The Health & Wellbeing Board of Croydon Council met on Tuesday, 19 March 2024, to consider proposed changes to the Council's Constitution relating to the Board. The Board resolved to consider and note these proposed changes.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution relating to the Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health & Wellbeing Board considered a report detailing proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution concerning the Board's terms of reference. The review, supported by the Local Government Association (LGA), aimed to ensure the Constitution accurately reflected current legislation, including changes to the Health and Social Care Act 2022 and Integrated Care Boards. Key substantive changes included updates to the Board's membership and a clarification of the role of its Executive Group. The Board resolved to consider and note these proposed changes.

Jack Bedeman, Public Health Consultant, introduced the report, summarising the rationale behind the amendments. He highlighted that the review involved aligning the terms of reference with relevant legal acts and that the Council's legal team supported these changes. The proposed amendments were designed to reflect the partnership nature of the Board, with changes to membership and the quorum to account for statutory officers. The Board members welcomed the report and the proposed changes.

The Health and Wellbeing Board was established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to provide a forum for leaders from across the health and care system to work together to improve local populations' health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. The proposed changes aim to enhance the Board's ability to function effectively in line with statutory expectations.

The report noted that the proposed changes were considered and supported by the Constitution Working Group on 15 February 2024. A key suggestion from the group was to explicitly state that scrutiny members of the Council are not permitted to be members of the Board. The report also detailed the Board's statutory members, which include councillors nominated by the Executive Mayor, representatives from Integrated Care Boards, directors of adult social services, children's services, and public health, and a representative from local Healthwatch. The proposed changes also included the addition of an HWB Executive Group to develop the work programme and shape the agenda for the Board.

The report stated there were no direct financial, human resources, or equalities implications arising from the proposed changes. The decision to adopt changes to the Council's Constitution is a non-executive function reserved for full Council, following consideration by the General Purposes Committee. The Council is legally obliged to keep its Constitution up to date, as per Section 9P of the Local Government Act 2000.

The meeting concluded at 2:30 pm.