The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting residents' health and wellbeing. Key decisions included updating the Board's terms of reference to improve representation and clarity, and a commitment to pay closer attention to the integration of data sets across health, housing, and other services to better understand resident vulnerabilities. The Board also noted updates on adult social care, changes to the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Better Care Fund.

Board Membership and Updated Terms of Reference

The Board agreed to update its terms of reference to enhance its effectiveness as a partnership body. These changes, recommended for wider council approval, include strengthening representation by adding an officer from the housing directorate and increasing involvement from the voluntary and community sector, specifically requesting representation from Lewisham Black Voluntary Network, Age UK, and Lewisham Local. Voting provisions will be amended so that all members except paid council officers can vote, and the quorum will be set at two elected members and two partner representatives. Substitutes will be formally permitted to attend and vote with advance notice. The wording regarding the Mayor's membership will also be amended to provide greater flexibility.

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

The Board received an update on the progress of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a particular focus on housing and health, and the implementation of a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. Key achievements in the first year include the development of a damp and mould pathway, informed by public health advice and aligned with Awaab's Law requirements. A joint health and housing working protocol has been implemented to improve hospital discharge processes for those with housing needs.

Work has also progressed on embedding health considerations into housing policies, including a Local Government Association-facilitated workshop that identified priorities such as improving governance, data collection on homelessness, and addressing the needs of families in temporary accommodation. Initiatives include training on safer sleeping for families in temporary accommodation and plans to establish a multi-agency group for children in temporary accommodation. Research into data integration between health and housing is underway to support compliance with Awaab's Law, and efforts are being made to increase uptake of health checks through housing events. The Board also noted ongoing work on extreme weather preparedness.

In response to discussions, the Board agreed to add recommendations to the decision that closer attention be paid to the use and integration of data sets across health, housing, and other services to better understand resident vulnerabilities, particularly among children and families in temporary accommodation. They also agreed to place greater emphasis on incorporating resident voice and engagement, working with residents rather than doing to them.

Adult Social Care: CQC and Casey Commission

Denise Radley, Executive Director for Adult Social Care and Health, presented an update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of adult social care services in Lewisham. The report, published in August 2026, found that while the service has strengths in areas such as safeguarding, occupational therapy, and person-centred practice, it scored below the threshold for a Good rating. Areas for improvement include delays in assessments and reviews, ensuring full involvement of individuals in care decisions, improving support for unpaid carers, and ensuring timely access to support for those with complex needs.

An action plan is being developed to address these findings, incorporating existing workstreams such as the unpaid carers' action plan and the review of mental health social work services. The Board was asked to endorse the approach to improvement planning and engagement with service users, carers, providers, and residents. This includes encouraging contributions to Baroness Casey's national review of adult social care reform through the Big Conversation on Care. The Board noted the report and endorsed the approach to engagement.

ICB Changes

Ceri Jacob, Place Executive Lead for Lewisham, presented proposed changes to the governance arrangements for the Lewisham Local Health and Care Partnership (LHCP). These changes are driven by national NHS reforms and the development of a new Neighbourhood Health and Care Service. The proposals include the disestablishment of the LHCP Board, with its functions being absorbed by the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB), a new Joint Commissioning Group, and the Integrated Neighbourhood Committee.

Specifically, the HWBB will assume responsibilities for partnership, strategic planning, and oversight, aligning with its existing role. The Integrated Neighbourhood Committee will focus on convening the local system and overseeing the delivery of neighbourhood plans. The Joint Commissioning Group will manage Section 75 agreements and joint commissioning priorities. The Board was asked to endorse these proposals, particularly those relating to the HWBB's role. The Board noted the report and agreed to the proposed changes.

Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Better Care Fund (BCF). Lewisham's BCF plan for 2026-27 has been approved by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. A Section 75 agreement is being put in place to support the fund. The report highlighted that while performance in April and May was below target for emergency admissions for those over 65 and discharge delays, there was an improvement in discharge performance by June. Local data indicates that care home admissions are also not on track.

Lewisham has been successful in securing support through the BCF Support Programme, which will provide tailored assistance for delivering the Neighbourhood Health Framework, supporting unpaid carers during hospital discharge, and home-based intermediate care. The Board noted the update and raised questions regarding the performance data and the drivers of discharge delays, particularly in relation to housing suitability and the impact of extreme weather. The Board also discussed the potential for the BCF support offer to focus on community engagement and the role of the Board in coordinating this. The Board noted the report.