The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss the progress of Richmond's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, an update on the SEND Futures Plan, and the annual reports from the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership and the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board. The Board will also review neighbourhood health developments and its own work programme.

Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Midpoint Review

A key item on the agenda is the midpoint review of Richmond's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, titled 18 Steps to Health and Wellbeing. This review, published in 2024, assesses the progress made over the first half of the strategy's five-year period. It aims to reflect changes in the national and local health and care landscape and proposes a refreshed approach to reporting for the remainder of the strategy. The review will examine whether the current framework of Start Well, Live Well and Age Well remains appropriate, if strategic ambitions and performance measures are still suitable, and if governance and reporting arrangements offer sufficient assurance. The report notes that while Richmond has seen an increase in Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) compared to the previous reporting period, HLE levels are not as high as they were in 2017-19. The review highlights areas such as childhood obesity, adult flu vaccination for at-risk groups, and emergency admissions due to falls as requiring continued attention. The report also suggests a re-framing of the childhood obesity step to children's healthy weight to reduce stigma and adopt a broader, strengths-based prevention approach. The Board is recommended to note the findings of the review, endorse the refreshed reporting approach, and champion the ongoing role of system leads and sponsors.

SEND Futures Plan Update

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on Richmond's SEND Futures Plan, which is the strategic plan designed to improve outcomes for children and young people up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across education, health, and care. This plan also aims to enhance the financial sustainability of the SEND system. The SEND Futures Plan is currently being updated to incorporate the expectations of the SEND Reform Plan, with the revised plan set to be launched at the SEND Futures Conference on 15 October 2026. Progress has been made on the therapy task and finish group, with a baseline spend analysis revealing an £11 million system spend across Kingston and Richmond. Annual Review dashboards, introduced in March 2026, have helped improve the timeliness of annual review decisions. The report also notes concerns regarding the South West London ICB's capacity due to funding cuts and a notable rise in transport requests and appeals related to SEND. The Board is recommended to note the progress with the implementation of the SEND Futures Plan and the transition as the Local Area SEND Reform Plan is incorporated into the revised plan.

Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership (KRSCP) Annual Report 2025-2026

The Board is to receive the annual report from the Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children's Partnership (KRSCP). This report details the joint activity undertaken to safeguard children across both boroughs. Key highlights from the 2025/2026 report include strengthened safeguarding leadership and governance, with new strategic priorities identified for 2026-29 focusing on technology-facilitated harm, anti-racist practice, and safeguarding unborn and newborn babies. The partnership has also enhanced multi-agency working, delivered extensive multi-agency training, and placed children's lived experiences at the centre of safeguarding practice. The report details learning from reviews, including those relating to neglect and child sexual abuse, and highlights a continued focus on equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice. The KRSCP's work aligns with Richmond's Prevention Framework through early identification of concerns, partnership working, and a focus on reducing inequalities.

Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-2026

The Board will also receive the annual report of the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board for 2025-2026. This report provides assurance on the statutory multi-agency safeguarding arrangements involving the Council, the South West London Integrated Care Board, the Metropolitan Police, and Wandsworth Council. The report outlines key safeguarding data for Richmond, explains how safeguarding activity is monitored, and highlights partnership work to achieve the Board's priorities. It notes that safeguarding activity is person-centred and outcome-focused, with most individuals involved in safeguarding enquiries achieving their desired outcomes and having their risk reduced. Key achievements include strengthened prevention and early intervention, increased safeguarding awareness through community engagement, and multi-agency learning initiatives. The report aligns with the Richmond Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, particularly in its focus on prevention, reducing inequalities, and supporting vulnerable residents. The Board is recommended to note the information regarding safeguarding activities, recognise the contribution of safeguarding partnership activity to the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and agree the proportionate use of neighbourhood health planning to share intelligence and support joint prevention activities.

Neighbourhood Health Update

An update on neighbourhood health developments in Richmond is scheduled for discussion. This report frames neighbourhood health as the next stage of established partnership working, building on existing integrated services, agreed priorities, and the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Richmond is noted to have strong foundations, including established neighbourhood footprints, integrated teams, a proactive care model, and an advanced frailty programme. The programme is moving from setting priorities to delivering change, aiming to provide earlier help for residents, fewer service gaps, better support for independence, and clearer links to community support. Delivery will focus on frailty, urgent and emergency care, mental health and wellbeing, cardiovascular disease prevention, and proactive family care. The report outlines the governance and accountability arrangements, with the Health and Wellbeing Board's role being to set strategic direction, bring partners together, challenge progress, and provide public assurance. The Board is recommended to note the established foundations, endorse the move from programme development to neighbourhood delivery, support a continued focus on measurable outcomes, and agree to receive regular assurance updates.

Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme

Finally, the Board will review its work programme, which outlines planned meetings and seminars. The programme is a live document and will be updated in response to evolving requirements. The indicative agenda items for future Board meetings include discussions on neighbourhood health, the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, updates on the NHS Modernisation Bill, and reviews of seminars focused on carers. The report also details proposed seminar dates and topics, including sessions on women's health and neighbourhood health, with support from the Better Care Fund. The Board is recommended to note the proposed work programme items.