The Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on 12 October 2026 to discuss the delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Neighbourhood Health Plan, and safeguarding reports. Key decisions included noting the progress of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, agreeing to focus on a manageable number of shared actions, and supporting the development of Neighbourhood Health Teams. The Board also received updates on the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership annual reports, and the Central East ICB's Winter Plan.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Delivery Update

The Board received an assurance report on the delivery of the Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, incorporating findings from the 2026 stakeholder survey, a refreshed strategy dashboard, and the latest Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). Christine Oker, Senior Programme Manager, and David Conrad, Deputy Director of Public Health, presented the findings. The stakeholder survey, which received 78 responses, indicated that the clearest reported benefits came from practical, preventative, and locally accessible support delivered through trusted settings. Key enablers identified were trusted relationships, partnership working, and community infrastructure. Recurring risks included funding and capacity pressures, rising demand, fragmented pathways, and unequal access.

The Strategy Dashboard revealed that most indicators have shown little statistically significant change since the strategy's baseline, with some worsening in areas like violent offences and homelessness, while improvements were noted in smoking reduction and physical activity among children. The JSNA highlighted persistent health inequalities, particularly concerning mental wellbeing, healthy weight, alcohol harm, homelessness, and children and young people.

Following extensive discussion, the Board agreed that the six strategy priorities remain relevant for the extended period to March 2028, with an immediate focus on implementation rather than redesign. It was agreed that the remaining strategy period should concentrate on a manageable number of shared actions, particularly in relation to access and navigation, prevention and community infrastructure, inequalities, partnership coordination, and evidence of outcomes. A Board development session will be held to identify these shared actions and explore alignment with the emerging Neighbourhood Health approach.

Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Health Plan and Delivery Update

Ed Knowles, Director of Neighbourhood, Place and Partnerships for the Central East Integrated Care Board (ICB), provided an update on the development of Hertfordshire's neighbourhood health approach. He reported that the Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Health Delivery Committee had met and assessed the county's strong position against national expectations for 2026-27, allowing them to focus on 2027-29 requirements. The committee agreed on the importance of a common specification for Neighbourhood Health Teams, initially focusing on frailty. A Citizen Voice and Insight Panel will be established to coordinate resident engagement. The Board noted the progress and supported the continued development of Neighbourhood Health Teams, with a focus on frailty as the initial priority cohort.

Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership Annual Reports

Liz Hanlon, Independent Chair of the Hertfordshire Adults Safeguarding Board, and Laurence Doe, Service Manager for Hertfordshire County Council, presented the annual reports for both the Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) and the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership (HSCP). The HSAB report highlighted work on complex needs, asylum seekers, homelessness, learning disabilities, and transitions, noting strong multi-agency partnerships. The HSCP report detailed progress on priorities including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, extra-familial harm, children's life chances, and the implementation of social care reforms. Both reports were noted by the Board.

Central East ICB Winter Plan 2026/27

Ed Knowles provided an update on the Central East ICB's Winter Plan for 2026/27. He explained that the plan was in draft form but aimed to ensure system readiness for increased demand. The plan focuses on governance, assurance, prevention, flow, capacity, and coordination. The Board heard about Exercise Aegis, a simulation designed to test the system's response to extreme pressure. Provider colleagues from adult social care, West Herts Health and Care Partnership, and East and North Hertfordshire shared updates on their preparedness, including vaccination plans for care homes, expanded frailty virtual hospitals, and community-based IV antibiotic clinics. Sarah Wren raised concerns about the lack of representation from the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in the learning exercise and the need for clearer public communication about accessing services. Ed Knowles acknowledged these points and outlined ongoing work to address them. The Board noted the contents of the report and the progress made in developing and assuring the winter resilience plans.

Health and Wellbeing Board Sub-Governance Boards Quarterly Highlight Reports

Christine Oker and Sarah Wren presented the quarter two highlight reports from the Board's five sub-governance boards: Violence Against Women and Girls, Drug and Alcohol Joint Strategic Board, Children and Young People's Commissioning Oversight Board, Better Care Fund Board, and the Hertfordshire Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Neurodiversity Health and Care Partnership. Key achievements included the launch of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy, progress on the refreshed Mental Health Strategy, approval of the Better Care Fund Plan, the launch of the Mimram Gender-Based Abuse Support Service, and strengthened drug and alcohol treatment pathways. Delivery risks were noted regarding funding sustainability for VAWG services and workforce capacity across the Better Care Fund. Sarah Wren also provided feedback from the Community of Practice, highlighting discussions on neighbourhood health, prevention, and the need for clearer communication and accessibility for the public. The Board noted the reports, discussed the delivery risks, and considered the opportunity for closer joint commissioning of Public Health and Children's Services, particularly regarding Public Health Nursing.

Rough Sleeper Programme

Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health, introduced the Government's new Rough Sleeping Programme. This initiative aims to provide routes off the streets by Christmas 2026, with longer-term accommodation and wraparound support for individuals with complex needs, building on Housing First principles. Funding is being channelled through district and borough councils, with an expectation of close collaboration with community organisations and countywide services. The Board noted the introduction of the programme and the opportunities for a coordinated Hertfordshire response. A discussion was held regarding the future role of the Board in overseeing local plans, and it was agreed that an update would be provided at the January 2027 meeting, with a single point of contact identified to coordinate efforts.

The meeting concluded with the confirmation of future meeting dates.