The Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Partnership meeting scheduled for Tuesday 27 January 2026 was set to cover updates on key health initiatives, including a blood pressure exemplar theme, a strategic overview of tobacco dependency, and an update on employment support programmes. The meeting also included arrangements for NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) clustering.

Update on the Blood Pressure Exemplar Theme

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on the Blood Pressure Exemplar Theme, which is one of three exemplar themes within the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Strategy. The ambition for this theme is to increase the prevention and early identification of high blood pressure, and to support individuals with a diagnosis to manage their condition effectively. The approach outlined in the report pack involves a multi-pronged strategy informed by population health management (PHM) data. National ambitions, published in 2019, aim for 80% of people with high blood pressure to be diagnosed and 80% of those diagnosed to be treated to target by 2029. Current performance in Gloucestershire is noted as 69% for diagnosis and 65.7% for treatment to target.

The report pack detailed various projects and partnerships aimed at improving blood pressure management. These include initiatives with organisations such as Fair Shares, Freedom Leisure, Gloucester Rugby Foundation, Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Brockworth Link, Cheltenham Blood Pressure Partnership, The Churn Project, and Elmbridge Together. A specific project highlighted is The TRY Project, a community-led intervention in the Forest of Dean designed to prevent, detect, and manage hypertension, particularly targeting working-age men through rugby clubs. This project involves community co-design, training volunteer Heart Health Champions to take blood pressure readings and offer health information, community engagement activities, and screening with follow-up pathways.

The report also discussed insights gathered from community projects, such as one undertaken by Treasure Seekers with members of The Cavern community. Key themes identified included a lack of understanding about what blood pressure is, anxiety around testing due to difficulties in accessing GP appointments, and management challenges where other issues feel more pressing. The Get Salt Smart social marketing campaign, running from September to December 2025, was also mentioned as part of the blood pressure prevention approach, aiming to raise awareness of the links between salt and blood pressure.

Tobacco Dependency Strategic Overview

A presentation was scheduled to provide a strategic overview of tobacco dependency, focusing on the South-West Regional Tobacco Control Strategy and Pledge. The vision for the South West is to be smokefree by 2030, meaning a reduction in smoking prevalence to below 5%. Gloucestershire's current smoking prevalence is noted as being within a 3-year range of 9.5% to 22-24%. The framework aims for a collaborative, evidence-based, and locality-led approach across NHS, Public Health, and community partners.

Key priorities of the framework include preventing uptake, reducing illicit tobacco supply and demand, minimising exposure to second-hand smoke, supporting smokers to quit through evidence-based treatment, using behavioural insights to understand quitting barriers, and increasing public awareness. The South West Smoke-free 2030 Charter is a commitment by senior health leaders to take coordinated strategic action, aiming to make tobacco dependence treatment and prevention a core health priority. The Charter is described as a unified approach for NHS and Local Authority leaders, reflecting current priorities and evidence-based practice.

Locally, Gloucestershire's Tobacco Control Steering Group provides strategic direction, with work underway to develop a system-wide tobacco control alliance. This includes developing relationships with NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) ICB leads to align approaches across the cluster. Behavioural science insights research was commissioned in 2025, working with cohorts with high smoking prevalence, including the Polish community, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with substance misuse challenges, and those in supported accommodation. The learning from this research informed the commissioning of a Tobacco Dependency Outreach Service in December 2025, which will use the findings to develop and deliver bespoke offers.

Update on the Employment Exemplar Theme and 'Connect to Work' Programme

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on the employment exemplar theme and the 'Connect to Work' Programme. The Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub offers a single point of access for residents seeking advice, guidance, and support to move into or return to employment, education, or training, or to retain their current job. This includes support for those who are unemployed, economically inactive, or in work but seeking alternative employment, as well as individuals facing barriers to the labour market. The Hub also provides pathways for young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), care-experienced individuals, and those not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

The report pack reviewed activities from 2025, including embedding the 'Linking Health and Employment (LEAH) Project', launching the 'Connect to Work' programme, investing in support for NEET young people, launching the '100 Futures' work experience initiative, developing the 'Get Gloucestershire Working Plan', and contributing to the 'Local Growth Plan'. The 'Connect to Work' programme, funded until March 2030, aims to support around 3,000 participants, with at least half retaining or securing new employment. It follows an evidence-based supported employment model. Performance data for December 2025 indicated a significant number of referrals and programme starts, with 13 paid job outcomes achieved. The LEAH Project and 'Connect to Work' Health Leads, seconded from the ICB, work to build and sustain relationships with health services. Case studies were included to illustrate the support provided to individuals, including those with ADHD and anxiety, those struggling with mental health, care leavers, and young people.

The focus for 2026/27 includes ramping up delivery of the 'Connect to Work' programme, redesigning the Employment and Skills Hub, developing the Gloucestershire Employment Alliance, and targeting new partners and customer groups. Challenges identified include a more competitive labour market, new programmes such as WorkWell, the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and ICB clustering, and the merger of Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service. The Gloucestershire Employment, Health, Wellbeing and Inequalities Summit Pledge was also highlighted, committing to collaboration across sectors to support residents into inclusive and sustainable employment.

NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Clustering Arrangements

An update was scheduled to be provided on the clustering arrangements between the NHS Gloucestershire ICB and the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as noting apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 23 September 2025. Provisions for public and member questions were also outlined.