The Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of critical public health and wellbeing issues. Key decisions included agreeing to request the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to investigate mental health services, noting progress on the Age Well priorities within the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and supporting the dissemination of a new toolkit for developing Community Insight Profiles. The Board also agreed to formally establish a working group to explore future models for an independent patient voice following the abolition of Healthwatch.

Update on Mental Health Motion

Councillor Jane Hanna, Chair of the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC), provided an update on the committee's scrutiny of children's mental health and SEND services. The JHOSC's investigation highlighted a more unified focus on SEND children across partners, but also identified significant unmet need. Key challenges included workforce capacity, the impact of organisational change, and the complexity of working across different national policy requirements and delivery timelines, particularly with the formation of the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board. The committee stressed the need for greater local flexibility and clarity on decision-making, and noted the ongoing funding pressures on children's services. The JHOSC's work also emphasised the importance of consolidating feedback from children and families to ensure their voices are heard more coherently across the system. The Board resolved to formally request the JHOSC to investigate mental health services as outlined in the motion.

Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Health Plan

Michelle Brennan, representing Oxfordshire's General Practitioners, presented the draft Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Health and Care Plan. The plan outlines 15 proposed neighbourhood footprints, intended as a starting point for a 12-month refinement period. Key priorities include proactive care for individuals with frailty and complex needs, improved management of multiple long-term conditions, and integrated support for children and young people, aligning with Family Hubs. The Board discussed the balance between organisational service delivery units and the concept of neighbourhoods as places recognised by residents, raising concerns about rural geography, transport, and neighbourhood boundaries. Clarity on accountability and governance at neighbourhood level was also sought. The Board resolved to support the implementation of the neighbourhood health and care approach for 2026/27, agreeing to the proposed objectives, guiding principles, neighbourhood footprints, priorities, foundations, and population health management approach.

Health & Wellbeing Strategy Update - Age Well Priorities 5 & 6

Karen Fuller, Director of Adult Social Care, and Isabel Rockingham, Head of Joint Commissioning for Age Well, presented an update on Priorities 5 and 6 of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, focusing on maintaining independence for older people and strengthening social relationships. The report highlighted increased support for older people at home and through extra care housing, with positive reablement outcomes. However, falls-related hospital admissions remained above target, and dementia diagnosis rates were below target. The report also noted challenges with social isolation, particularly in rural areas, and proposed amendments to the shared outcome metrics. The Board resolved to note the progress on these priorities and agree the proposed amendments to the metrics.

Safer Oxfordshire Partnership Annual Report, including Domestic Abuse Strategic Board Annual Report

Rob MacDougall, Director of Community Safety and Chair of the Safer Oxfordshire Partnership, presented the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Agreement. He explained that CSPs are statutorily responsible for reducing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour, and protecting vulnerable people, objectives closely linked to health and wellbeing. The Safer Oxfordshire Partnership provides a county-wide strategic framework, coordinating efforts across districts and aligning with Police and Crime Commissioner priorities. The report highlighted the intersection of community safety and health, noting that interventions in areas like domestic abuse and substance misuse can prevent demand on health and care services. Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health, then presented the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board Annual Report, detailing progress on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the refreshed Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy. Key achievements included a conference on seldom-heard voices, a training needs assessment, and a review of pathways for children and young people affected by domestic abuse. The Board resolved to note the activities and outcomes of both the Safer Oxfordshire Partnership and the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategic Board.

Director of Public Health Annual Report

Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health, presented the 2025/26 Director of Public Health Annual Report. He highlighted that the latest Index of Multiple Deprivation data indicated a relative improvement in deprivation levels across Oxfordshire since 2019, with several previously most deprived wards showing improvement. He attributed this progress to sustained, partnership-led efforts and the Community Insight Profile approach, which combines data with lived experience to develop tailored solutions. The report is now presented in an interactive, web-based format to enhance accessibility and engagement. The Board resolved to note and consider the report, specifically acknowledging the progress made in addressing health inequalities, and to support the interactive format for informing future service delivery plans.

Community Insight Profile Toolkit

Ansaf Azhar, Fiona Ruck (Health Improvement Practitioner), and Kate Austin (Public Health Principal) presented the Community Insight Profile Development Framework (CIPs Toolkit). This toolkit captures learning from the Community Insight Profiles programme and provides a practical guide for local areas to develop their own profiles and action plans. Tom Gubbins, Wellbeing Manager for Cherwell District Council, shared Cherwell's positive experience with the toolkit, highlighting its impact on organisational culture and the development of over 50 projects. The Board resolved to note the toolkit as a legacy product, recognise its alignment with prevention and inequalities priorities, and support its dissemination and use across partners and communities.

Marmot Update

Kate Holburn, Deputy Director of Public Health, and Dr Jessica Allen from the Institute for Health Equity (IHE) presented an update on the Marmot programme. Dr Allen highlighted significant inequalities in early years development, educational outcomes, and access to services, particularly in rural areas. The report noted that growing up in poverty within an affluent area appeared to be linked to worse outcomes. The Board noted the progress made through the Marmot programme and the partnership with the IHE, and acknowledged the need to embed accountability further through upcoming reports on maternity, babies, children and young people, rural inequalities, and fair employment.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire Update

Barbara Shaw, Chair of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, provided an update on the organisation's recent activities. This included gathering insight from rural communities, completing a How To community research toolkit for grassroots groups, and presenting on the Marmot Place initiative. The Board noted the Healthwatch Oxfordshire report.

Update on the future of an independent patient voice for Oxfordshire - working group report

Omid Nouri, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the report on the establishment of a working group to explore future models for an independent patient voice following the abolition of Healthwatch. The working group has identified key principles for a future function, including brand recognition, trust, independence, avoiding duplication, capacity building, and a local focus. The Board resolved to formally establish the working group, agree its remit to explore and evaluate models, approve its proposed membership, delegate the power to commission a public engagement exercise, and agree to receive future updates.

Reports from Partnership Boards

District Councillor Georgina Heritage provided an update from the Health Improvement Board, highlighting discussions on healthy weight, physical activity, and food strategy. Councillor Sean Gaul presented an update from the Children's Trust Board, seeking agreement for the Board to oversee the Best Start in Life plan. The Board noted the written report from the Place-Based Partnership. The Board resolved to note the partnership board updates.

Forward Work Plan

The Board agreed the forward work plan for future meetings.