The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 14 September 2026. The agenda includes discussions on updates to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a focus on housing and health, and proposed changes to the Board's terms of reference. The meeting will also cover the outcomes of an inspection into Adult Social Care services and proposed changes to the governance of the Lewisham Health and Care Partnership.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Update: Housing and Health / Health in All Policies

A key item on the agenda is an update on the Lewisham Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030, with a specific focus on the priority area of housing and health. The report pack indicates that progress over the past year will be reviewed, including the implementation of a Health in All Policies approach within the housing sector. This has involved initiatives such as developing a damp and mould pathway and checklist, and training for staff on safer sleep practices for families in temporary accommodation. The report is expected to detail progress on joint working protocols between health and housing services, and efforts to promote preventative work with housing providers. Discussions are also scheduled regarding the integration of health considerations into all council activities, with a particular emphasis on food justice and the wider determinants of food insecurity. The report will also touch upon the need to respond to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, with concerns raised about vaping among young people.

Adult Social Care: Care Quality Commission Inspection and National Review

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on the outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services in Lewisham. The report pack indicates that the overall assessment scored below the threshold for Good, with specific domains such as Assessing Needs, Equity on experience and outcomes, and Care provision, integration and continuity receiving lower ratings. The report highlights strengths in areas like safeguarding and the work of occupational therapy and enablement teams, but also acknowledges the need for improvement in areas such as reducing assessment delays, ensuring equitable access to services, and better support for unpaid carers. The Board will be asked to consider an approach to developing an action plan to address these findings, blending existing improvement programmes with the inspection feedback. Furthermore, the Board will consider how Lewisham residents can contribute their views to the national Big Conversation on the reform of Adult Social Care, led by Baroness Louise Casey.

Proposed Changes to Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on proposed constitutional changes to the Health and Wellbeing Board's terms of reference. These changes are intended to clarify governance arrangements and ensure the Board remains fit for purpose. The report pack suggests amendments related to membership, voting rights, and quorum. Specifically, it is proposed to add an officer representative for the housing directorate, amend voting provisions so that all members except paid Council officials can vote, and set the quorum at two elected members and two partner representatives. The report also outlines requests for representation from the Lewisham Black Voluntary Network, Age UK, and Lewisham Local. Additionally, proposals include formally permitting substitutes to attend and vote, subject to advance notice, and amending the articles on membership composition to provide greater flexibility for the Mayor.

Proposed Lewisham Local Health and Care Partnership Governance Changes

The Board is also scheduled to review proposed changes to the governance arrangements for the Lewisham Health and Care Partnership (LHCP). These changes are being proposed to align with national NHS reforms, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB) Blueprint and the development of a new Neighbourhood Health and Care Service in Lewisham. The aim is to enable local organisations to collaborate more effectively to improve health and care services. The report pack indicates that the proposals include the disestablishment of the LHCP Board, with its functions being assumed by the Health and Wellbeing Board, the Lewisham Joint Commissioning Group, and the Integrated Neighbourhood Committee. Specifically, the Health and Wellbeing Board would take on the LHCP Board's responsibilities for partnership, strategic planning, and oversight.

Better Care Fund Update

An update on the Better Care Fund (BCF) is also scheduled for discussion. The report pack indicates that Lewisham's BCF 2026-27 plan has been approved by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. The Board will be informed about the requirement to establish a Section 75 agreement to support the BCF by 30 September 2026. Key points from the updated guidance for BCF monitoring and reporting will be shared, highlighting a move towards a more locally and regionally led model. The Board will receive an update on performance data for the BCF, including emergency admissions to hospital for those over 65, discharge delays, and care home admissions. Lewisham has also been successful in its expression of interest for support through the Better Care Fund Support Programme, which includes participation in communities of practice for home-based intermediate care and supporting unpaid carers during discharge.