The Health and Wellbeing Board met on 28 January 2026 to discuss the delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with a particular focus on the Joint Outcomes Monitoring Framework and the Neighbourhood Health and Care programme. Key decisions included the approval of the Joint Outcomes Monitoring Framework for publication and the noting of progress on the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme.

Delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Joint Outcome Monitoring Framework

James Moore, Public Health Consultant, presented the Joint Outcomes Monitoring Framework (JOMF), a tool designed to monitor progress against the priorities set out in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029. The JOMF consolidates key indicators into a high-level framework to provide the Board with oversight of system performance. The Board was asked to approve the publication of the JOMF on the Croydon Observatory, with regular reviews and updates planned. Concerns were raised about the timely confirmation of certain metrics, particularly patient and carer feedback, which were attributed to staff illness. The Board agreed to the recommendations, including the annual refresh of the JOMF and the continuation of work by the Knowledge and Intelligence Partnership subgroup.

Delivery of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy: Neighbourhood Health and Care

Rachel Flagg, Programme Director for the One Croydon Alliance, provided an update on Croydon's participation in the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP). Croydon was selected as one of 43 wave one sites, focusing on adults with multiple long-term conditions and those at rising risk. The programme aims to shift care from hospitals to the community, embrace digital technologies, and focus on prevention. Early findings from pilot sites indicated the importance of proactive resident-facing joint working and strong GP leadership. The Board noted the progress made and the national guidance received for planning Neighbourhood Health and Care in 2026/27.

Creative Health Programme Evaluation Insights

Lisa Rodio, Creative Health Programme Manager, presented an update on the Creative Health Programme, which aims to support evidence-based creative interventions to improve the health of communities at risk of health inequalities. The programme operates across four strands: a Creative Health Network, community grants, targeted interventions, and advocacy for the sector. Initial evaluation after 15 months showed positive impacts on mental health, wellbeing, and social connection, with grants reaching target populations. Future priorities include expanding the network, increasing the reach of grant schemes, refining targeted interventions, and improving stakeholder engagement. The Board noted the progress and impact of the programme and was encouraged to promote relevant opportunities.

Anti-Racism Work Programme

Fatai Ogunlayi, Consultant in Public Health, presented the Anti-Racism Work Programme, building on the work of a task-and-finish group. The programme aims to develop a comprehensive anti-racism framework for Croydon, addressing racial determinants of health and their impact on access, experience, and health outcomes. A workshop with senior leaders highlighted the importance of visible action, robust governance, and a multi-year programme of work. The Board approved recommendations to co-develop an anti-racism vision and position statement, design a governance and accountability framework, and develop a five-year programme of work with community co-production.

Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Update

Sarah Burns provided an update on Croydon's Community Hubs and the Neighbourhood Health in Action initiative. The community hubs model aims to reach local people through accessible, inclusive spaces that foster connection and provide access to support. The model is community-led and has seen collaboration between grassroots groups and larger charities. The update highlighted the positive outcomes of community hubs, including improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, increased independence, and stronger community connections. The importance of sustainability and fundraising for these hubs was also emphasised.

Better Care Fund 2025-26 Quarter 2 Submission

Paul Connolly, Head of Integrated Contracts and Performance for One Croydon Alliance, presented the Better Care Fund Quarter 2 submission. The report indicated that expenditure was on track, and residential admission rates were now meeting targets. However, data quality issues prevented a definitive assessment of discharge delays. The Board ratified the submission, noting that changes to the Better Care Fund, now referred to as the Integrated Care Funding Framework, are expected.

Healthwatch Croydon Annual Report 2024-2025

Edwina Morris, Chair of Healthwatch Croydon, and Gordon Kay, Manager of Healthwatch Croydon, presented the Annual Report. The report highlighted that Healthwatch Croydon supported over 1,000 people to share their experiences and access information. Key projects included gathering insights on health inequalities, the experiences of neurodiverse residents, community diagnostic services, and reablement services. The report also detailed the significant impact of volunteers and the organisation's financial position. The Board noted the annual report, acknowledging the valuable work of Healthwatch Croydon in representing the voice of residents.

Healthwatch Croydon Briefing on Proposed Future Arrangements for Patient Engagement

Edwina Morris provided a briefing on proposed changes to the Healthwatch network, stemming from the Department of Health and Social Care's 10-year Health Plan and the Dash Review. The proposals include abolishing Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, with responsibilities potentially transferring to the Department of Health and Social Care, ICBs, and local authorities. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of independence in gathering and reporting patient voice, the fragmentation of health and social care feedback, and the impact on reaching seldom-heard communities. The Board was urged to be mindful of these potential changes and their implications for commissioning and service provision.

Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan

Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, presented the forward plan for the Health and Wellbeing Board. Upcoming meetings will focus on supporting children, young people, and families, and supporting the older population. The March meeting will include updates on the Better Care Fund, the Neighbourhood Health and Care Plan, and annual reports from the Director of Public Health and the Board itself. The Board noted the forward plan.