Power in Partnership: From Networks to Neighbourhoods

Nottingham CityCare Partnership and Nottingham City General Practice Alliance (NCGPA) welcomed colleagues from across the healthcare system on Thursday 15 January 2026 for ‘Power in Partnership: From Networks to Neighbourhoods’ — a joint event designed to spark conversation, strengthen relationships, and deepen collaboration across Nottingham’s neighbourhoods. 

Held at the Jubilee Hotel and Conference Centre, the event brought together leaders, clinicians, and partners across the ICS to explore how integrated neighbourhood working can help improve population health, reduce inequalities and enhance patient and community experience. 

The evening began with a warm welcome from Dr Nicole Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Nottingham CityCare, and Jo Dennis, Chief Executive Officer of NCGPA. 

Nicole encouraged attendees to reflect on the personal motivations that bring people into partnership work: 

“As you listen tonight, think about your why — why partnership and neighbourhood working matter to you.” 

She also highlighted the shared mission guiding the event, noting that “we can only deliver excellence in neighbourhood health by working together.” 

Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director of NHS England, provided a national overview of the direction and ambition for integrated neighbourhood working across England. 

The event also featured presentations from a panel of leading voices in neighbourhood and system working: 

• Dr Manik Arora, Local Implementation Coach, National Neighbourhood Health Programme 

• Dr Andrew Foster, Deputy Clinical Director, Nottingham City PBP 

• Anthony May, Chief Executive, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 

Speakers focused on the opportunities ahead for neighbourhood working, touching on key themes such as: 

• Progress so far and the need to go further 

• The importance of shared pathways 

• Empowerment and collaboration 

• Opportunities through new ways of working 

• Commitment to partnership 

Following the presentations, a panel Q&A session explored practical questions around leadership, workforce, data and delivery.  

Attendees then took part in table‑top discussions, contributing ideas and insights that will inform future partnership work. These conversations demonstrated the value of bringing diverse voices together to shape the future of neighbourhood delivery. 

To close the evening, Nic and Jo thanked colleagues for their contributions and reaffirmed both organisations’ commitment to building stronger, more integrated neighbourhood models across Nottingham. 

Reflecting on the evening, Jo Dennis, Chief Executive of NCGPA, described Power in Partnership as “more than an event. It is a clear statement of intent. By bringing partners together across the system, the session demonstrated what is possible when organisations work with shared purpose and mutual respect. 

“With continued openness, curiosity and courage, the partnership has the potential to create neighbourhoods that truly transform care delivery: places where collaboration feels natural, decisions are made closer to the people they affect, and communities experience meaningful improvement.” 

Jo welcomed this moment as both exciting and hopeful and reaffirmed her pride in general practice being at the table, shaping the future alongside system partners. 

The event marked an exciting step forward in strengthening relationships between Nottingham CityCare Partnership, Nottingham City General Practice Alliance, and wider partners. The insights, reflections and ideas shared throughout the evening will help drive the next phase of collaborative neighbourhood working across Nottingham.