Agenda item

To update the board on the output from the development session, held to consider next steps in updating the strategy. The over-riding message from board members was to focus more on practical actions to improve prevention and integration through the place-based partnership, with a light touch refresh of the HWB strategy. This paper proposes some areas for board members to consider, along with next steps for developing the partnership.

The Director of Public Health presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

A development session was held in December 2023 to discuss approaches to refreshing the strategy. Members considered the draft findings of the JSNA, the council’s corporate strategy, and the overarching aims of the integrated care system strategy, Working Better Together.

Feedback from the session recognised the need for a focus on action, especially getting clarity on priority work programmes for the emerging place-based partnership. The existing strategy’s themes were broad enough to serve as a framework. Members felt the emphasis should be on action through the place-based partnership rather than spending time refreshing the strategy.

Members recognised their leadership role in supporting a strong place-based partnership. The Board would offer a lead governance role to the partnership, to enable delivery, championing early help and prevention.

The purpose of the report was to update the board on the output from the development session held to consider next steps in updating the strategy. The over-riding message from board members was to focus more on practical actions to improve prevention and integration through the place-based partnership, with a light touch refresh of the HWB strategy. The report proposed some areas for the Board to consider, along with next steps for developing the partnership.

The Board discussed the report and comments were made, including:

• A Board Member was pleased that both reports presented at the meeting had highlighted issues around local housing including its affordability, lack of provision and the impact that had on the health and wellbeing of people.
• In response about a concern regarding avoiding duplication of work, the Board was advised of the operating system being worked on by the Integrated Care Board and the Board’s responsibility in challenging and holding place based partners to account.
• The Board was advised of the mapping work being undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership and the reasons for it.  A Board Member advised of the potential to link that work in with the Access to Community Support Service project which included a digital service finder mapping services and activities in voluntary and community services.
• There was some discussion about how the output of the development session could be progressed further into tangible actions and the need for the Board to communicate and engage with stakeholders and public was highlighted.
• The Corporate Director for Wellbeing welcomed the Board’s views on the report and detailed the next steps which included bringing a more detailed action plan and ambitions to the next meeting.
• The Board was also advised of the ongoing work regarding Integrated Neighbourhood Teams which included a working group of stakeholders and two pilot areas within BCP.
• The Director of Public Health acknowledged the need to be more explicit in the partnership working and engagement and advised the Board a draft strategy and more detailed delivery plan could come back for consideration at the next meeting of the Board. It was also highlighted to check whether public consultation would be needed. ACTION.

It is RECOMMENDED that:

1) Board members support the proposed approach to the strategy – i.e. light touch refresh with a clear focus on priorities for the place-based partnership workplan.

2) Members discuss and agree the next steps in developing the Board’s lead governance role in relation to the place based partnership