The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss key updates on the council's health and wellbeing strategy, adult social care, and changes to integrated care governance. Decisions were made to update the Board's terms of reference, endorse the approach to engaging with the national Big Conversation on Care, and note the progress and challenges of the Better Care Fund.

Board Membership and Terms of Reference

The Board agreed to update its terms of reference to enhance its effectiveness and inclusivity. Key changes include the addition of a housing directorate officer representative, clarification of voting rights to allow all members except paid council officials to vote, and a quorum set at two elected members and two partner representatives. Representation from the voluntary and community sector will be strengthened with requests for involvement from Lewisham Black Voluntary Network, Age UK, and Lewisham Local. The Board also formally agreed to allow substitutes to attend and vote with advance notice.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Update: Housing and Health / Health in All Policies

The Board received an update on the first year of the Lewisham Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030, focusing on housing and health. Progress has been made in establishing a damp and mould pathway, informed by best practice and Awaab's Law requirements. A joint health and housing working protocol is being refreshed, and a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach is being embedded, starting with a workshop involving senior housing and public health staff. Initiatives to address the needs of families in temporary accommodation are underway, including training on safer sleeping and the planning of a multi-agency group. Work is also progressing on data integration research to support housing planning and compliance with Awaab's Law, alongside efforts to increase health check uptake and improve extreme weather preparedness. The Board noted the latest Local Government Outcomes Framework data, which shows improvements in healthy life expectancy and reductions in alcohol-specific mortality, but also highlights ongoing challenges with life expectancy inequalities, childhood obesity, and under-18 conception rates.

Adult Social Care: CQC Inspection and Big Conversation on Care

The Board noted the outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care in Lewisham, which found the service to be just short of a Good rating. Strengths were identified in safeguarding, supporting people to lead healthier lives, and learning and improvement. Areas for development include addressing delays in assessments and reviews, ensuring greater involvement of individuals in care decisions, improving support for unpaid carers, and ensuring people with complex needs can access timely support. An action plan is being developed to address these findings, incorporating existing programmes of work. The Board endorsed the approach to engage residents in the national Big Conversation on Care, led by Baroness Louise Casey, to gather views on the future of adult social care reform. This engagement will utilise various communication channels to reach a diverse range of residents, including those who are digitally excluded.

ICB Changes: Proposed Lewisham Local Health and Care Partnership Governance Changes

The Board endorsed proposed changes to the governance arrangements for the Lewisham Health and Care Partnership (LHCP) to align with national NHS reforms and the development of a new Neighbourhood Health and Care Service. The current LHCP Board will be disestablished, with its functions distributed across the Health and Wellbeing Board, a new Joint Commissioning Group, and the Integrated Neighbourhood Committee. The Health and Wellbeing Board will assume responsibilities for partnership, strategic planning, and oversight, aligning with its existing role. The proposed changes aim to reduce duplication, ensure decisions are made at the most appropriate level, and enhance collaboration between local organisations. Concerns were raised regarding potential reductions in transparency with the loss of public meetings, but assurances were given that engagement and reporting mechanisms would be strengthened.

Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2026–27. Lewisham's BCF plan has been approved by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. Performance data for April and May indicated challenges in meeting targets for emergency admissions for those over 65 and discharge delays, although performance improved by June. Care home admissions data suggests performance is not on track. Lewisham has been successful in securing support through the BCF Support Programme, which will provide tailored assistance for delivering the Neighbourhood Health Framework, supporting unpaid carers during hospital discharge, and home-based intermediate care. The Board noted the ongoing performance monitoring and the commitment to a whole-system approach to address challenges.

During the meeting, Ceri Jacob, Place Executive Lead for Lewisham ICB, was thanked for their contributions as they are retiring.