The Health & Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 28 January 2026 was set to cover a broad range of topics aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Croydon residents. Key discussions were planned around the delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a focus on monitoring outcomes and implementing new neighbourhood health initiatives. The board was also scheduled to review updates on creative health programmes, an anti-racism work programme, and the Better Care Fund, alongside the annual reports from Healthwatch Croydon and future plans for patient engagement.

Delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, JSNA - Joint Outcome Monitoring Framework

A significant item on the agenda was the presentation of the Joint Outcome Monitoring Framework (JOMF). This framework has been developed collaboratively by system partners to ensure alignment in monitoring progress against the priorities outlined in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024–2029. The JOMF aims to consolidate key indicators into a high-level overview, enabling the Board to oversee system performance and drive improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes. It is intended to inform future updates to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and support evidence-based decision-making. The report recommended the publishing of the JOMF on the Croydon Observatory, with annual reviews and future reports on the JOMF and JSNA to be presented to the Board.

Healthy, Safe and Well-Connected Neighbourhoods and Communities

Under the theme of Healthy, Safe and Well-Connected Neighbourhoods and Communities, several reports were scheduled for discussion:

Neighbourhood Health and Care: National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) and planning for 2026/27

This report provided a strategic update on Croydon's involvement in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme. It detailed Croydon's role, progress, and next steps in delivering the programme, including early learnings and system-wide implications. The programme aims to build on existing local approaches to joined-up, proactive, and preventative multi-disciplinary team working within Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. Planning for 2026/27 was also to be discussed, with priorities including improving access for GP practices, focusing on high-priority cohorts such as those with frailty or in care homes, and establishing integrated neighbourhood teams.

Creative Health Evaluation Insights

This report offered an update on the development, initial evaluation, and future potential of the Creative Health Programme, which had been running for 15 months. Initiated by the Council's Public Health and Culture, Leisure, Libraries teams, the programme supports evidence-based creative interventions designed to improve the health of communities at risk of health inequalities. The programme operates across four strands: the Creative Health Network, community grants, targeted interventions, and advocating for the sector. Initial evaluations indicated that the programme is successfully reaching communities at risk of health inequalities and positively impacting residents' mental health and wellbeing.

Anti-Racism Work Programme

The report outlined the strategic approach for developing and implementing a comprehensive anti-racism framework for Croydon. This work is highlighted as a priority within the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, aiming to address systemic barriers and promote equity. The report recommended that the Health and Wellbeing Board approve the co-development of an anti-racism vision and position statement, the design of a governance and accountability framework, and the development of a five-year anti-racism programme of work and action plan. Wider workshop sessions were also proposed to engage partners and communities in informing this programme.

Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Update

This update provided information on Croydon's Community Hubs and their role in neighbourhood health initiatives. Community Hubs are presented as a transformative approach to improving population health and reducing health inequalities by focusing on relationships, local strengths, and resident-led action. The update highlighted how these hubs bridge the gap between the VCFS and health services, fostering increased social support networks and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Community Safety Draft Strategy

This item was listed as To Follow, indicating that the report was not yet available at the time of the agenda's publication.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 Quarter 2 Submission

A report detailing the Better Care Fund Quarter 2 Submission for 2025-26 was presented. This submission ensures that both national and local governance requirements are met. The report highlighted that expenditure was on track, although there was an underspend within the Disabled Facilities Grant. While most metrics remained on track, there was a noted issue with residential admissions not being on track, for which mitigation actions were in place. The Board was asked to ratify the submission to NHS England.

Healthwatch Croydon Annual Report 2024-2025

This report introduced Healthwatch Croydon's Annual Report for the period of 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. The report summarises the work undertaken by the organisation, which acts as Croydon's local health and social care champion, ensuring residents' voices are heard by decision-makers. The annual report detailed projects focusing on the experiences of neurodiverse residents, the role of the voluntary sector, community diagnostic services, virtual wards, reablement and intermediate care services, and eye care services. It also highlighted engagement with seldom-heard communities and information and signposting services provided.

Healthwatch Croydon Briefing on Proposed Future Arrangements for Patient Engagement

This briefing paper summarised proposed changes to the Healthwatch network, stemming from the Department of Health and Social Care's 10-year Health Plan and the Dash Review. The proposals include transferring Healthwatch England's responsibilities to the DHSC, ending the requirement to commission local Healthwatch organisations, and instead requiring Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities to ensure the delivery of patient voice and engagement activity. The briefing raised concerns about the potential impact on the independence of patient voice, the integration of health and social care feedback, and the engagement of seldom-heard communities.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

The Board was presented with its Forward Plan, which outlines the workplan for future meetings and identifies items for discussion. This is a live document, regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the Board addresses its requirements. The plan detailed upcoming reports and discussions for Board meetings throughout 2025 and 2026, covering a range of strategic health and wellbeing priorities.

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, the minutes of the previous meeting, and the disclosure of interests. A slot for public questions was also allocated, with questions to be submitted in advance. The agenda concluded with a section for the exclusion of the press and public for any items involving the likely disclosure of exempt information.