The Health and Wellbeing Board of Doncaster Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of important public health matters. The agenda included an annual report on the Board's activities, an update on the Better Care Fund, and strategies for addressing dementia, health inequalities, and the health of minority communities in Doncaster.

Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report 2025-2026

The Board was scheduled to consider the Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report was intended to provide an overview of the Board's work over the past year, highlighting its alignment with the Health and Wellbeing Strategy's priorities and demonstrating how resident voices have informed discussions and decisions. The report was expected to detail case studies and activities that reflect the Board's commitment to reducing inequalities and supporting healthier, longer lives for Doncaster residents. The Board was asked to endorse this annual report.

Better Care Fund

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026-27. The report presented outlined how the BCF plan aims to ensure more integrated care, with a focus on prevention and early help to support residents in remaining independent. The plan detailed how neighbourhood teams would deliver health, care, and community support closer to home, and how hospital discharge processes would be made smoother. The report also addressed the rationale for setting goals related to non-elective admissions and delayed discharges, and how progress would be monitored. The recommendation was for Board members to note the report and formally endorse the plan for 2026-27.

Community Centred - Neighbourhood Health Model

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the Neighbourhood Health Model and the role of the Health and Wellbeing Board in its implementation. Following the publication of national guidance, the Board was to be informed about current submissions to the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and ongoing engagement activities. The Neighbourhood Health arrangements are intended to be a key mechanism for delivering integrated, place-based priorities and supporting the strategic aims of the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Board was asked to note the update, approve identified actions, and continue to provide oversight of neighbourhood health, including the development of neighbourhood health centres.

Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy

The Board was scheduled to consider the Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy 2026-2031. This strategy, co-produced with individuals living with dementia and their carers, aims to address the increasing prevalence of dementia in Doncaster. The report highlighted the recognised risk factors for dementia and identified specific groups disproportionately affected. The strategy outlines seven priority areas, including leading and living well, preventing dementia, timely diagnosis, and providing comprehensive support for individuals and their carers. The Board was asked to agree and influence greater system involvement and backing for the strategy's delivery, advocate for a dementia-friendly city, and promote greater partnership alignment.

Evidence Informed - HDRC Impact Report

The Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Doncaster Impact Report was presented to the Board. This report showcased how HDRC Doncaster's approach aims to foster an evidence-rich culture within local government, influencing decision-making and improving lives. Three case studies were presented demonstrating how evidence directly supports the Health and Wellbeing Board's priorities, grounded in resident voice: the Women's Health Initiative, work on Gambling Harms, and the Ageing Friendly Survey. The Board was asked to consider how these evidence-informed approaches could be systematically embedded into its work and the decision-making processes of its members.

DBTH Health Inequalities Strategy

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH) presented its work to tackle health inequalities across Doncaster and Bassetlaw. This directly contributes to all three of the Health and Wellbeing Board's strategic areas of focus. The report detailed the Trust's equity-focused workstreams, including those addressing women's and children's health, improving access for older and deprived populations, and its anchor institution commitments. The Board was asked to note DBTH's progress, reaffirm its commitment to tackling health inequalities as a system-wide priority, and support improved cross-organisation sharing of population health data.

Annual Report on Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster, 2026

The Board was scheduled to receive an annual update on the progress, challenges, and support needed for the Minority Health Action Plan. This plan outlines a coordinated, system-wide approach to improving the health and reducing inequalities among Doncaster's minority communities. The report covered themes including leadership, healthcare access, adult social care, translation services, data, community development, Citizens Advice, and RDASH contributions. The Board was asked to note the progress and challenges, and endorse the recommendations for improving the health of minority populations in Doncaster.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting also included consideration of the Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report 2025-2026, the Better Care Fund, the Community Centred - Neighbourhood Health Model, the Team Doncaster Dementia Strategy, the Evidence Informed - HDRC Impact Report, the DBTH Health Inequalities Strategy, and the Annual Report on Improving the Health of Minority Communities in Doncaster.

The next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled for Thursday, 3 September 2026.