Aims of the NEAC
Structure of the NEAC
The participation of Local Authority and PCT Commissioners
The involvement of their important partners

The aims and values of the NEAC

The consortium exists in order to encourage the development of person centred care and support packages which;

• Meet the complex needs of individuals with ASC and Aspergers Syndrome

• Help to create a variety of community connections and friendships

• Are designed to meet the aspirations, of people  and their families

Some Commissioners and Service Providers are already  working together to successfully design individualised, cost effective packages which start to address the challenges of the ‘Personalisation Agenda’ in a national economic climate which is in decline.  Other Commissioners and Service Providers struggle to modernise their practices and respond to change.  The NEAC has influence, as a platform for debate, and as a network which can spread good practice around our region.
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The participation of Local Authority and PCT Commissioners

Local Authority and PCT commissioners from all of the 12 organisations participate in the Consortium, by attending regular ASDG meetings and feeding back examples of modern commissioning approaches and good practice.

They also attend NEAC Board meetings 3 or 4 times a year along with other stakeholders and experts. This forum  operates as a regional advisory group for services for people with autism and Aspergers, and is chaired by an ADASS Representative, Nicola Bailey, Director of Adult and Community Services, Hartlepool Borough Council.
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The involvement of their important partners

Other professional partners provide information, advice and ideas which support the consortiums’ work.  These partners work in fields such as Housing, Education, Mental Health services, The Probation Service and Specialist Providers from the Third Sector.

They attend ASDG meetings, but levels of engagement vary throughout the year around the region.  ASDG chairs review their membership in order to identify ‘missing partners’.  They agree with their group members how best to engage with them.  This aspect of the Consortium still needs to be developed.

People with ASC and their families had been under-represented within the Consortium until stakeholder events were held last year.  Individuals were given opportunities to describe their personal experiences and recurring issues and themes were included in the sub regional action plans.  The ASDGs involved stakeholders in discussions regarding the priorities in their area which also needed to be included in their action plans.
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The regional structure of the NEAC

A JIP Project Board has been created to deliver the plans and meet the requirements of the JIP project.  The region has had four Autism Service Development Groups (ASDG) since the NEAC was formed.  These subgroups have their own priorities and plans, and the chairs now form the JIP Project Board to encourage mutual support, collective planning and coherence across the region.

The NEAC retains its role and acts as an advisory forum, but reports will be presented at meetings regarding the progress of the JIP project.  Information on incoming polices and good practice will be shared at the meetings and events organised by the consortium.  Information will be disseminated to stakeholders and other interested parties via the NEAC website.