Agenda and minutes

1.1     In welcoming attendees to the meeting the Chairman welcomed Zoey Harries as the new Board Member representing Healthwatch West Sussex who had joined the previous meeting remotely, with this being the first time meeting the Board in person.The Chairman also welcomed the third voluntary sector representative for this meeting; Hilary Bartle, Chief Executive, Stonepillow.

1.2     It was announced that this was the last meeting for Pennie Ford, Executive Managing Director West Sussex, NHS Sussex, who was leaving her role shortly. The Chairman thanked Pennie for her many years of valuable service to the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board stating that her contributions had been greatly appreciated.

1.3     Board members then received the following updates;

·       Since the last meeting in January, the Health and Wellbeing Board Developmental Workshop had taken place. Held on Monday, 11 March, and facilitated by the Local Government Association, the agenda focused on moving from the scoping stage of identifying the support needed for the project, to ‘the doing.’ It was noted that a report would be received on the workshop and the proposed next steps from the Director of Public Health in today’s meeting.

·       Led by the Public Health team, the County Council had undertaken an important survey, earlier this year, about health and wellbeing in West Sussex. This was a voluntary and anonymous survey relating to adults. The results of the ‘Your Health Matters – West Sussex Community Health and Wellbeing Survey 2024’ was noted as helping the Council and partners plan services and take action to meet the health and wellbeing needs of residents in the future following the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes contributing to the development of the Board’s new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) for the next period.

·       It was informed that the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (a public Bill) had taken place in the House of Commons. The Bill had received backing from MPs and was noted as a significant step forward. It was stated that if this becomes law, it will mean people born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to be legally sold tobacco in their lifetime. The Chairman informed that, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, he wrote to West Sussex MPs ahead of this debate, to urge them to support the bill to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and communities. In West Sussex, the aim was to continue to progress delivery of the Tobacco Control Strategy, which is driven by the Smokefree West Sussex Partnership, and chaired by our Public Health team. Stop smoking services to support people to quit, were noted as available across the county for those that live and work within West Sussex. 

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda.  They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it; if in doubt contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

2.1 The Chairman declared a personal interest in agenda item 9, ‘ West Sussex Housing Group Update’ as a member of Crawley Borough Council.

2.2 There were no further declarations of interest.

The Board is asked to confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 25 January 2024.

3.1     It was resolved that the minutes of the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board Meeting held on 25 January 2024 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.   

The Board is asked to monitor/note the responses to Recommendations and Actions made at the meeting on 25 January 2024.

4.1     The Board considered the Actions and Recommendations Tracker (copy appended to the agenda available on the council’s website) which had been updated from the last meeting on 25 January 2024. Following discussion, all items were noted as completed or in progress with no outstanding actions or recommendations.

The Children First Board, being accountable to the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board, as a sub-group of the Board, will provide a formal update at its quarterly public meetings.

5.1     The Assistant Director, Early Help and Children's Social Care presented the Children First Board (CFB) report, highlighting the following key points;

·       The CFB had successfully recruited an Independent Chairman to provide oversight and leadership. This appointment would be confirmed to Board members prior to the next meeting on 23 July. It was noted that the council had recruited to the post of Stakeholder, Partnership and Engagement Manager responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the priorities set out in the Children and Young People’s Plan.

·       A short animation of the Children and Young People’s Plan was published in December 2023 and promoted as part of a three week social media campaign. Feedback had been positive.

·       It was reported that a scorecard had been developed, covering the five high level priority areas from within the Children and Young People’s Plan. The scorecard requires data from a range of organisations within the Children First board and work would be on-going to ensure consistent reporting, metrics and timelines were noted as in place. This work is important to enable the Board to have an overview of the performance of the plan.

·       It was informed that the CFB would be overseeing the action plan resulting in the outcome of the recent SEND inspection. 

5.2     Councillor Jacquie Russell, as the current Chairman of the CFB and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills summed up that the CFB restructure would continue to ensure a strong voice for children and young people with this being a key focus.

5.3     In receiving the report Board members;

·       Welcomed this report and the appointment of an Independent Chairman,

·       Considered how to forge enhanced links with Sussex Police and endorsed this aim,

·       Informed that the West Sussex Chief Executive Group were reviewing how they can best offer their representation and contribution on Boards including the CFB,

·       Noted a number of working groups reporting to the CFB. It was welcomed that the Stakeholder, Partnership and Engagement Manager would work to ensure appropriate representation,

·       Praised the progress of the CFB and the Scorecard approach which would collate data from a variety of organisations. It was confirmed that more information on the Scorecard would be provided following the CFB meeting on 23 July,

·       Recognised that the NHS Sussex Integrated Community Team model to integrate health, social care and health-related services across local communities in a way that best meets the needs of the local population, improves quality, and reduces inequalities would  link with CFB plans for young people. This model was noted as involving integration across primary care, community, mental health, local authority partners, voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and other local partners. The  NHS Sussex Integrated Community Team model which was being developed  was flagged for inclusion in future CFB planning,

·       Asked how partners could best provide information to children and young people on the services available. It was agreed that children and young people need to be communicated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Following the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Developmental Workshop on Monday, 11 March, the Director of Public Health will present a summary report including recommendations and next steps.

6.1     The Director of Public Health provided a report that summarised the West Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board’s (HWB) Developmental Workshop on Monday, 11 March 2024 which was supported by the Local Government Association (LGA) to develop the Board within the context of the new NHS Health and Care system in Sussex. The report also prepared members to move into phase 2 of the development process.

6.2     In delivering this report the Director of Public Health thanked the LGA and all members of the HWB for their support for this development work. It was stated that this work would provide the foundations to create the new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) to be published in 2024.

6.3     In discussing this report board members;

·       Emphasised that any Task and Finish Group should reflect the wider membership of the HWB. It was confirmed that future Task and Finish Group meetings would reflect this, as described in the Director of Public Health’s report,

·       Requested that the HWB consider the inclusion of blue light service representation as part of its membership,

·       Recognised the complexities of developing the HWB within the new NHS health and care system governance arrangements,

·       Welcomed further LGA facilitation of the HWB development work,

·       Noted balance was required between the statutory functions of the HWB within the developmental work,

·       Agreed the importance of setting the HWB vision and aims within the JLHWS,

·       Reminded that the developmental Seminar sessions are able to work flexibly, inviting a wider participation than the formal members of the HWB which could be useful in forming a wider perspective and gaining expertise,

·       Offered practical solutions on potential meeting spaces.

6.4     In summing up the Director of Public Health asked board members to contact her directly should they have any further comments/suggestions.

6.5     The Health and Wellbeing Board resolved that the Health and Wellbeing Board Development Task and Finish Group (TFG) progress Phase 2 of the Board’s development process on behalf of the Board in the following areas:

(1)Governance – develop ways of working within the context of the new NHS health and care system in Sussex, including reviewing membership and terms of reference, action tracker, meeting venues (plan for future quarterly Board meetings and locations),

(2)Identify further areas where LGA support is required for Phase 2 and work with the LGA to scope this,

(3)Consider HWB seminars to progress topic/work areas, if required - for example, developing the new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS), and

(4)Report to the Board in July 2024 providing an update on Phase 2 of the project and Recommendations for the future.

The Director of Public Health will provide a verbal update.

7.1     The Director of Public Health provided verbal updates on current public health matters.

7.2        Further to the report provided at the last meeting of the board on, ‘Developing a Strategic approach to food and nutrition across West Sussex the Director of Public Health informed that a Health Needs Assessment was being planned to gather evidence on the level of need in the population. It was stated that support from board members, in this process, would be welcomed as the service would be working with partners, stakeholders and the public in seeking to understand provision and identify any gaps.  It was informed that once the Health Needs Assessment was completed a strategy framework would be considered and this would also be progressed by engaging with partners.  It was noted that a timeline would be produced for this work.

7.3     In discussing this update it was asked if a method statement could be produced before a timeline. Board members were keen to ensure the process considered the Cost of Living issues and unlocked insights in order to move quickly in areas of food poverty. It was informed that the Health Needs Assessment would consider environment and the social impact on health.

The Chief Executive, Crawley Borough Council will provide an update.

8.1     The Chief Executive, Crawley Borough Council, Chair of the West Sussex Strategic Housing Group presented this update report from the West Sussex Strategic Housing Group which set out national housing pressures and the local response.

8.2     It was recognised that nationally, the scale of homelessness pressures upon local authorities had gained a higher profile post pandemic with an increase in the number of households in temporary accommodation which was causing an increase in costs at District and Borough level, particularly in the South East. Local authorities, in this region, had worked together to raise awareness and lobby national government on the scale of homelessness with some councils declaring a housing emergency.  It was noted that the situation was being driven by;

·       unaffordability of home ownership

·       a shrinking private rental sector

·       shortage of council and other social housing to meet demand.

8.3     The West Sussex Strategic Housing Group had outlined its response which covered sharing of information around strategic matters and practice, undertaking strategic projects such as the two current projects focussed on the issues of moving people out of emergency and into temporary accommodation. The response also covered responding to system demand for housing such as hospital discharge and strategic planning of housing to meet future population needs, Care Leavers Protocol and Extra Care Housing.

8.4     The Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) received an outline on potential areas of support from HWB partners. In discussing this report and request for support, board members;

·       noted comments from the Chief Executive of Stonepillow (registered charity in Chichester helping to prevent homelessness) including that the Public Health team had been undertaking a data review of death rates in the homeless population which would be helpful in informing work planning. The Director of Public Health confirmed that this report would be published shortly and discussed further with board members;

·       agreed with the ethos of Stonepillow to prevent homelessness with early intervention especially with those living in temporary accommodation, ensuring collaborative conversations and support takes place;

·       recognised that at the heart of the housing pressures was a supply issue as well as suitability of accommodation;

·       discussed the complexities of tackling homelessness such as health inequalities understanding the need for open and collaborative conversations;

·       pointed out the new models of NHS delivery committed to working with housing provider partners;

·       suggested that the Sussex perspective be ascertained to see if certain geographical areas were more successful in tackling homelessness than others and what could be learnt from this;

·       stated that work to shape provision should be developed at a realistic pace considering that housing supply and its affordability remains a key issue;

·       commented that safe, secure housing was vital in supporting the health of residents and drew attention to the extra care housing projects that Adult Social Care had developed in West Sussex. It was felt that ‘quick wins’ of this nature should be explored;

·       talked about opportunities across partners to influence, noting that it was not just about housing development but recognising other complexities causing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report will be provided to the Board on the key changes to the proposed Terms of Reference of the Sussex Health and Care Assembly by the current Chairman of the Assembly.

9.1     The Board received a report for noting on the updated Sussex Health and Care Assembly Terms of Reference.

9.2     It was noted that the Sussex Health and Care Assembly is the statutory joint committee of Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council and the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board which was set up to meet the Health and Care Act 2022 requirement for each health and care system in England to establish an Integrated Care Partnership.

9.3     The Sussex Health and Care Assembly had received its annual review on effectiveness and governance arrangements. As a result proposals had seen changes to the membership with no change to the purpose of the Assembly. Membership would be reduced from 24 to 18 members and would be rebalanced to reflect the wider core determinants of health.

9.4     It was informed that each statutory partner had been required to formally agree the new Terms of Reference. Councillor Bob Lanzer as the West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing confirmed that he would be taking a formal key decision to agree the new Sussex Health and Care Assembly.

9.5     Members of the Board welcomed the update and changes to the terms of reference.

9.6     The Health and Wellbeing Board resolved that the updated Terms of Reference for the Sussex Health and Care Assembly be noted.            

This paper provides an update on Better Care Fund (BCF) Planning for 2023 -24 and summarises performance against the Better Care Fund national metrics for Quarter 3 2023-24.

10.1   The Board received the regular report on the Better Care Fund and were asked to note the update on the West Sussex Better Care Fund Plan 2023 -2025 and the West Sussex performance against the national Better Care Fund (BCF) metrics at Quarter 3 2023/24.

10.2   The following key points were made on the BCF Plan 2023-2025;

·       The board was required to update the BCF plan 2024/25 following the publication of the addendum to the 2023 to 2025 BCF Policy Framework and Planning Requirements. It was noted that the BCF 2024-25 plans would need to be submitted to NHS England by 10 June.

·       Local areas must review their Discharge Fund Spend plans ahead of 2024 to 2025.

·       It was noted that the board would be asked to approve the West Sussex BCF Plan update at the next meeting on 11 July 2024.

10.3   The following key points were made on the West Sussex performance against the national Better Care Fund (BCF) metrics at Quarter 3 2023/24;

·       Metrics 2, 3 and 4 (outlined below) were noted as trending in the wrong direction and these trends were being monitored carefully:

(2)Metric 2: Proportion of older people (65 and over) who were still at home 91 days after discharge from hospital into reablement/ rehabilitation services.

(3)Metric 3: Unplanned hospitalisation for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions.

(4)Metric 4: Discharge to usual place of residence.

·       Board members were informed that BCF plans were being developed to bring community services within the BCF programme and review practice within the Integrated Care Team model to increase the breadth and reach of support across the County whilst continuing to assist Hospital Discharge.

10.3   In receiving this report there was discussion around the timing of receipt of information on funding which was causing difficulty in planning. Comments were also made on ensuring value for money and productivity from  the BCF which provided a significant investment opportunity.

10.4 The Health and Wellbeing Board resolved that the update on the West Sussex Better Care Fund Plan 2023-25 and the West Sussex performance against the national Better Care Fund measures at Quarter 3 2023/24 be noted.

To note the draft work programme for 2024/25 as attached.

Members of the Board are requested to mention any items which they believe to be of relevance to the business of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

If any member puts forward an item the Board is asked to assess briefly whether to refer the matter to the Chairman to consider in detail for future inclusion.

11.1   The Chairman presented the Health and Wellbeing Board Work Programme 2024 – 2025 for consideration.

11.2   Board members proposed that;

·       Housing is added to the work programme as a standing Item,

·       the Health and Wellbeing Development work will require more than one Seminar. It was noted that two Seminars, on this subject, were being planned for July and September 2024, and

·       the work programme has space to allow flexibility of items.

11.3   The Health and Wellbeing Board resolved that the Work Programme 2024-2025 be noted.

The next meeting of the Board will be held at 10.30am on 11 July 2024.

12.1   The date of the next meeting of the Board was confirmed as 10.30am on 11 July 2024.

The meeting ended at 12.31pm