The Oxfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss updates on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy Indicator Review, and the Best Start Family Hubs initiative. The Board was also scheduled to consider findings from a report on rural inequalities in Oxfordshire.

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Update

The Board was recommended to approve a shift from an annual comprehensive refresh of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to a staggered thematic delivery model. This approach aims to align JSNA updates more closely with the Board's priorities and reporting cycles, allowing for more timely information on key themes. The development of a JSNA forward plan to guide future updates was also proposed, with the JSNA Steering Group continuing to play a role in prioritisation and governance. The proposed outputs include thematic reviews, updated analytical dashboards, narrative reports, and strategic overview documents.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Indicator Review

A review of the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy outcomes indicators was presented, with a recommendation to significantly reduce the number of core metrics from 170 to 39. This revised set of 39 indicators, aligned with Marmot principles, is intended to improve the focus, transparency, and usability of the framework for monitoring progress. Quarterly updates to the Board on the strategy's priorities – Start Well, Live Well, Age Well, and Building Blocks of Health – will continue, with these core metrics made available online in an accessible format. Sub-groups and partnership boards will continue to review the wider set of outcomes measures.

Best Start Family Hubs Update

The Board was asked to note the strategic direction and updates for the Best Start Family Hubs initiative in Oxfordshire. These hubs are a core component of the Council's Best Start in Life Plan, aiming to improve child development outcomes and reduce inequalities. The plan involves establishing five primary Family Hubs, aligned with district council footprints, supported by a network of additional sites. A grant-based funding programme is being developed to support Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in delivering core services. The initiative will also align with existing Youth Services to provide a more integrated offer for children and young people aged 0-19 (or up to 25 for those with SEND). Progress to date includes pop-up sessions and planning for the autumn programme, alongside ongoing partner engagement.

Oxfordshire Marmot Place - Rural Inequalities Report

The Board was recommended to note the findings of the Oxfordshire Rural Areas Data Pack and the Health and wellbeing in rural towns and villages in Oxfordshire report. These reports combine quantitative data with community engagement insights from 14 rural areas, highlighting that while rural areas generally perform better than urban centres on indicators like life expectancy, significant variations exist. The reports identify challenges related to geographical access to services, limited public transport, and poor infrastructure, which can exacerbate issues like low income, disability, and poor housing. The findings also underscore the value of community assets and the precarity faced by many local groups due to funding and volunteer shortages. The Board was encouraged to use this data to inform system-wide place-based planning and to support locally-led responses that build on existing community assets.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The Board was also scheduled to receive updates from Partnership Boards, including the Place-Based Partnership, Health Improvement Board, and Children's Trust Board. A review of the Forward Work Plan was also on the agenda.