The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss the future of neighbourhood health initiatives in Brent, review the outcomes of an independent assessment of the Brent Health Matters programme, and consider financial reports related to the Better Care Fund. The meeting will also cover forward planning for future agenda items.

Neighbourhood Health and Working in Neighbourhoods

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the implementation of the NHS Neighbourhood Health Framework and Brent's broader Working in Neighbourhoods (WIN) approach. The report on this topic aims to outline the goals and expectations of the framework, detailing how it will be integrated into Brent's existing WIN strategy. It will also highlight progress made to date in neighbourhood working within Brent and clarify the Health and Wellbeing Board's role in shaping, overseeing, and championing these efforts. Timelines and next steps for the development of local neighbourhood action plans are also scheduled to be presented.

The report notes that neighbourhood working is recognised nationally as a key model for improving population health, reducing inequalities, and delivering more integrated care. It aligns with the NHS 10-Year Plan's strategic shifts towards community-based care, prevention, and digital services. Brent has already established foundations for this approach, including neighbourhood leadership arrangements and the development of draft action plans. Harlesden is highlighted as a test-and-learn site for integrated multidisciplinary working, with learnings intended to inform a wider rollout across other Brent neighbourhoods. The Board will be asked to confirm its role in overseeing the delivery of the NHS Neighbourhood Health Framework and the development of local action plans, as well as to note the current position on Brent's neighbourhood geographies and the timelines for action plan development.

LGA Independent Review of Brent Health Matters

The Board is scheduled to consider the findings of an independent peer review of the Brent Health Matters (BHM) programme, conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). The report details that BHM was established in 2020 in response to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Brent. The review's headline conclusion was that BHM continues to successfully reach residents who do not typically engage with formal services, and that this remains a key priority for Brent in addressing the wider determinants of health.

However, the review also identified areas for improvement. These include embedding BHM more effectively within neighbourhood working, increasing individual and family support, consolidating the existing grants programme, involving the voluntary sector more in the design and implementation of neighbourhood support, and reviewing the clinical aspects of the model to avoid duplication. An action plan in response to these recommendations is attached, which aims to align BHM staff and resources into neighbourhoods, boost one-to-one support, develop relational working skills, ensure stronger connections with other community-based roles, and review the strategic focus of BHM's clinical resources. The Board will be asked to note the LGA peer review report and endorse the headline action plan.

Better Care Fund Overview and Forward Planning

The meeting agenda includes several items related to the Better Care Fund (BCF). Firstly, there will be an overview of the BCF and the Health and Wellbeing Board's role in ratifying it. Secondly, the Board will review the End of Year position for the BCF 2025-26. This report presents the end-of-year submission to NHS England and seeks formal ratification from the Board for the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy to have signed off the report to meet national deadlines. The report indicates that Brent successfully met all National Conditions and that expenditure was in line with the agreed plan, with variances balanced overall.

Thirdly, the Board will consider the proposed plans for the Better Care Fund for 2026-27. This report provides an update on the planning process for the 2026-27 BCF Plan, which was developed jointly with the West and North London Integrated Care Board (W&NL ICB) and submitted to NHS England. The plan largely maintains existing investment and service arrangements but reflects a longer-term strategic direction towards integrated neighbourhood working and prevention. The Board will be asked to formally approve the 2026-27 BCF Plan.

Forward Planning

Finally, the Board will engage in forward planning to discuss and agree any future agenda items.