The Health and Wellbeing Board of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 21 May 2026 to discuss plans for improving outcomes for children aged 0-5, the progress of the Families First Partnership Programme, and updates on the Better Care Plan and Neighbourhood Health initiatives. The Board also considered proposals for strengthening its own governance and engagement.

Best Start in Life Plan

The Board was scheduled to receive a report on the Best Start in Life Plan (BSiL) for Wiltshire, covering the period 2026–2030. This plan outlines a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children from conception to age five, aiming to reduce inequalities and ensure all children are supported to thrive. Key goals include increasing the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The plan focuses on three priority areas: better support for families, more accessible early education and childcare, and improving the quality of early years education. The report was presented by Emily Wood, Commissioning Team Manager, and Emma Cooke, Early Years Service Manager. The proposal was for the Board to approve the plan for publication and sharing.

Families First Partnership Programme

A presentation was scheduled on the Families First Partnership Programme (FFPP), delivered by Simon Thomas, FACT Lead. This programme aims to create a seamless system for family help, integrating targeted early help and Child in Need support. It also focuses on establishing robust multi-agency child protection arrangements and embedding Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) across all stages of support and protection. The programme's vision is to provide family-focused support that wraps around children, young people, and families, enabling them to overcome challenges and thrive.

Better Care Plan 2026/27

An update was scheduled on the Better Care Plan (BCF) for 2026/27. This plan details integrated strategies and funding for services delivered jointly across health and social care. The focus for 2026/27 is on consolidating critical services and strengthening neighbourhood health and social care models, with an emphasis on supporting older people with frailty, those with complex long-term conditions, and individuals at risk of hospital admission or delayed discharge. The update was to be provided by Amy Jones, Director of Commissioning. The Board was asked to endorse the contents of the plan and note that the Chair had approved it prior to submission.

Neighbourhood Health Update

The Board was scheduled to receive a report on Neighbourhood Health progress, presented by Emma Higgins and Caroline Holmes from Wiltshire ICB. This update covered the development of Wiltshire's neighbourhood health model, including the proposed geographic footprints for Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs). The report sought approval for these footprints, which are aligned with HCRG community services operational areas and Primary Care Network (PCN) geographies. The Board was also to be updated on the methodology for developing the Stage 2 Neighbourhood Health Plan and noted the progress made since the Wiltshire vision was endorsed in February 2026.

Strengthening Governance, Membership Engagement and Statutory Delivery for Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board

A report was scheduled from Professor Kate Blackburn, Director – Public Health, on options for Strengthening Governance, Membership Engagement and Statutory Delivery for Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board. This report aimed to reposition the Board as the authoritative place-based strategic steward for neighbourhood health, addressing recommendations from a Health Integration Partners maturity assessment. The report proposed options for enhancing governance and accountability, with a recommendation to adopt a strengthened model that includes revised Terms of Reference and a System Governance Framework.

Other Agenda Items

The Board was also scheduled to receive apologies, confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 March 2026, and address any declarations of interest. There was also a slot for public participation, allowing for statements and questions from members of the public. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 16 July 2026, and any urgent items were to be considered.