The Health and Wellbeing Board of Hertfordshire Council met on Monday 20 April 2026 to discuss a range of critical public health initiatives. Key decisions included the endorsement of a new multi-agency strategy to combat Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and the agreement to extend the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy until March 2027 due to ongoing system uncertainties. The Board also noted progress on the Age Friendly: Live Better programme and the Healthy Places and Whole Systems Healthy Weight programmes, signalling a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Hertfordshire residents across all life stages.

Hertfordshire's Multi-Agency Strategy for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The Board noted the Hertfordshire's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2026-2029¹. This comprehensive strategy, developed by the Hertfordshire VAWG Partnership, addresses multiple forms of harm that disproportionately affect women and girls, including 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 perpetrators, increasing safety for victims and survivors, and providing support after harm has occurred. The Board was invited to discuss how this strategy aligns with local health and wellbeing priorities and the role of health partners in its delivery.

Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy Refresh – Development Framework

The Board agreed to extend the current Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022–26 by 12 months, until March 2027. This decision was made to allow sufficient time for a comprehensive refresh, acknowledging the ongoing organisational changes within the NHS and local government, including Local Government Reorganisation and NHS reorganisation. The proposed development approach and framework were approved, emphasizing a coordinated, system-led approach underpinned by clear governance, programme management, and stakeholder engagement. This refresh will be informed by a robust Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and will prioritize evidence-led decision-making, meaningful engagement, and a focus on reducing health inequalities. A development session is planned for June to review evidence and inform the strategy's priorities.

Age Friendly: Live Better Strategy and Delivery Plan

The Board endorsed the strategic objectives and delivery plan for the Age Friendly Communities Hertfordshire programme, now branded as Age Friendly: Live Better. This programme, which started in July 2024, aims to improve the quality of life for older people by focusing on eight key areas identified by the World Health Organization, including outdoor spaces, transport, communication, social participation, respect, community health services, civic participation, and housing. The programme has been enhanced through a partnership with Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, forming the Age Friendly: Live Better programme, which will run for three years from April 2026. Board members were encouraged to champion the programme by signing up to the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, joining the Age-Friendly Network, and engaging in various activities to support older residents in enjoying later life in Hertfordshire.

Healthy Places and Whole Systems Healthy Weight Programmes

The Board noted the progress of the Healthy Placemaking programme and the launch of the Healthy and Safe Places Framework². This framework provides a countywide, evidence-based approach to embedding health, wellbeing, and safety into spatial planning, developed in collaboration with various partners. The Board also received an update on the Whole Systems Healthy Weight Programme, which adopts a positive and inclusive approach to promoting healthier weight across all life stages. Key priorities for 2026/27 include supporting healthier weight in pregnancy, promoting healthier diets in early years settings, and creating healthier food environments in workplaces. The establishment of the Whole Systems Healthy Weight Board was highlighted as a crucial governance mechanism for delivering against the 'Good nutrition, healthy weight and physical activity' priority.

Neighbourhood Health – National Framework, Planning, Governance and Programme

The Board noted the publication of the national NHS England and Department of Health & Social Care Neighbourhood Health Framework, which sets the direction for organising care around local communities. The framework emphasizes a person-centred model, led by Health and Wellbeing Boards, integrating health, care, local authority, and community services. The Board noted local progress in developing Neighbourhood Health across Hertfordshire and Central East and supported the proposal to establish a Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Delivery Committee. This committee will act as a multi-agency forum to translate national policy into local delivery, align planning, and oversee the development of integrated neighbourhood teams.

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

The Board approved the Better Care Fund (BCF) NHS England Quarter 3 2025-26 report, noting its performance metrics, achievements, and financial position. The report outlined the BCF Framework 2026-27, which supports the further integration of health and social care in line with Neighbourhood Health objectives. Hertfordshire's BCF-funded services were highlighted as already aligning well with neighbourhood health principles, including prevention, early intervention, integrated neighbourhood-based services, and a home-first model. The Board was asked to guide and review BCF priorities in light of emerging Neighbourhood Health guidance and planning.

Health and Wellbeing Board Sub-Governance Boards – Progress Highlight Reports

The Board reviewed the progress highlight reports from its five sub-boards for January to March 2026. These reports detailed key activities, achievements, and planned activities for 2026/27. The Board noted the progress in developing the new Hertfordshire Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the refresh of the Drug and Alcohol JSNA, the launch of the new Young Carers Service, the continued progress of the Better Care Fund, and the development of neighbourhood-based mental health models. Feedback from the Health and Wellbeing Board Community of Practice was also noted, highlighting support for the Health and Wellbeing Strategy refresh and the new Young Carers Service.