The Integration Joint Board of Aberdeenshire Council met on Wednesday 02 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial, operational, and governance matters. Key topics included the financial performance for 2026/27, updates on strategic delivery plans, and a review of the Governance Handbook. The Board was also scheduled to consider proposals regarding the future of Insch War Memorial Hospital and Inverurie Hospital Administration Block, as well as changes to private care home equipment loan charges.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Before delving into the main business, the Board was scheduled to consider its legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. This involves having due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those with and without protected characteristics. Members were also to consider the contents of any integrated impact assessments provided in relation to the reports.

Exempt Information

A resolution was scheduled to be considered regarding the exclusion of the public and media from a portion of the meeting. This was proposed on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information related to contractual negotiations or expenditure amounts, as defined in the Board's Standing Orders.

Minute of Meeting of the Integration Joint Board of 1 July 2026

The Board was scheduled to review and approve the minutes from its previous meeting held on 1 July 2026.

Integration Joint Board Action Log

An update on outstanding actions from previous meetings was to be provided, detailing progress and scheduled reporting dates for each item.

Chief Officer's Report

This report was expected to provide an overview of key activities and developments from the Chief Officer's perspective.

Review of Governance Handbook

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the Governance Handbook. The report proposed amendments to reflect recent legislative changes, including the extension of voting rights to third sector, service user, and unpaid carer representatives. Changes were also planned to clarify governance arrangements, public participation procedures, and financial regulations. The aim was to ensure the Handbook remained current, internally consistent, and aligned with the Board's statutory responsibilities.

Membership Updates and Appointments to Committees

The Board was to consider updates to its membership, including the appointment of Keith Grant as a non-voting trade union representative and the appointment of Sue Kinsey, Carolyne Wood, Victoria Brown, and Fiona Alderson as Lived Experience non-voting members. A vacancy on the Clinical and Adult Social Work Governance Committee was also to be noted. These changes were in response to legislative amendments granting voting rights to previously non-voting representatives.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Insch War Memorial Hospital

A significant item on the agenda concerned the future of Insch War Memorial Hospital. The report recommended the formal closure of inpatient beds and nurse-led services at the hospital, and its declaration as surplus to requirements. This recommendation was based on a review of community engagement, impact assessments, advice from Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and clinical, financial, workforce, and property considerations. The report acknowledged the community's attachment to the hospital and the distress caused by the prospect of closure, but highlighted the building's unsuitability for modern healthcare standards, financial unsustainability, and workforce challenges.

Financial Performance 2026/27

The Board was scheduled to review the financial performance for the current financial year, including the year-to-date position as of 30 June 2026 and the forecast for the full year. Discussions were also planned regarding progress against the 2026/27 savings programme, including identifying risks and mitigation actions. Furthermore, the Board was to agree on the approach and timeline for the 2027/28 budget planning process, emphasising the need for continued financial discipline.

Scotland East Strategic Planning and Delivery Committee Summary Report - Quarter 1 2026/27

An update was to be provided on the progress of the Scotland East Strategic Planning and Delivery Committee for the first quarter of 2026/27. This report was expected to cover key developments, risks, and areas requiring Board oversight related to sub-national planning arrangements across Scotland East. NHS Grampian's engagement in cross-Board collaboration and shared delivery models was also to be highlighted.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Delivery Plan Quarterly Performance Report

This report was to provide a quarterly update on the progress of the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's Strategic Delivery Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29 for the period 01 April 2026 to 30 June 2026. The report aimed to assure the Board of progress, highlight emerging risks, and identify any escalations requiring consideration.

IJB Audit Committee Update

A summary of the key points and assurances from the IJB Audit Committee meeting held on 17 June 2026 was to be presented. This included updates on the Risk & Assurance Group, Internal Audit, the Annual Audit Plan, the Annual Governance Statement, and the Unaudited Annual Accounts for 2025/26.

Estates Rationalisation - Inverurie Hospital Administration Block

The Board was scheduled to consider a report recommending that the Inverurie Hospital Administration Block be declared surplus to Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership requirements. If approved, the Chief Officer would be instructed to inform NHS Grampian to initiate their process for repurposing or disposal. The report noted the building's under-utilisation, significant deterioration due to flooding and mould, and prohibitive costs for repair or adaptation.

Private Care Home Equipment Loan Charges

A report was presented recommending the implementation of a new policy for private care homes regarding the loan of specialist equipment. This policy, based on the COSLA Protocol, would introduce charges for equipment retained beyond an agreed temporary loan period. The aim was to ensure compliance with national guidance, improve asset management, generate income for reinvestment, and support the sustainability of the Joint Equipment Service. A transition period was proposed, with full implementation from April 2027.

Approved Minutes of Committees

The Board was scheduled to note the approved minutes from previous meetings of the IJB Audit Committee (25 February 2026) and the Clinical and Adult Social Work Governance Committee (10 February and 25 March 2026).

2026/2027 Supplementary Procurement Work Plan (Social Care)

This item, scheduled for consideration with the press and public excluded, related to the 2026/2027 Supplementary Procurement Work Plan for Social Care. The report was expected to include Procurement Approval Forms for items within the Integration Joint Board's remit valued over £50,000 but below £1,000,000. Aberdeenshire Council was to be directed to procure the works and services detailed in the plan on behalf of the Integration Joint Board.