The Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the evaluation of community health programmes, the proposed design of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for 2026, and updates on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, specifically focusing on the Start Well domain. The Board was also set to review the Oxfordshire Better Care Fund Plan for 2026-27 and consider the Oxfordshire Combatting Drugs Partnership Annual Report.

Community Health Development Officer and Well Together Programme Evaluation

The Board was to consider findings from the evaluation of the Oxfordshire County Council-funded Community Health Development Officer (CHDO) programme and the Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB)-funded Well Together programme. These programmes aim to reduce health inequalities by supporting community-led action and local partnerships in areas facing disadvantage. The evaluation highlighted the value of CHDOs and Community Capacity Builders for their local presence, trust-building, and ability to connect residents and organisations. The report suggested that these approaches are most effective with multi-year funding, stable roles, proportionate reporting, and realistic indicators of success.

Oxfordshire Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2026

The Board was to consider feedback on the proposed design of the 2026 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). This statutory annual report serves as an evidence base for the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and provides an opportunity to discuss key issues and trends in Oxfordshire's health-related information. The Board was also to consider advice on the content and approach of the 2026 JSNA, highlighting any additional topics of interest. Furthermore, the contribution of information and intelligence from relevant officers to the JSNA to aid its development and improve accessibility was to be considered. The JSNA is planned to continue using interactive Power BI dashboards alongside written reports, with potential new data and research areas including inclusion health groups, homes and health, and gambling harms.

Health & Wellbeing Strategy Update: Start Well

This agenda item focused on the progress of priorities 1 and 2 under the Start Well thematic domain of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Priority 1, The best start in life, aims for all children in Oxfordshire to experience a healthy start and be ready for school, particularly in deprived communities. Priority 2, Children and young people's emotional wellbeing and mental health, seeks to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing for more children and young people. The Board was to note the progress and key challenges in delivering these priorities. A key element discussed was the Best Start in Life plan, which sets out a shared ambition for every child in Oxfordshire to have the best possible start. The delegation of responsibility for monitoring progress on this plan to the Children's Trust Board was to be considered, noting that outcomes would include the inequality of Good Level of Development (GLD) for children eligible for free school meals.

Oxfordshire Better Care Fund Plan (2026-27)

The Board was to consider the direction of travel for the Oxfordshire Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2026-27. The BCF is a key vehicle for integrating funding between Oxfordshire County Council and the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) to improve health and care outcomes and system resilience. The 2026-27 plan is positioned as a transition year, laying foundations for future reform and stronger alignment with neighbourhood-level planning. Key priorities include diverting and preventing admissions, particularly for those with complex needs and frailty, improving discharge processes, and supporting independence in the community. The approval of the plan and associated assurance statements for submission by 19 May 2026 was to be considered.

Oxfordshire Combatting Drugs Partnership Annual Report (2024-2026)

The Board was to consider the activities and outcomes of the Oxfordshire Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP), as detailed in its Annual Progress Report. The CDP brings together local authority, NHS, criminal justice, and voluntary sector partners to reduce harms from alcohol and drugs. The report highlighted achievements such as an increase in adults accessing treatment, strong performance in continuity of care post-prison, expansion of naloxone availability, and a strengthened response to emerging drug threats. However, challenges were noted, including declining numbers of children and young people accessing specialist support and persistent inequalities in drug and alcohol-related harm.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire Report

The Board was scheduled to receive and note the Healthwatch Oxfordshire Report, which provides insights into patient views and experiences of health and care services across Oxfordshire. Healthwatch Oxfordshire's work includes community research, Enter and View visits to healthcare settings, and other engagement activities to gather public feedback. Recent research highlighted in the report includes feedback on Cora Health's musculoskeletal services, GP services, mental health services, and community research in rural settlements focusing on health inequalities. The report also detailed the launch of a Community Research a How to Guide, co-produced with community researchers.

Verbal Updates and Forward Work Plan

In addition to the formal reports, the Board was scheduled to receive verbal updates on the Marmot Place initiative, Neighbourhood Health Plans, and the Health & Wellbeing Strategy Indicator Review. Updates were also expected from various Partnership Boards, including the Place-Based Partnership, Health Improvement Board, and Children's Trust Board. Finally, the Forward Work Plan for its upcoming meetings was to be noted.