The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss the Director of Public Health's Annual Report on Food Justice, the draft Sexual Health and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy for 2025-2030, and the mid-point review of the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-28. Key decisions included the approval of the Food Justice Plan and the Sexual Health Strategy, and the endorsement of the approach to refreshing the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Food Justice in Lambeth

The Board received the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, Food at the Heart of Lambeth – A Food Justice Plan 06a_DPH Annual report Food Justice.pdf. Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health, presented the report, highlighting that food justice recognises food as a right, with everyone deserving access to nutritious, affordable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food. The report detailed the significant issue of food insecurity in Lambeth, with a growing proportion of residents experiencing very low food security. Social and economic inequalities, including disability, unemployment, and living in social housing, were identified as key risk factors. The report also outlined actions taken to promote a healthy and sustainable food system, such as the Lambeth Food Partnership and initiatives in schools, alongside a comprehensive Food Justice Action Plan 06b_Lambeth Food-Justice-Action-Plan-2025-2030.pdf. The Board noted the report and the associated plan as a live, co-produced document supporting the implementation of food justice work in the borough.

New Sexual Health Strategy Approved

The Board approved the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy (2025-2030) 07_Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy.pdf. Nancy Padwick, Strategic Lead for Sexual Health, and Jessica Engen, Consultant in Public Health, presented the strategy, which aims to improve sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing across the five boroughs. The strategy is built on four themes: healthy relationships, improving reproductive health, reducing STIs, and preventing and living well with HIV. It emphasises a focus on prevention, reducing inequalities, and providing accessible services, particularly for those with the highest needs. The strategy was developed following extensive engagement with residents and stakeholders, with 81% of respondents to the consultation agreeing with its vision and priorities. The Board also noted the Lambeth Local Action Plan for 2025-2026 07b_Lambeth SRH HIV Strategy Action Plan.pdf.

Refresh of Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The Board considered the interim findings of the mid-point review of the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-28 09_Health and Wellbeing Strategy Review.pdf and approved the proposed approach for its refresh. Ethan Williams and Rachel Scantlebury, Consultants in Public Health, presented the findings, which highlighted issues with the current metrics used to track progress, including data quality and accessibility. The review also considered the national and local policy context, including the Government's 10 Year Health Plan and the Local Government Outcomes Framework. The proposed approach includes further stakeholder and public engagement, the development of updated metrics and reporting mechanisms, and consideration of the Board's evolving role in light of national reforms.

Governance Review Update

Alex Jackson, Lambeth Together Programme Lead, provided an update on the governance review of the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Board and the Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board 08_Health and Care Reform HWB and LTCPB governance review and Strategy and Plan approval process.pdf. The review aims to align the work of the two boards, enable more agile place-based working, and streamline planning structures. The Board noted the progress and provided input on the governance review, ahead of its implementation in the financial year 2026/27. They also noted the progress on the annual refresh of Our Health, Our Lambeth 2023-28 and the associated 2026/27 annual action plan.

Better Care Fund Reports

The Board ratified decisions made under Chair's Action regarding the Better Care Fund (BCF) Quarter 2 and 3 reports for 2025-26 04_Better Care Fund.pdf. Jane Bowie, Director of Integrated Commissioning, explained that these reports were statutory requirements and had been submitted to the National Team prior to the meeting.

Director of Public Health Quarterly Report

Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health, presented the Quarter 3 and 4 report 05_Director of Public Health report Q2.pdf, providing an overview of activities undertaken by the Public Health team and its partners. Key highlights included progress on the refresh of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, work on the Best Start in Life theme, community outreach through the Health and Wellbeing Bus, and efforts to improve childhood immunisation uptake. The Board noted the report.