The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for 12 March 2026 was set to cover a range of significant public health topics, including the development of Neighbourhood Health Plans, strategies to improve the experience of ageing, and initiatives to address health gaps in women and children. Discussions were also planned on creating healthier places to live, grow, and play, alongside updates on the Board's membership and future plans.

Neighbourhood Health Model and the Role of the Health and Wellbeing Board

A key item on the agenda was the Neighbourhood Health Model and the evolving role of the Health and Wellbeing Board in its implementation. The report outlined anticipated guidance for developing Neighbourhood Health Plans in Doncaster and proposed how the Board might support this process. The Board was asked to note local updates on Neighbourhood Health Plans and agree on preferences for their sign-off, aligning with national guidance and timelines. The report highlighted that the move towards neighbourhood health plans is intended to make health and care services more integrated, local, and responsive to community needs. Options for the sign-off process were presented, including delegation to the Chair, bringing forward a meeting, or approving a virtual sign-off.

Improving the Experience of Ageing

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on collaborative work to improve the experience of ageing, reflecting progress, challenges, and recommendations. This item aimed to provide the Board with an opportunity to consider which actions should be sustained or accelerated and how members could champion these priorities within their own organisations. The report indicated that the update would summarise key achievements, highlight challenges, and identify areas where the Board might need to provide additional support or leadership.

Closing the Gap in Women's and Child Health

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the gap in women's and child health. The report detailed work undertaken to strengthen prevention, enhance early intervention, and improve outcomes for women, children, and families through a whole-system, relational, and trauma-informed approach. The presentation was expected to outline how collective resources are being consolidated, the Thrive and Doncaster Family Model is being implemented, and progress towards a single shared assessment tool. The report also highlighted that this work has been shaped by resident feedback, including experiences of Early Help assessments and planned trauma-informed city work. Recommendations included endorsing efforts to address barriers in developing a shared assessment tool and acknowledging the importance of improving postnatal care as a priority for the Board.

Healthy Places to Live, Grow and Play

This agenda item focused on creating healthier environments. The report provided summary updates on current areas of focus, including gambling harms and the gambling levy, road safety, and workplace health. It also detailed the use of engagement methods, specifically the delivery of a Doncaster Citizens Jury on Health Harming Products. The findings from this jury, which explored public views on the health and social impacts of commercial activities relating to tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy food, were to be discussed. The report noted that the jury showed strong support for measures to restrict industry interference in policy and to prioritise health over profit. Updates were also provided on the national gambling levy, its regional application, and potential local deployment of resources. The development of a workplace health platform and resources, and the case for a Doncaster Road Safety Strategy, were also on the agenda.

Health and Wellbeing Board Membership

A report was presented concerning the Health and Wellbeing Board's membership. It noted that the Board brings together leaders from across the city to promote integration, strengthen partnerships, and improve population health. The report highlighted that statutory members are required under legislation, and invited members represent key partners. An annual review of membership ensures appropriate representation aligned with evolving system structures. Following recent organisational changes within the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), Anthony Fitzgerald would be stepping down as Vice Chair. Members were asked to consider future membership, identify nominations for the Vice Chair role, and identify suitable deputies in preparation for the next meeting.

Reports for Noting: January Development Session and Health Protection Annual Report

Two reports were scheduled for noting. The first summarised the Health and Wellbeing Board's development session held on 15 January 2026, which focused on reflecting on progress, strengthening the Board's role, and planning future actions. Key action points identified included strengthening action tracking and accountability, reviewing the sponsor model, and enhancing public accountability. The second report was the Health Protection Assurance Annual Report for 2025/26, which covered emergency preparedness, infection prevention and control, air quality, sexual and reproductive health, substance misuse, suicide prevention, and immunisation and screening programmes.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

A verbal update was provided on the Health and Wellbeing Board's forward plan. Members were asked to consider items for future meetings, including the appointment of a Vice Chair in June 2026, the HWB Annual Report for 2025-26, and updates on the Better Care Fund (BCF) and a Minority Health Plan. Development sessions were also noted as being planned.