The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) met on Tuesday 5 November 2024 to discuss and approve several key strategies and plans aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents. Decisions made included the approval of the Learning Disability and Autism Strategy for Adults 2024-2029, the Residents and Communities Strategy 2024-2029, and the noting of progress on embedding the Marmot Review framework. The meeting also covered the North East London ICS Anti-Racism Strategy, the North East London Joint Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy, and updates on the UCLPartners / Macmillan Improving Cancer Journeys Learning Programme, the LGA-led Public Health Peer Review, and the Carers Charter and Action Plan.

Learning Disability and Autism Strategy for Adults 2024-2029

The committee approved the Learning Disability and Autism Strategy for Adults 2024-2029, which aims to enable residents with a learning disability or autism to lead independent lives with positive health outcomes. The strategy, co-produced with individuals with lived experience, is structured around six priority outcomes: feeling safe and accepted, good health, the right support, a good home, more job opportunities, and having friends, relationships, and feeling connected to others. The accompanying action plan focuses on four cross-cutting priorities: delivering training on learning disability and autism by people with lived experience, producing clear and accessible information, considering the establishment of a dedicated hub for learning disability and autism services, and committing to co-production in planning and service delivery. The strategy will be overseen by the newly established Learning Disability and Autism Partnership Board.

Residents and Communities Strategy 2024-2029

The Residents and Communities Strategy 2024-2029 was approved, aiming to guide partnership activity in line with the Health and Wellbeing Strategy's priorities of 'Living Well' and 'Ageing Well'. The strategy is built on five shared system priorities: enhanced local community support and connections; access to activities and support at the right place and time; creating an environment and opportunities that enable health and wellbeing; promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing ill-health and care needs; and fair and equitable opportunities for everyone to live well and achieve their potential. The strategy emphasises co-production, partnership working, and the importance of community connections in improving resident wellbeing.

North East London ICS Anti-Racism Strategy

The committee noted the development of the draft North East London ICS Anti-Racism Strategy. This strategy aims to create a joined-up approach across the Integrated Care System (ICS) without duplicating existing initiatives. It is built around three pillars: Workforce and leadership, Our approach to anti-racism, and Ethnic inequalities in health. Feedback from the committee highlighted the need for clearer articulation of how services will change to meet diverse needs, the importance of including outer North East London boroughs in the strategy's scope, and the necessity of addressing discrimination against different faith backgrounds. Members also discussed the impact of racism on life outcomes beyond health and the need to acknowledge and address structural racism within the NHS.

Embedding the Marmot Review Fair Society, Healthy Lives Framework

The committee noted the progress and proposed next steps regarding the adoption of the 'Marmot Place' approach as a long-term strategy for addressing health inequalities in Barking and Dagenham. The Marmot Review, published in 2010, focuses on six policy objectives to reduce health inequalities, emphasizing action on the social determinants of health. The proposed approach aims to integrate existing inequality-focused programmes under a common framework and performance dashboard. Discussions highlighted the need for strong political and senior management leadership, shared accountability, and the development of both qualitative and quantitative measures. The committee also noted the potential omission of tackling racism and discrimination from the framework's principles, suggesting it be incorporated.

North East London Joint Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029

The committee noted the North East London Joint Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029. This strategy, developed collaboratively with residents and partners, aims to empower residents with knowledge and agency to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, ensuring timely access to high-quality, inclusive, and equitable services. It addresses four priority areas: healthy and fulfilling sexual relationships, good reproductive health across the life course, high-quality and innovative STI screening and treatment, and HIV prevention and care. The strategy emphasizes a whole-system approach, joint commissioning, and the importance of addressing inequalities for vulnerable and high-risk groups.

UCLPartners / Macmillan Improving Cancer Journeys Learning Programme

The committee received an update on the Improving Cancer Journeys Learning Programme. This programme aims to address the clear data showing that people affected by cancer do not have consistent access to the practical, emotional, and physical support they need. The programme will be delivered in two workstreams: Implementation, focusing on co-design and testing interventions, and Evaluation, assessing outcomes, processes, and economic impact. Barking and Dagenham has been selected as a pilot site due to its high levels of deprivation and cancer activity, with a focus on engaging underserved communities and addressing late presentations of cancer.

LGA-led Public Health Peer Review

The committee noted the feedback from the Local Government Association (LGA) Public Health Peer Review conducted in February 2024. The review highlighted strengths in leadership, partnership working through the Committees in Common, and the mobilisation of community strengths. It also identified areas for consideration, including the need to rationalise strategies and priorities into a single delivery plan, further develop joint commissioning, and strengthen data intelligence. The report made eight recommendations, including taking the opportunity for Public Health to support cross-council work on wider determinants, agreeing a model for joint commissioning, and designing an integrated vision for locality working.

Carers Charter and Action Plan Update 2023/24

The committee noted the update on the delivery of the Carers Charter Action Plan for 2023/24. The report detailed progress in identifying and supporting hidden carers, particularly through training initiatives and the Accelerated Reform Funding project to support carers within acute settings. It also highlighted efforts to improve employment and skills opportunities for carers, the ongoing work of Carers of Barking and Dagenham in providing a range of support, and initiatives to support young carers. The report noted a significant increase in income maximisation for carers, amounting to £837,421.80 in additional income and arrears reduction. The committee endorsed the sharing of relevant data by partners to support the Action Plan's delivery.

The meeting also noted reports on the North East London Joint Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029, the UCLPartners / Macmillan Improving Cancer Journeys Learning Programme, the LGA-led Public Health Peer Review, and the Carers Charter and Action Plan Update 2023/24.