Discovery report: a review of Healthwatch Leeds and a future 'independent voice organisations'
This report was prepared to support a Steering Group that was undertaking a review of Healthwatch Leeds and exploring what a future 'independent people's voice organisations' in Leeds could look like.
Review of Healthwatch Leeds and a future independent people's voices organisation
Published 8 May 2026
Written by Sue Hoey
The report brings together feedback from a wide range of people, including members of the public, partner organisations, senior leaders in health and care, third-sector organisations and involvement leads. This feedback was gathered through surveys, interviews and workshops.
People were asked what they valued about the work Healthwatch Leeds' currently does, what they thought could be improved and what new areas of work might be important in the future.
This report highlights the main themes to consider when shaping a future independent voice organisation, as well as improving more widely how people's views are heard across Leeds.
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If you would like the report in another format, please contact us on 0113 898 0035 or email the team at info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk
For a future independent voice organisation
It is essential that the organisation is independent and impartial.
People want to see the continuation of the valued work currently delivered by Healthwatch Leeds, alongside opportunities to grow and develop new roles.
The organisation should be recognised as an equal partner within the Provider Partnership, a new health and care structure in Leeds.
For people's voice work across Leeds
People's views and experiences should be at the heart of decision-making.
Listening to people about health and care should be joined-up, not treated separately.
There needs to be better coordination across organisations, with a clearer understanding of different roles, especially within the third sector.
More effort is needed to hear from marginalised and underrepresented communities.
People should receive better feedback about how their views have made a difference.
Services should be designed with people from the very beginning, and throughout.
Existing data should be used more effectively, avoiding duplication and valuing both numbers (quantitative data) and experiences (qualitative data).
Listening should happen both across the whole city and within local communities, in line with neighbourhood health priorities.