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, sexual health, the Better Care Plan, and Neighbourhood Health initiatives. The Board resolved to recommend changes to its membership to Full Council to increase voting representation and endorsed the Wiltshire Sexual Health Strategy 2026-2031.

Health and Wellbeing Board Membership Update

The Board considered a proposal to change its membership, aiming to increase the number of voting members. The proposed changes, which would require approval from Full Council, included making all current non-voting members (except Wiltshire Council officers) voting members. Adjustments were also planned to reflect the abolition of NHS England and to include additional representation from the voluntary and community sector. The Board supported the proposal to expand voting membership to enhance accountability and requested a review of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care's role.

Community Safety Update - Serious Violence/ Road Safety

Natasha Gell, Community Safety Partnerships Manager, presented an update on serious violence and road safety. The report detailed the statutory 'serious violence duty', highlighted Wiltshire's comparatively low crime rates, and outlined offender profiling, with boys aged 15-17 identified as the most overrepresented group for certain offences, such as possession of weapons. Programmes focused on deterrence and targeted support for those at risk of serious violence were also discussed. An update on the road safety strategy, adopting a Vision Zero philosophy aiming for no fatal or serious injuries on the roads, was also provided, including statistics on road deaths and injuries in Wiltshire and Swindon, and details on speed awareness courses and other initiatives. Perry Payne from the Wiltshire and Swindon Road Safety Partnership explained data gathering methods and collaboration with parish councils, and expressed support for graduated driving licenses, noting younger drivers as a high-risk group. The Board discussed the effectiveness of interventions to reduce serious violence and requested case studies and an update on hate crime for future consideration.

Sexual Health

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Co-Ordination with the NHS, introduced a report and presentation 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 having a generally low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), internal inequalities persist, particularly affecting young people and those in deprived areas. A coordinated, system-wide approach is needed to address these disparities. The Wiltshire Sexual Health Strategy 2026–2031, developed collaboratively through the Sexual Health Partnership Board, was presented. The Board welcomed the update and the proposed strategy, expressing support for its five priority areas. Questions were raised about the timeline for tangible benefits, with it noted that while some outcomes would take time, improved service collaboration should yield quicker results. The Sexual Health Partnership Board will provide annual updates to the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Board resolved to note the update and endorse the strategy and its priorities.

Better Care Plan - including urgent care schemes

Caroline Holmes (Place Director – ICB) and Amy Jones (Director – Commissioning, Wiltshire Council) presented an update on the Better Care Plan (BCF). The 2026–27 BCF framework represents the first phase of significant reform, aligning with the government's 10-Year Health Plan for England to create a more consistent and integrated approach to funding joint health and social care services. The plans require stronger alignment with neighbourhood health services and increased investment in adult social care. Wiltshire was required to submit a narrative and data to the national BCF team by 19 May. The Board discussed capacity for critical services, the use of BCF for preventative work, reablement services, and improving consultation with service users and providers. The Board resolved to note the update and delegate the preparation of the submission to officers in consultation with the Chairman.

Neighbourhood Health and Integrated Care Planning Update

Emma Higgins (Head of Combined Place - ICB) provided an update on the Neighbourhood Health Vision, following previous workshops, and the Integrated Care Planning process. The final 5-year plan would be presented for approval after incorporating feedback from NHS England. The Neighbourhood Health framework, which sets minimum expectations for delivery over the next three years, was noted as the template for future plans. The ICB acknowledged that more detail could have been beneficial in some areas, and that the framework focused on funding construction and usage rather than providing new funding. Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, raised concerns about children and safeguarding details, which he would discuss directly with the ICB. The Board resolved to endorse the Wiltshire Neighbourhood Health Vision, note the progress on the neighbourhood health plan, and acknowledge the updates on the five-year plan and the Wiltshire Integrated Care Alliance.

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