The Committee in Common between Cornwall Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Partnership met on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss and approve several key reports and plans relating to the health and wellbeing of the region. Decisions made included the approval of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028, the endorsement of priorities for the NHS 5 Year Plan, and the noting of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy Evaluation

The Committee discussed the evaluation of the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was approved in 2020. The evaluation highlighted a mixed picture of performance indicators, with improvements in areas such as life expectancy and school readiness, but concerns remaining over social isolation and smoking prevalence. The need for a refreshed strategy was emphasised, with a stronger focus on prevention, neighbourhood-based action, and alignment with national policy. Key discussions included ensuring the specific needs of the Isles of Scilly were captured, aligning the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) Clinical Strategy with the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and considering cross-border primary care arrangements with Devon. Cornwall Council's Chief Executive, Kate Kennally, apologised for not completing the strategy survey but confirmed strong support for using the strategy to reset shared priorities. The Committee resolved to endorse the case for a refreshed Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, approve the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to oversee its development, and agreed that a single Health and Wellbeing and Integrated Care Strategy be developed. They also requested confirmation from the Isles of Scilly Health and Wellbeing Board regarding resource commitment for a joint strategy.

Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27

The Committee approved Cornwall's Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27, a joint piece of work between Cornwall Council and the Integrated Care Partnership, representing over £100 million in annual funding. The plan continues to focus on intermediate care, carers, equipment, and prevention, building on strong historic performance. Discussions highlighted the progress made in partnership working and the strategic use of the fund to support frailty pathways. Members sought reassurance on how integrated working was improving outcomes, with advice that services were operating more cohesively, providing broader specialist support, and strengthening clinical oversight. The Committee resolved to approve the Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27 for submission to NHS England and delegated authority to the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, in consultation with the Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, for the submission of returns.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028

The Committee recognised the findings of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (CIOS PNA) for 2025-2028 and supported its recommendations to enable publication before the statutory deadline. The Public Health Knowledge and Intelligence team was delegated the responsibility for monitoring pharmacy services through supplementary statements during the lifespan of the PNA.

NHS 5 Year Plan (Joint Forward Plan and ICB 5 Year Commissioning Plan)

The Committee noted the new national framework for NHS planning and that the Joint Forward Plan would be subsumed into the new 5-year strategic commissioning plan. They endorsed the proposed inclusion of priorities from the Life Course Steering Groups in the 5-year Strategic Commissioning Plan and agreed that the draft plan would be received at a future meeting. An action was set to circulate a clear timeline for the sign-off of the NHS 5 Year Plan to the Committee.

A Collaborative Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion and Prevention of 'Deaths of Despair'

The Committee recognised the progress and ongoing challenges in delivering the Suicide Prevention Strategy. They supported the recommendations in the report to embed suicide prevention within the system and agreed to provide input on the next strategy when presented in draft form. Early adoption of AI/digital tools for suicide prevention was also supported.

Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Cornwall - Annual Progress Report

The Committee resolved to continue supporting the activity of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) in Cornwall, noting its work to date and endorsing its priorities. They also supported further connections with the health sector to aid collaboration in this area.

Highlight Report from the Life Course Steering Groups and Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group

The Committee noted the latest highlight reports from the co-chairs of the steering groups and the Integrated Commissioning Partnership Group. They also agreed to receive the Live Well metrics from the steering group at the next meeting. Updates on the Start Well, Live Well, and Age Well workstreams were provided, with progress reported in various areas including SEND reform, mental health outcomes, and home-based care.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board - Annual Report 2024-2025

The Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report was noted by the Committee.

Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly (DCIOS) Health Protection Committee Annual Assurance Report 2024-2025

The Committee was assured that effective health protection arrangements were in place throughout 2024/25 across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Discussions highlighted ongoing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, C. difficile and MRSA cases, and the need for increased infection prevention and control capacity, particularly in care home settings. The Committee was informed that antimicrobial resistance remained a significant system-wide challenge, and while there was no immediate solution, actions were being taken to promote appropriate antimicrobial prescribing and maintain infection control measures.

Strategic Commissioning Framework for Neighbourhood Health through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) in Cornwall

The Committee noted the publication of the national Medium Term Planning Framework and its statements regarding neighbourhood health plan requirements. They recognised that a draft model neighbourhood framework and a national neighbourhood health planning framework were expected in November 2025. Local neighbourhood planning was to continue using the draft strategic commissioning framework as a basis for engagement, with feedback from stakeholders to be incorporated. The Council intended to be a joint signatory to the final framework. Preparation to update the strategic commissioning framework after the publication of national guidance was agreed, with a refreshed version to be brought back to the Committee. A governance timeline was to be developed for formal sign-off of the framework.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 Quarter 2 National Return

The decision made under delegation to submit the formal Quarter 2 Return to NHS England for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s Better Care Fund for 2025-26 was ratified by the Committee.

ICB, Councils of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Announcements (hot topics ) (CEO updates)

Updates were provided on the new Interim Chief Executive of the ICB, the announcement of Executive Directors, and the expectation that the ICB's budget would break even for the fifth year running. Updates were also given on recruitment within the ICB, with all posts expected to be filled by June 2026. The final CQC Inspection Report for Adult Services was anticipated, along with reports for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and social housing inspections. The retirement of Kate Evan Hughes, Strategic Director for Together for Families, was noted, and thanks were extended for her service. The development of the enablement workstream for working-age adults, the Resilience, Inclusion, Strengths and Enablement (RISE) model, was acknowledged. Finally, the SEND Reform Plan, due for submission to the Government by the end of June 2026, was mentioned as a joint piece of work with the ICB.