The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss neighbourhood health updates, review the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and consider annual reports from the Safeguarding Children's Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board. Key discussions also focused on the SEND Futures Plan and the Board's work programme.

Neighbourhood Health Update

The Board received an update on the progress of neighbourhood health initiatives in Richmond. This work is described as the next stage of established partnership working, building on existing integrated services and priorities, rather than a new organisation. The £250,000 Neighbourhood Delivery Fund is supporting practical work, including musculoskeletal services and an integrated digital directory for social prescribing. New investment in frailty aims to strengthen the entire pathway, from prevention to recovery at home. The Health and Wellbeing Board's role in this area is to provide strategic direction, ensure system alignment, offer challenge and assurance, and maintain public accountability. The Board noted the established foundations, governance arrangements, and progress, endorsing the move from programme development to neighbourhood delivery. They also agreed to receive regular assurance updates from the Kingston and Richmond Places Provider Alliance.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Midpoint Review

A midpoint review of Richmond's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, 18 Steps to Health and Wellbeing, was presented. The review assessed progress, considered changes in the health and care landscape, and proposed a refreshed approach to reporting. The strategy, structured around Start Well, Live Well, and Age Well, has seen positive progress in areas such as mental health support in schools, climate and air quality action, and frailty programmes. However, challenges remain, including childhood obesity and adult flu vaccination rates for at-risk groups. The review highlighted the need for future reporting to focus on changes for residents, improvements or worsening of inequalities, and any required action or support from the Board. Key risks identified include changes to Integrated Care Board capacity and roles, and the ongoing parliamentary review of the Health Bill, which may lead to neighbourhood health plans replacing Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategies. The Board endorsed the refreshed reporting approach and championed the continued role of system leads and sponsors.

SEND Futures Plan Update

An update on Richmond's SEND Futures Plan was provided, outlining progress in improving outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The plan is being updated to incorporate the SEND Reform Plan, with a revised SEND Futures Plan to be launched. Progress has been made in therapy provision, with a system spend of £11 million identified across Kingston and Richmond, and discussions have begun on investing in early intervention. Annual Review dashboards have improved the timeliness of reviews. Expansion of specialist school places at Clarendon School and Strathmore School is nearing completion. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of proposed Integrated Care Board (ICB) restructure on SEND services and a notable rise in transport requests and appeals. The Board noted the progress with the implementation of the SEND Futures Plan and the transition as the Local Area SEND Reform Plan is incorporated into the revised plan.

Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership Annual Report 2025-2026

The annual report of the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership (KRSCP) was presented. The partnership brings together multi-agency partners responsible for safeguarding children, including the local authority, ICB, and police. The report highlights progress in areas such as responding to technology-facilitated harm, embedding anti-racist safeguarding approaches, and safeguarding unborn and newborn babies. The partnership has strengthened multi-agency working, conducted audits, and delivered extensive training. The report also emphasises the importance of children's lived experiences and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. The Board noted the report for information.

Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report

The annual report of the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board for 2025-2026 was presented, assuring the Board that safeguarding arrangements in Richmond remain effective and are supported by strong partnership working. The report highlights that 99% of identified outcomes from safeguarding reviews were fully or partially achieved, with the majority of individuals reporting feeling safe. The Board noted the information regarding safeguarding activities and the assurance provided on the effectiveness of services. They recognised the contribution of safeguarding partnership activity to delivering the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, particularly in relation to prevention, reducing inequalities, and supporting vulnerable residents. The Board also agreed to the proportionate use of neighbourhood health planning and place-based partnership arrangements to share intelligence and support joint prevention activities.

Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme

The Board reviewed its proposed work programme, which includes planned meetings and seminars. Members were invited to suggest future items for discussion. A seminar is planned for January 2027 focusing on targeted support for the Health and Wellbeing Board. Other proposed seminar topics include women's health, neighbourhood health, and the future of patient voice. The Board noted the proposed work programme items.