The Health and Wellbeing Board of Islington Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss the annual safeguarding report, the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Outcomes Framework, the Local Government Association review programme, and the healthy weight programme. Key decisions included noting the annual safeguarding report, approving the proposed outcomes and metrics for the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and noting the outcomes of the LGA Peer Review.

Islington Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025

The Board received the annual report for the Islington Safeguarding Adults Board (ISAB) for 2024-2025. David Williams, Independent Chair of the ISAB, presented the report, highlighting the development of a new strategy for 2025-2028, which was created in consultation with professionals, partners, and residents. The report detailed achievements in risk management, including the review of the Creative Solutions panel and the development of a risk escalation mapping tool. It also noted an increase in safeguarding referrals, with neglect, financial/material abuse, psychological abuse, and self-neglect being the most common types of abuse. The report was noted by the Board.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy Outcomes Framework

Charlotte Ashton, Assistant Director of Public Health, presented the proposed outcomes and metrics for monitoring the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030. The strategy aims to improve life expectancy and healthy life expectancy in Islington, while reducing inequalities. The proposed framework includes indicators across four priority areas: Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, and Healthy Environments. The Board approved the proposed outcomes and metrics, reviewed the baseline data, and noted the plan to publish the metrics on the Council's website. Key data points highlighted included a gap in life expectancy between men and women, a dip in healthy life expectancy in recent years, and significant inequalities in life expectancy linked to deprivation. The Board also agreed to remove disability free life expectancy as an indicator due to a lack of updated national data.

Local Government Association Review Programme

Jonathan O'Sullivan, Director of Public Health, presented the outcomes of a Local Government Association (LGA) review of the Health and Wellbeing Board. The review identified three key areas to protect and build upon: strong system-wide partnerships, maintaining a coherent local focus during change, and championing children and young people. Three impactful changes were also proposed to strengthen the Board's effectiveness: greater focus on resident views and voices, organising business differently with clearer, more focused items, and developing an outcomes, delivery, and assurance framework. The Board noted the outcomes of the review and agreed to implement the identified actions, including a commitment to a test-and-learn approach.

Islington's Healthy Weight Programme

Fran Bury and Emily Clark presented an update on Islington's healthy weight programme, a new strategic approach to address overweight and obesity, which has become the leading risk factor for poor health in Islington. The programme uses a whole systems approach and is guided by eight healthy weight principles, which aim to make healthier options the easiest option, avoid stigmatising weight, support health at different sizes, and take an inclusive and culturally competent approach. The programme also focuses on early interventions, whole family support, psychologically informed approaches, and a whole systems approach. The Board noted the progress made, including the completion of a healthy weight needs assessment and the development of the programme's principles, and noted the plans for the forthcoming year, which include measuring impact and monitoring progress. Discussions highlighted the complexity of the issue, the potential for stigma, and the need for a nuanced approach that considers individual circumstances and environmental factors. The Board also discussed how to track the impact of the principles and the programme, with a commitment to a test and learn approach and regular reviews.