The Oxfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 9 July 2026 to discuss the proposed All-Age Autism Strategy, an update on the Marmot approach to tackling health inequalities, and the Prevention of Homelessness Directors Group's progress. The meeting also included updates on various partnership boards and the forward work plan.

All-Age Autism Strategy

The Board was scheduled to consider the Oxfordshire All-Age Autism Strategy 2026-2031. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with autistic individuals, families, professionals, and experts by experience, aims to address issues such as long waits for diagnosis, fragmented support, and barriers to education and employment. It commits to reducing diagnostic waits, expanding employment pathways, strengthening education and SEND practice, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and improving housing and transitions. The strategy is to be delivered through existing and developing partnerships, with oversight provided by a countywide Autism Improvement Board. The Board was recommended to endorse the strategy, approve its publication and implementation, and note that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) may affect its delivery.

Marmot Update

An update was scheduled on the progress made in embedding the Marmot approach, which uses the 8 Marmot principles as a framework for understanding and addressing health inequalities in Oxfordshire. The Board was recommended to note the progress made, the focus on converting insight and recommendations into agreed actions with clear ownership and measurable outcomes, and to agree that Marmot-related equity measures should be embedded within the refreshed Health and Wellbeing Strategy outcomes framework. Progress has been made in priority workstreams including Best Start in Life, Fair Employment and Good Work, and Healthy Standard of Living, with specific initiatives such as the Starting Stronger, Fairer Futures in Oxfordshire report and the establishment of a Registered Providers Forum.

Prevention of Homelessness Directors Group Update

The Board was scheduled to receive an update from the Prevention of Homelessness Directors Group (PHDG) on countywide progress and priorities in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. The PHDG has been focused on five key priorities: delivering a countywide consultation for the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Refresh 2026-2028, establishing the Oxfordshire Registered Providers Forum, strengthening joint work between Adult Social Care and Housing, exploring co-commissioning opportunities between health and homelessness services, and considering the future of the Oxfordshire Homelessness Alliance. The report highlighted the ongoing challenges of high and rising homelessness pressures, particularly among single adults with complex needs, and the extensive use of temporary accommodation.

Report from Healthwatch Oxfordshire

The Board was scheduled to receive a report from Healthwatch Oxfordshire, summarising their activities and insights gathered from residents. This included research on palliative and end-of-life care, community research with various groups, Enter and View visits to healthcare settings, and other engagement activities. Key themes heard from residents since May 2026 included positive experiences with communication and care in some services, difficulties in accessing appointments, and limited follow-up medical care after hospital discharge.

Reports from Partnership Boards

Updates were scheduled to be received from several partnership boards:

• Children's Trust Board: Councillor Sean Gaul, Chair of the Children's Trust Board, was expected to provide an update on the Board's ongoing focus on improving early years outcomes and reducing inequalities in child development, aligning with the 'Start Well' priorities.
• Oxfordshire Place-Based Partnership: Michelle Brennan was scheduled to provide an update on the Partnership's coordination of NHS and system planning at a place level, focusing on integrated care models, system flow, and responding to operational pressures.
• Health Improvement Board: No update was expected as the Board had not yet convened.

Forward Work Plan

The Board was asked to note the forward work programme, with the next meeting scheduled for 24 September 2026. Topics planned for discussion included the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, Family Hubs Update, an update from the independent patient/resident voice working group, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy Indicator review, a Marmot Update on rural inequalities, an update on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy building blocks for financial wellbeing and healthy jobs, and a Neighbourhood Health Plan Update.