The Health and Wellbeing Board of Redbridge Council met on Monday 13 July 2015, but the meeting was inquorate and therefore no formal decisions could be made. Discussions focused on progress reports for various health and social care initiatives, including the health needs of children experiencing sexual exploitation, the Joint Health and Social Care Self-Assessment Framework, and early help needs assessments. The Board also received presentations on the Redbridge Vision Strategy and the draft Redbridge Prevention & Early Intervention Strategy.

Progress Report: Audit of the Health Needs of Children Who Have Experienced Child Sexual Exploitation

A progress report was presented on an audit of the health needs of children and young people in Redbridge who have experienced or are at risk of child sexual exploitation. The audit aimed to identify health needs recorded on the local child health system, RiO, to inform commissioners and service providers. It was noted that children misusing drugs or alcohol, disabled children, and those requiring early intervention are particularly at risk. The report was noted by the Board.

Joint Health and Social Care Self-Assessment Framework (JHSCSAF) 2014 Outcomes

The Board received an update on the outcomes of the Joint Health and Social Care Self-Assessment Framework, which assesses the performance of services supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. Redbridge self-assessed 13 measures as 'Green' (54%), 10 as 'Amber' (42%), and one as 'Red' (4%). The 'Red' rating related to the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) carrying out less than 90% of service reviews for service users within the last 12 months. An action plan has been developed to address the 'Amber' and 'Red' rated areas, and NELFT is taking steps to improve the number of reviews conducted. The Board noted that there was an improvement in some areas compared to the previous year's assessment.

Early Help Needs Assessment: Emerging Findings

A report was presented on the progress and emerging findings of the Early Help Needs Assessment, which focuses on the changing needs of families and children aged 0-25 in Redbridge. The assessment aims to inform the commissioning and planning of health services from a preventative and early intervention approach. Emerging findings indicate an increasing number of children with complex needs, a decreased capacity within universal services to identify early signs of additional needs, and significant pressure on some targeted specialist health services. The Board noted that the work is ongoing and a full report will be presented later in the year.

Redbridge Vision Strategy Report

Sharon Schaffer, Development and Vision Strategy Manager from East London Vision (Elvis), presented the Redbridge Vision Strategy. The strategy, developed from the work of The Thomas Pocklington Trust and the UK Vision Strategy, aims to ensure that eye health and sight loss are on the health and wellbeing agenda and that the needs of people with a vision impairment are met. The Redbridge Vision Strategy Group has been meeting for three years and published its strategy in November 2013, with an action plan adopted in January 2014. Tangible results include the inclusion of vision impairment in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Update 2014, the updating of the Vision Impairment Register, and the establishment of ActivEyes Redbridge, a peer support charity. The strategy is due to be refreshed in early 2016. The Board noted the report and presentation.

Redbridge Prevention & Early Intervention Strategy

Julie Fanning, Executive Policy Adviser for Adult Social Services, presented the draft Redbridge Prevention & Early Intervention Strategy. This refreshed strategy replaces the previous one, which expired in 2014, and aligns with the duties laid out in the Care Act 2014 and the Children & Families Act 2014. The strategy reflects priorities identified in the Redbridge Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and other national and local plans. The Board was asked to endorse the strategy, which aims to enable residents to improve their health and wellbeing. The Board noted the report and presentation.

Board Governance Arrangements for 2015/16

The Board considered its governance arrangements for 2015-16, including its Terms of Reference and Membership. It was suggested that the Board should review its terms of reference with a view to considering the use of substitutes to prevent future inquorate meetings. The report was noted.

Work Programme (Forward Plan) for the Health and Wellbeing Board 2015-16

The Work Programme for the Health and Wellbeing Board for 2015-16 was noted. Consideration will be given to moving the Local Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report and the Mental Health and Counselling Report to later meetings.