The Integration Joint Board (IJB) met on Wednesday 21 October 2026 to discuss a range of public reports. Key decisions included the endorsement of a new nursing representative and the approval of initial funding for an early intervention and prevention programme, subject to further information and co-design with third sector partners.

Membership Nomination

The Board welcomed Lynn Barker as the newly appointed Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals for NHS Borders. This appointment makes her the registered nursing representative and a non-voting member of the Scottish Borders IJB, serving until 4 October 2029. The Board also thanked Sarah Horan for her contributions during her tenure.

Strategic Commissioning Plan Development

The IJB was presented with a report outlining the necessary steps to develop a new Strategic Commissioning Plan, a statutory requirement under the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014. Due to an extended vacancy in the Chief Officer role and subsequent disruption, the development of this plan has been delayed. The Board was asked to consider extending the current Strategic Framework until February 2028 to allow for the comprehensive development of a new plan, acknowledging the risk of further delays due to ongoing capacity challenges. The proposed timeline for developing the new plan, including stakeholder engagement and consultation, was to be noted, with the extension of the current framework agreed. The risk of delay due to ongoing capacity challenges was also noted and to be added to the risk register.

Climate Reporting Duty for Integration Authorities

The Board was asked to consider and approve a series of recommended actions to ensure compliance with revised statutory guidance from the Scottish Government regarding Public Bodies Climate Change Duties. From 2027, Integration Joint Boards will be required to provide enhanced reporting on climate change, focusing on their influence within the health and social care sector. Recommended actions include embedding climate considerations into the Strategic Commissioning Plan, updating the Risk Register, incorporating climate issues into the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, and seeking assurance from the Health and Social Care Partnership regarding emergency response planning for extreme weather events. The Board agreed to these actions.

Early Intervention, Prevention, and Social Prescribing Programme Proposal

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposal for an Early Intervention, Prevention, and Social Prescribing Programme. The programme aims to address health inequalities, loneliness, and social isolation by expanding community-based activities, including physical and cultural engagement. The proposal, developed by Scottish Borders Council and Live Borders, with consideration from NHS Borders, sought joint commissioning of the programme.

After extensive discussion and a declaration of interest from Councillor Neil Richards, who is on the board of Live Borders, a vote was taken on a motion. The motion, proposed by Lucy O'Leary and seconded by Councillor Tom Weatherston, was carried by seven votes to three. This approved an initial contribution of £62,952 for a three-month set-up phase in 2026-27. It also agreed in principle a further contribution of £150,521 for the first full programme year in 2027-28, subject to confirmation in December 2026. This confirmation is contingent on the submission and approval of a joint implementation plan, evaluation framework, and an equality and children's rights impact assessment, which must be developed with the involvement of the third sector and other key partners. A formal six-month evaluation will inform any future funding decisions, with no commitment to later years at this stage. The motion also noted the commitment from NHS Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Live Borders, and Health and Social Care Partnership Services to co-design referral pathways and support arrangements.

A counter-proposal, put forward by Juliana Amaral and seconded by John McLaren, sought to postpone funding approval to allow for further engagement and co-design with the third sector, with a revised proposal to be brought back at a future meeting. This counter-proposal was not carried.

The decision to proceed with the initial funding, subject to conditions, was made following a vote. Concerns raised during the discussion included the timeline for evaluation, the need for more robust health outcome measures, and the involvement of the third sector in the co-design process. The financial implications were also a key consideration, with members acknowledging the challenging financial climate for both health and local authorities.