The Aberdeenshire Integration Joint Board (IJB) met to discuss a range of issues, including financial updates, community hospital reviews, and the draft strategic plan for 2025-2035, which was approved for public consultation. The board also approved revised equality outcomes and discussed the transfer of the Information & Systems Team to Aberdeenshire Council's Customer & Digital Services.

Financial Performance and Recovery Plan

The board reviewed the 2025-2026 financial position, noting a £3.462 million underspend for Quarter 1 but a projected £1.867 million overspend by year-end. The Interim Chief Finance and Business Officer, Gillian Milne, highlighted that the underspend reflected good financial discipline and strong budget management. However, challenges in delivering agreed savings, particularly in in-house care at home and Older People's Residential Care Homes, contributed to the projected overspend. The board agreed to formally request that NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council fund the reported over-budget position for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The IJB also received an update on the Recovery Plan, which focuses on doing things differently, income generation, and doing less. The board noted that of the planned savings of £7.779 million, only £2.854 million was expected to be achieved in the current financial year.

Community Hospital Review and Insch Hospital

The IJB discussed the strategic review of community hospitals, approving the approach for Phase 1: Planning and investigation. The review aims to create an efficient and sustainable model for community hospitals across Aberdeenshire. Acknowledging the challenges and community concerns surrounding Insch Hospital, the IJB agreed to instruct officers to work with stakeholders to undertake communication and engagement activities regarding the disposal of the building, with a further report due following completion of this work.

Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy 2025-2030

The IJB approved the draft Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy 2025-2030 for wider consultation. The Lead Social Worker, whose name is not provided in the documents, advised that the strategy's development included an engagement and consultation period, and that a Delivery Plan would be developed following approval of the draft strategy. Members suggested that a more concise document with an executive summary might improve engagement, and raised concerns about respite care provision and support for former carers.

Strategic Plan 2025-2035

The board acknowledged the draft Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan 2025-2035 and approved it for public consultation, including presentation to Aberdeenshire Council Area Committees. The plan sets out a ten-year vision, with two priorities: prevention and early intervention, and health and social care services supporting those with the greatest need. The board also approved the Communication and Consultation Plan for the draft Strategic Plan.

Equality Outcomes 2024-2028

The IJB considered feedback from engagement work with the Aberdeenshire public and AHSCP staff regarding the development of a new set of Equality Outcomes and approved the revised set of three Equality Outcomes, as well as the actions intended to support their delivery. The proposed Equality Outcomes are:

• Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership will improve the health and wellbeing of people in Aberdeenshire by ensuring services are inclusive, fair, and easy to access.
• People with protected characteristics in Aberdeenshire are informed about the services offered by Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership and know how to access them.
• People with protected characteristics, along with their families and supporting organisations, actively participate in planning and decision-making for our service delivery.

Information & Systems Team

The IJB received an update regarding the transfer of the Information & Systems Team to Customer & Digital Services (Aberdeenshire Council). While a formal direction was considered, it was deemed unnecessary, and the IJB agreed to receive an annual report setting out the business support provided by both Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian.

Community Justice Annual Report 2024-2025

The IJB considered and noted the Aberdeenshire Community Justice Annual Report 2024-2025, which highlighted progress made by the Aberdeenshire Community Justice Partnership. The report noted challenges including budget pressures and recruitment difficulties, but also highlighted positive developments such as increased collaboration between partners and the implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment standards¹.