The Health & Wellbeing Board and ICB Sub-Committee (Committees in Common) met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss a range of critical public health initiatives and service updates. Key discussions included the 2025/26 Winter Plan, progress on the 'Smokefree 2030' ambition, and the 'Families First Partnership Programme'. The meeting also addressed the significant restructuring of the North East London Integrated Care Board, provided an update on neighbourhood working, and reviewed the outcome of the recent Care Quality Commission inspection of Adult Social Care.

2025/26 Barking and Dagenham Winter Plan Update

The committee received an update on the implementation of the 2025/26 Winter Plan, which focuses on proactive population health, optimising patient flow through acute and community sites, and strengthening alternative pathways to reduce pressure on urgent and emergency care. Original winter actions included embedding proactive care, with 50% of practices now using the Eclipse risk stratification tool, and transitioning residents to Universal Care Plans. The plan also detailed efforts to improve end-of-life care plans and support for homeless residents. Additional initiatives funded through the Better Care Fund were also discussed, including increased community equipment provision and a new reablement pathway to ensure timely and safe discharge from services. The Community Respiratory Hub had exceeded its commissioned activity targets, and a pilot of a BHR CTT crisis response car was underway.

North East London Integrated Care Board Restructure Update

Charlotte Pomery, Chief Strategic Commissioning Officer for NHS North East London, provided an update on the significant restructuring of the Integrated Care Board (ICB). This restructure is mandated by national policy to reduce running costs by 50% and align with the Model ICB Blueprint, aiming for a leaner, more agile organisation focused on strategic commissioning. The proposals include a reduction in staffing from 855 to 573, with a new operating model structured around four departments: Strategy, Strategic Commissioning, Clinical and Quality Commissioning, and Finance and Resources. Neighbourhood development will be integrated within the Strategic Commissioning department, with dedicated place delivery teams to support local partnerships. The committee was asked to reconfirm their commitment to the partnership and the delivery of neighbourhood health amidst these changes.

Neighbourhood Working Update

An update was provided on Barking and Dagenham's participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). The local programme has made rapid progress, with all deadlines met. This includes signing a compact with the Department of Health and Social Care, developing a high-level delivery plan, and refining cohort selection using the Optum population health management tool. Test and Learn workshops are set to begin in January to develop integrated neighbourhood teams, with a focus on resident voice and co-production. A 360° survey indicated strong individual collaborative behaviours but highlighted areas for improvement in collective working, such as clearer governance and shared vision. Dr Minal Bakal, the Senior Responsible Officer for the NNHIP, is scheduled to visit Barking and Dagenham in February to discuss progress.

Families First Partnership Programme

Angela D'Urso, Practice Lead for the Families First Partnership Programme, presented an update on this significant transformation of children's social care services. The programme aims to reduce the number of children entering the care system by creating a seamless system of help, support, and protection. Key pillars of change include establishing Multi-Agency Family Help teams, a single assessment and plan that stays with families, Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, and integrating Family Group Decision Making. The programme is funded by a ring-fenced Prevention Grant until at least 2028/29 and is currently on track with its design and implementation timeline. The committee was encouraged to consider a Think Family approach to concurrent neighbourhood service developments and to engage with the programme's focus on preventing escalation of issues, identifying neglect early, and ensuring common understanding of thresholds and support pathways.

Adults Social Care CQC Inspection Outcome

Joanne Starkie, Head of Service Improvement and Regulation Readiness, reported on the outstanding outcome of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care services. The inspection praised the council's approach to prevention, partnership working, safe systems, governance, leadership, and organisational culture. Areas for improvement identified included enhancing information and advice for unpaid carers, embedding co-production more consistently, and addressing delays in Occupational Therapy assessments. These areas will be addressed through the 2025-30 Adult Social Care and Support Plan. The report highlighted that Barking and Dagenham was one of only three local authorities to receive an 'outstanding' rating.

Progress Towards Delivering 'Smokefree 2030' in Barking and Dagenham

Dr Mike Brannan, Consultant in Public Health, presented an update on the progress towards the 'Smokefree 2030' ambition. Smoking remains a significant driver of ill health and inequalities in Barking and Dagenham, with a higher prevalence than London and England averages. The report highlighted the success of the rejuvenated Stop Smoking Service in 2024/25, which supported 843 residents to set a quit date, exceeding the government's trajectory target. This was achieved through a comprehensive approach including a communications campaign, an award-winning enforcement team tackling illicit tobacco, community pharmacy support, hospital-based cessation services, and a CYP Vaping Partnership. However, the trajectory for 2025/26 and beyond becomes increasingly challenging, with a need for significant increases in quit dates without a corresponding increase in funding. The committee was urged to consider how partners can support this critical work.

JSNA Deep Dive - Carers' Health Needs in Barking and Dagenham

Jo Broadbent, Interim Consultant in Public Health, presented a deep dive into the health needs of informal carers in Barking and Dagenham. The assessment found that while many carers in the borough report positive experiences, such as being involved in care decisions and having sufficient social contact, a substantial number face emotional, social, and financial challenges. Key areas for improvement include general health and wellbeing, finances and employment, recognition of the carer role, strategic alignment, and enhancing awareness of available support. The report highlighted that carers are more likely to be providing 20+ hours of care per week and that their health needs, including mental health and physical conditions, are often higher. The assessment recommended a holistic, individualised approach to support, improved clinical case-finding, and enhanced data linkage to identify and support carers more effectively. The committee was asked to consider these findings and agree to the publication of the Carers' Health Needs Assessment.

The meeting also included a resident's story about the 'Connect' programme, which supports individuals with health issues to build confidence and social connections. The programme has had a significant positive impact on Joshua, a young man with sickle cell anaemia, helping him to engage with his community, pursue his creative interests, and improve his health management.