The Health and Wellbeing Board met on 20 April 2026 to discuss and endorse several key strategies and frameworks aimed at improving the health and well-being of Hertfordshire residents. Decisions were made regarding the Hertfordshire's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the refresh of the Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Better Care Fund Framework.

Hertfordshire's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (2026-2029)

The Board noted the new Hertfordshire's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy (2026-2029) and discussed how members, in their leadership roles, could support its delivery. This multi-agency strategy, developed in partnership with local authorities, health partners, criminal justice agencies, voluntary sector organisations, and survivors, aims to address multiple forms of harm that disproportionately affect women and girls. These include domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, harassment, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and 'honour-based' abuse. The strategy adopts a whole-system approach focused on early identification, risk management, safety planning, and long-term recovery, with four key priorities: preventing harm before it occurs, identifying and stopping those causing harm, increasing safety for victims and survivors, and providing support after harm has occurred. The strategy acknowledges the intersecting nature of VAWG, recognising that factors such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, age, and socio-economic status can create additional barriers to support. The Board was invited to consider how this approach aligns with local health and well-being priorities and the role of health partners in supporting its delivery.

Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy Refresh – Development Framework

The Board approved the proposed development approach and framework for refreshing the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which will be extended until March 2027. This extension allows for meaningful engagement and alignment with ongoing organisational changes within the NHS and local government. The refresh will be a coordinated, system-led approach, underpinned by clear governance, programme management, and stakeholder engagement. Key principles guiding the refresh include integration, meaningful engagement with lived experience, evidence-led decision-making, understanding local needs, shared ownership, a life course approach, prevention and early intervention, reducing inequalities, and alignment across system strategies. The Board also endorsed the use of a robust, Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)-led evidence base and noted plans for a development session in June to consider this evidence and inform the strategy's priorities.

Better Care Fund (BCF) Framework 2026-27 and Expectations for Alignment to Neighbourhood Health

The Board approved the Better Care Fund (BCF) NHS Q3 2025-26 report, noting its performance metrics, achievements, and financial position. They also reviewed the 2026-27 BCF Framework, which supports the further integration of health and social care services in line with the government's Neighbourhood Health objectives. The BCF has been a successful mechanism for driving integration and has shown strong performance in key national metrics, including emergency admissions, discharge delays, and reablement outcomes. The report highlighted that Hertfordshire's BCF already aligns with neighbourhood health principles, such as prevention, early intervention, integrated neighbourhood-based services, and a home-first model with strong voluntary sector partnerships. The Board was asked to help guide and review BCF priorities in light of emerging Neighbourhood Health guidance and planning.

Neighbourhood Health – National Framework, Planning, Governance and Programme

An update was provided on the development of Neighbourhood Health across Hertfordshire, following the publication of the NHS England and Department of Health & Social Care Neighbourhood Health Framework. This framework sets out the national direction for organising care around local communities, with Health and Wellbeing Boards playing a central role in setting the vision, priorities, and agreeing neighbourhood geographies. The Board noted local progress in developing Neighbourhood Health and the proposal to establish a Neighbourhood Delivery Committee for Hertfordshire, with its first meeting planned for April/early May. This committee will act as a multi-agency forum to translate national policy into locally owned delivery arrangements, align planning, and oversee the delivery of integrated neighbourhood teams.

Age Friendly: Live Better Strategy and Delivery Plan

The Board was invited to endorse and support the Age Friendly Communities Hertfordshire Strategy and delivery plan. This programme, funded by Public Health Hertfordshire and delivered by Age UK Hertfordshire and North Herts & Stevenage CVS, follows the World Health Organization's Age Friendly Communities model. It aims to improve the quality of life for older people by focusing on health and well-being, inclusion, and the inclusivity of local services. The strategy has been developed through engagement with older people and multi-agency partners, identifying four key pillars: Community Health and Wellbeing, Social Participation and Employment, Home, and Transport. The Live Better programme, a collaboration with Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, will focus on reducing loneliness, improving access to inclusive infrastructure, and embedding age-friendly practices. Board members were encouraged to champion the programme by joining the network, signing the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, and engaging in activities.

Healthy Places and Whole Systems Healthy Weight Programmes

The Board received an update on the Healthy Placemaking and Whole Systems Healthy Weight Programmes. Healthy Placemaking focuses on designing and shaping places to support physical, mental, and social well-being, with a framework developed to embed health into planning. The Whole Systems Healthy Weight Programme addresses the complex factors influencing weight, aiming for long-term change by shifting from the term obesity to healthier weight to promote a more positive and inclusive approach. The report highlighted concerning trends in childhood obesity and the significant proportion of adults who are overweight or obese. A Whole Systems Healthy Weight Board has been established to bring together interventions and expertise from various organisations. Key priorities for the coming year include supporting healthier weight in pregnancy, promoting healthier diets in early years settings, and creating healthier food environments in workplaces. The Board was asked to endorse these programmes and support their inclusion in the refreshed Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Health and Wellbeing Board Sub-Governance Boards – Progress Highlight Reports (January to March 2026)

The Board reviewed the progress highlight reports from its five sub-boards: Violence Against Women and Girls, Drug and Alcohol Joint Strategic Board, Children and Young People's Commissioning Oversight Group, Better Care Fund Board, and the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Neurodiversity Health and Care Partnership. These reports summarised key activities, achievements, and planned activities for 2026/27. The Board also received feedback from the Health and Wellbeing Board Community of Practice session held in March 2026, which focused on the new Young Carers Service and the Health and Wellbeing Strategy refresh. Partners welcomed the new Young Carers Service and expressed support for the strategy refresh's development approach, governance, and guiding principles. The Board was invited to note the reports, comment on them, and advise if any areas required a more detailed review.

The meeting concluded with noting that there were no other urgent business items and confirming the dates of future meetings.