The Health and Wellbeing Board of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to discuss several key areas, including proposed changes to the Board's membership, updates on community safety and sexual health strategies, and plans for better care and neighbourhood health initiatives. The Board resolved to recommend amendments to the Council's constitution to expand its voting membership and endorsed the Wiltshire Neighbourhood Health Vision.

Health and Wellbeing Board Membership Update

The Board considered a proposal to revise its membership, aiming to increase the number of voting members and reflect changes such as the impending abolition of NHS England. The proposed changes would see most current non-voting members, excluding Wiltshire Council officers, become voting members. The Board discussed the proposal and expressed support for increasing accountability through expanded voting membership. It was noted that these changes would require approval from the Full Council.

Resolved: To recommend that Full Council amend the terms of reference as set out in the report and with adjustments as discussed at the meeting, to enable an expansion of voting membership.

Community Safety Update - Serious Violence/ Road Safety

Natasha Gell, Community Safety Partnerships Manager, presented an update on community safety, focusing on the statutory 'serious violence duty' and road safety initiatives. The report highlighted Wiltshire's comparatively low crime levels, with a focus on programmes aimed at diverting young people at risk of serious violence. An update was also provided on the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership's strategy, which adopts a Vision Zero philosophy, aiming for no fatal or serious injuries on the roads. Statistics on road deaths and injuries in Wiltshire and Swindon were presented, alongside information on speed awareness courses and other related policies. Perry Payne from the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership provided further details on data gathering and collaboration with parish councils, expressing support for graduated driving licenses due to the high-risk profile of younger drivers. The Board discussed the effectiveness of interventions to reduce serious violence and requested case studies for practical examples. An update on hate crime was also requested for a future meeting.

Resolved: That the comments from the Board on the report and the Strategic Needs Assessment and the draft road safety partnership strategy be recorded and noted.

Sexual Health

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Co-Ordination with the NHS, introduced a presentation and report on sexual health, delivered by Gemma Brinn (Public Health Consultant), Sadie Adams (Public Health Specialist for Sexual Health), and Imogen Bambrough-Stimson (Specialty Registrar in Public Health). Despite Wiltshire's generally low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the report highlighted persistent internal inequalities, with higher burdens among specific groups such as young people and those in deprived areas. A coordinated, system-wide approach is deemed necessary to address these disparities. The Wiltshire Sexual Health Strategy 2026–2031, developed collaboratively through the Sexual Health Partnership Board, was presented, outlining its governance and strategic direction. The Board welcomed the update and the proposed strategy, endorsing its five priority areas. Questions were raised regarding the timeline for realising tangible benefits, with it noted that while some outcomes would take time, improved service collaboration was expected to yield quicker results. The Sexual Health Partnership Board (SHPB) will provide annual updates to the Health and Wellbeing Board for ongoing oversight.

Resolved: To note the update on Sexual Health, and to endorse the strategy and the five priorities.

Better Care Plan - including urgent care schemes

Caroline Homes (Place Director – ICB) and Amy Jones (Director – Commissioning, Wiltshire Council) provided an update on the Better Care Plan (BCF). The 2026–27 BCF framework represents the initial phase of significant reform, aligning with the government's 10-Year Health Plan for England to foster a more consistent and integrated approach to funding joint health and social care services. The update emphasised the need for stronger alignment with neighbourhood health services and increased investment in adult social care, while safeguarding existing BCF-funded services. Wiltshire was required to submit a narrative and data to the national BCF team by 19 May, prior to the next meeting. It was agreed to delegate the preparation of this submission to officers, in consultation with the Chairman. The Board discussed the broader implications, including capacity for critical services, the use of BCF for preventative work, reablement services, and improving consultation with service users and providers.

Resolved: To note the update and to delegate to the Corporate Director, Care and Wellbeing and the Director Place – ICB, to prepare the submission to the national BCF team, after consultation with the Chairman.

Neighbourhood Health and Integrated Care Planning Update

Emma Higgins (Head of Combined Place - ICB) presented an update on the development of the Wiltshire Neighbourhood Health Vision, following workshops held with the Board. The report also provided an update on the Integrated Care Planning process, with the final five-year plan to be presented for approval after incorporating feedback from NHS England. The national Neighbourhood Health framework, which sets minimum expectations for delivery over the next three years, was noted as a template for future plans. The Board discussed the framework, with Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, expressing concerns regarding children and safeguarding, which he intended to raise directly with the ICB.

Resolved:

• To endorse the Wiltshire Neighbourhood Health Vision attached in Appendix 1.
• To note the content of the report and current progress in developing the neighbourhood health plan.
• To note the update on the five-year plan and the ICA update.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 21 May 2026.

There were no urgent items raised at the meeting.