Agenda and draft minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 April 2024 as an accurate record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 April 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) and other registrable and non-registrable interests they may have in relation to any item(s) of business on today’s agenda.

There were no disclosures at this meeting.

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

There was none.

Public Questions should be submitted before 12 noon on 28 June 2024 to democratic.services@croydon.gov.uk. Any questions should relate to items listed on the agenda. 15 minutes will be allocated at the meeting for all Public Questions that are being considered.

No public questions were received. However, it was noted that one question was pending a written response from the NHS, which will be provided in due course.

The Director of Public Health (DPH) has a statutory duty to produce an independent annual report to raise awareness of local health issues and health inequalities, and support evidence-based decision making.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended to:

-       Note the contents of DPH’s independent annual report for 2023, including its recommendations.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report 2023 which was an independent annual report aimed at raising awareness of local health issues and health inequalities, to support evidence-based decision making. This year’s Report focused on the LGBTQ+ community.

It was noted that the Report had received both regional and national recognition. The Board commended the Report and acknowledged the former Director of Public Health, Rachel Flowers’, significant contribution.

In response to queries raised by the Board the following matters were clarified:

-          The recommendations from the Report were integral to the wider Council’s ongoing work. It was also mentioned that there were efforts to bring Public Health closer to the work of the Mayor’s Office.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          To note the content of the Director of Public Health’s independent annual report for 2023, including its recommendations.

The Croydon Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is a collection of information relating to the health and wellbeing needs of our population. This report is an update of content that has been added to the JSNA since the topic last came to the Health & Wellbeing Board in February 2023 and context around development of the JSNA.

For the reasons set out in the report, the Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended:

-       to note the update to JSNA content during 2023-24,

-       to discuss the proposed JSNA direction for 2024/25 in light of the new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024-29.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed an Update on Croydon’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), which was a collection of information relating to the health and wellbeing needs of the local population. This report was an update of content that had been added to the JSNA since the topic last came to the Board in February 2023.

The Board received an overview from Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health, who discussed the JSNA’s development and delivery. It was emphasised that overseeing the JSNA’s development was a statutory duty of the Health and Wellbeing Board, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach. For the next steps, the focus would be on establishing suitable sub-groups, whose findings would then be reported back to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Jack Bedeman, clarified the following:

-          The JSNA received quarterly updates, with review cycles varying across different areas; however, each area was expected to be reviewed every three to five years.

-          Benchmarking had been conducted against other local authorities to assess progress.

-          At present, no specific feedback had been received regarding the JSNA’s application within Croydon.

-          It was noted that the JSNA needed to be linked with existing strategies and resources.

-          The role of the Community and Voluntary Sector in contributing data and intelligence was recognised, with potential for future joint funding bids. Improved data and intelligence from the JSNA would strengthen both the Council’s and stakeholders’ positions for funding opportunities.

-          Engagement with schools included comprehensive surveys, and a children and young people’s mental health needs assessment was underway.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to note the update to JSNA content during 2023-24,

-          to discuss the proposed JSNA direction for 2024/25 in light of the new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024-29.

To ensure that both national and local governance is completed correctly, the Health and Wellbeing Board is asked to sign off the Better Care Fund Year End Submission for 23-24 for Croydon to NHS England and asked to review and sign-off the Better Care Fund 23-25 planning submission for Croydon to NHS England.

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, the Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended:

-       to sign off the Better Care Fund Year End submission for 2023-24 to NHS England.

-       to sign off the 2024-25 Better Care Fund updated planning submission to NHS England.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Better Care Fund Year End Submission for 2023-24 and Better Care Fund 2023-25 planning submission for Croydon to NHS England.

Paul Connolly, Head of Integrated Contracts and Performance, provided an overview of the report, explaining that due to the general election, the reporting period did not align with the Health and Wellbeing Board’s meeting schedule. As a result, these documents had already been submitted, although NHS England awaited the Board's approval before granting final sign-off.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Paul Connolly, Head of Integrated Contracts and Performance, clarified the following:

-          Some programmes were added in-year; however, each underwent a rigorous review process.

-          The Continuing Healthcare Fund did not fall under the Better Care Fund.

-          The Disabilities Facilities Grant underspend arose from an uplift that was received after planning was completed. However, as the plan spanned 2023-25, the additional funds could be carried forward into the current financial year.

-          Minor discrepancies in amounts were due to rounding to two decimal places.

-          It was clarified that funds could only be allocated one year in advance.

-          It was confirmed that funding was allocated to community hubs for this financial year.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          to sign off the Better Care Fund Year End submission for 2023-24 to NHS England.

-          to sign off the 2024-25 Better Care Fund updated planning submission to NHS England.

The Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) signed off the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for 2024-2029 in April 2024. This report provides updates on the publication and communication plan and plans to mobilise the strategy.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended to:

-       Note the final version of the JLHWS. 

-       Agree on the publication and partnership communication plans for the JLHWS 2024-2029, and if applicable, propose additional areas to promote the strategy.

-       Agree on the next steps on delivering the strategy, including identifying leadership and/or existing groups/boards which are appropriate for the proposed partnership subgroups.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Croydon Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) report which provided an update on the publication and communication plan and outlined plans to mobilise the strategy.

The Board received an overview from Shifa Sarica, Principal in Public Health.

In response to queries raised by the Board, Shifa Sarica, Principal in Public Health, clarified the following:

-          It was noted that aligning this work with other strategies and plans was essential. Additionally, the strategy’s timeline was well-synchronised with the refresh of the community partnership plans.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          To note the final version of the JLHWS. 

-          To agree the publication and partnership communication plans for the JLHWS 2024-2029, and if applicable, propose additional areas to promote the strategy.

-          To agree the next steps on delivering the strategy, including identifying leadership and/or existing groups/boards which are appropriate for the proposed partnership subgroups.

The South West London Integrated Care System (ICS) produces an Annual Report provides an overview of what the ICB has delivered each financial year and is a statutory requirement by NHS England.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended to:

-       Note the contents of the South West London ICS Annual Report.

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Update on South West London Integrated Care System (ICS) Annual Report 2023-24 for Croydon Place. The ICS produced an annual report which provided an overview of what the Integrated Care Board had delivered each financial year and was a statutory requirement by NHS England.

The Board received an overview from Hilary Williams, Managing Director for Community Services and Integration.

The Chair acknowledged the hard work of the officers and emphasised that collaboration had been a key factor in the success of the ICS.

It was noted by Healthwatch that paragraph 3.12 of the report might incorrectly imply that Healthwatch Croydon was part of the One Croydon Alliance, which was not the case.

The Board RESOLVED:

-       To note the contents of the South West London ICS Annual Report.

To receive a verbal update on the Peer Review Challenge.

The Health and Wellbeing Board received a verbal update from Annette McPartland, Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, on the Peer Review Challenge that took place in her area of work. The following points were highlighted:

-          The report had been published.

-          The Peer Review Challenge, held in November, served as a valuable learning opportunity in preparation for the CQC Assurance.

-          The report highlighted that Croydon demonstrated a high level of self-awareness.

-          A significant number of stakeholders were involved in the Peer Review Challenge.

The Health and Wellbeing Board received a verbal update from Jack Bedeman, Consultant, on the Public Health Peer Review Challenge that took place in March. The following points were highlighted:

-          This peer review followed a similar process and was supported by the Local Government Association.

-          The review focused on both the internal public health function and how the Council supported public health outcomes.

-          The report, which was recently presented at the Mayor’s Advisory Board meeting, would be published.

-          Outcomes aligned with the Public Health team’s expectations, highlighting the importance of working within the wider system and aligning Council work with Public Health objectives.

-          An action plan was in place to implement the recommendations from the peer review.

The Chair recognised that the Peer Review Challenge Reviews were good catalysts for positive change.

In response to queries raised by the Board the following was clarified:

-          Executive officers were working closely with stakeholders, including through this Board, to ensure that all recommendations from the peer review challenges were fully addressed. It was suggested that these efforts could be integrated into the workstreams established for the Croydon Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          To note the verbal updates.

This report presents the live forward plan for consideration by the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB), identifying planned meetings and development activities to address board requirements. This plan is a live document, which will be reviewed routinely to ensure the HWB can address its requirements.

The Health and Wellbeing Board is recommended to:

-       Note the forward plan, Appendix I hereto, and identify items for future meetings and development activities so that the board can continue to fulfil its statutory duties and deliver the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for 2024-2029. 

The Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan which identified the planned meetings and development activities.

The Board received an overview from Jack Bedeman, Consultant in Public Health.

The Board members discussed future items and workshops, noting that it would be beneficial to invite a broader audience from various parts of the system to the planned workshop.

The members of the Board suggested adding the following items to the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board Forward Plan:

-          An update on the Local Community Partnership’s refresh of community plans as part of the JSNA or Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

-          Healthy Communities Together Programme – update on exit strategies.

-          An update on the review of the strategic relationship between the council, NHS, and voluntary sector, with a focus on homelessness.

-          A review of access to green spaces.

Additionally, it was suggested that training on health inequalities affecting disabled people could be beneficial.

The Board RESOLVED:

-          To note the forward plan.

The following motion is to be moved and seconded where it is proposed to exclude the press and public from the remainder of a meeting:

“That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within those paragraphs indicated in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.”