think piece. Read it here. A clarion call to protect and cherish our campaigning role.