Before the meeting, the Chair advised that due to the meeting being held online, any decisions made would need to be pending decisions, which would be approved when next meeting in person.

Apologies were received from Councillor Cecilia Motley and Nigel Lee, Director of Strategy and Partnerships SATH.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.”

No interests were declared.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2024 (attached).

Contact: Michelle Dulson Tel 01743 257719

Tanya Miles, Executive Director for People, queried an omission in the minutes with regards to outcomes for 0-4 year olds and agreed actions. It was agreed that a paragraph would be sent after the meeting to be included as an amendment to the minutes.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2024 as an accurate record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 9.30am on Tuesday 1 March 2022.

There were no public questions.

a.       Digital Exclusion – David Baker, Head of Service - Automation & Technology, Shropshire Council

b.       Digital Skills Programme – Andrea Miller, Digital Skills Lead, Customer Services, Shropshire Council

c.       STW Digital Strategy Update – David Maruta, Head of Digital NHS STW ICB

a)    Digital Exclusion

David Baker, Head of Automation and Technology, introduced the item and highlighted the significant challenges of digital exclusion, including lack of access to technology, insufficient digital skills, and socio-economic factors, particularly in Shropshire's rural landscape.

Members were advised that the digital inclusion network was set up under 12 months ago, which was co-chaired by David Baker and Robert Smith from Age UK. It included representatives from local government, NHS, community organisations and local businesses, and the objectives were to raise awareness, engage stakeholders, conduct research and propose solutions to bridging that digital divide. Achievements included the distribution of 120 repurposed devices and the success of the digital skills program benefiting over 1800 residents.

Rachel Robinson, Executive Director for Health, Wellbeing and Prevention, emphasised the importance of aligning digital inclusion work with other programs and exploring various funding opportunities. She suggested having further conversations with Andrea Miller and other partners to ensure continued support for digital inclusion initiatives.

RECOMMENDED:

That the HWBB:

·       Endorsed the Expansion of Digital Infrastructure: Continue to invest in improving broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas, to reduce digital exclusion.

·       Endorsed Enhancing Digital Skills Training: Continue and expand the Digital Skills Programme to reach more residents, particularly the elderly and those in low-income brackets.

·       Endorsed the Promotion of Collaborative Efforts: Strengthen partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and national bodies to address digital exclusion comprehensively.

·       Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the impact of digital inclusion initiatives and adjust strategies based on data-driven insights; HWBB receive a further report in one year to monitor progress.

b)    Digital Skills Programme

Andrea Miller, Digital Skills Lead, introduced the item and advised members that the Digital Skills Programme had been running since 2020, supporting 1116 Shropshire residents in the past year, with a focus on older people and those on low incomes. Achievements included a 32% improvement in digital skills among participants and the distribution of 250 free SIM cards.

Members noted that the program faced challenges, including funding risks and the need for more learning hubs in areas of higher deprivation. New initiatives included supporting unemployed people, helping parents apply for free school meals, and developing relationships with banks for online banking workshops.

Andrea highlighted the significant contribution of volunteers to the digital skills program and mentioned the need to continue valuing and supporting their efforts. This topic was also flagged for further discussion outside the meeting.

In response to a query regarding support people who for whom English isn't their first language, Andrea advised members that they had piloted a programme with Shropshire Supports Refugees at the beginning of the year which was very successful; however due to a change in personnel, development of this had been halted. Andrea expressed a desire to continue this work once a new person is in place, as both the volunteers and participants found it very beneficial. David Baker also expanded on the use of AI in supporting refugees. He mentioned that they are actively looking at AI usage to facilitate real-time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Report attached
Contact: Jane Rose, Safeguarding Community Partnership Business Manager

Shropshire Council

Jane Rose, Safeguarding Community Partnership Business Manager, introduced the report from the Shropshire Safeguarding Community Partnership highlighting achievements, current performance, and statutory reviews.

Tanya Miles, Executive Director for People, raised concerns about the high number of looked after children in Shropshire and proposed a partnership approach to address this issue. It was proposed that a number of workshops for early help and prevention be arranged from January 2025 and the outcomes of these would be reported back to the Board. This would be added to the work programme.

Report attached

Contact: Claire Parker, Director of Strategy & Development, NHS STW ICB

Claire Parker, Director of Strategy & Development, NHS STW ICB provided an update on the Integrated Care Board, discussing the alignment of the joint forward plan with national policy shifts, the approval of the refreshed integrated care strategy, and the focus on prevention and community-based care.

RECOMMENDED: that the Health and Wellbeing Board provide a collective response to the 10-year Health Plan.

Report attached
Contact Laura Tyler, Assistant Director, Joint Commissioning, Shropshire Council

Please contact Michelle Dulson, Committee Services (michelle.dulson@shropshire.gov.uk) if you require a copy of Appendix A BCF Q2 Reporting template.

Laura Fisher presented the Better Care Fund quarter two report, highlighting the increase in Pathway 1 discharges and the collaborative efforts to support people to live independently at home.

Members requested sight of the winter resilience plan and it was suggested that this be added to the agenda for the next meeting. It was noted that this would be publicly available shortly as it would be published with the ICB agenda.

Concern was raised regarding the delays in handovers from ambulances. Members noted the measures being taken to address these issues, including the new leadership team's focus and the significant recovery response from system partners.

RECOMMENDED:

That the HWBB approves the Quarter 2 Better Care Fund submission detailed in appendix 1.

Report attached

Contact: Cathy Levy, Public Health Development Officer, Shropshire Council

Anne-Marie Speke, Head of Service - Healthy Population, provided an update on the Shropshire Healthier Weight Strategy, focusing on the progress made in the last 12 months and the priority of setting up a system-wide task and finish group to identify training needs for frontline professionals.

Members emphasised the importance of focusing on young people, especially those about to start families, due to the impact of excess weight on pregnancy outcomes. Members noted that the strategy included priorities for preconception care, working with local maternity and women's health hubs to support healthier weight before pregnancy.

Members were advised about the upcoming launch of a diabetes work plan, which included priorities around diabetes in pregnancy and aimed for a truly integrated service.

It was agreed that an update from the task and finish group would be added to the work programme and brought back to a future meeting.

RECOMMENDED:

That the HWBB:

-        Noted the report content and reflect on the progress made to date.

-        Noted the work undertaken to support a whole system approach to obesity and align with existing system priorities.

-        To explore with system partners regarding what interventions can be put in place to decrease the number of children becoming overweight or obese between reception and year 6.

-        Endorsed the next steps approach and discuss opportunities for future exploration.

Report attached
Contact: Caroline Chioto, Mental Health Prevention Programme Lead Manager, Shropshire Council

Please contact Michelle Dulson, Committee Services (michelle.dulson@shropshire.gov.uk) if you require a copy of Appendix B Trauma Informed Workshop 24.10.24 – group discussions

Caroline Chioto, Mental Health Prevention Programme Lead Manager, introduced the item and updated the board on the progress of trauma-informed approaches in Shropshire, including the recent workshop and the development of an updated action plan to be presented to the Board in February.

A query was received regarding the absence of specific targets for suicide reduction and how the gap left by the withdrawal of funds for Shropshire mental health support in 2025/26 would be filled. In relation to suicide reduction, members were advised that there was an overall ambition to work towards zero suicides across Shropshire, focusing on high-risk populations. With regards to the funding gap, it was noted that this had been raised at the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee where a response had been provided. This would be circulated after the meeting.

RECOMMENDED:

That the HWBB:

-        Continue to endorse the development of a trauma informed place

-        Endorsed the priorities of

(i)              learning and development across all services,

(ii)             commissioning and

(iii)           awareness raising

-        Endorsed the adoption of an additional priority regarding a trauma informed culture, taking into account compassion, psychological safety and working together

-        Requested an updated action plan, agreed by the TI Steering Group, at the next HWBB in February

-        Recognised the risk associated to delivering this ambition, with lack of investment.

Report attached
Contact: Laura Fisher, Head of Service - Housing, Resettlement and Independent Living, Shropshire Council

Paula Mawson, Assistant Director – Integration & Healthy Population, introduced the item which built on the housing and health strategic initiatives discussed in the previous report submitted to the board. The framework for this work had been shaped by the LGA’s October 2022 publication, Improving Health and Well-being Through Housing: A High Impact Change Model, which had been guiding much of the council’s strategic direction.

The report highlighted actions already progressed and future actions planned. Members noted that the action plan was iterative and would be updated over time. The importance of collaboration across the system to achieve the desired outcome was emphasised.

Members noted the ongoing efforts to link housing with health services, including discharge planning and working with organisations such as the fire service for preventative work. The aim was to build momentum around this agenda and ensure integrated support for vulnerable populations.

RECOMMENDED:

That:

·       Following the HWBB request for action on housing and health, the Board noted the partnership work to develop an action plan for improving aspects of health and housing in Shropshire.

·       The Board endorsed the action plan and next steps.

·       The Board receive a progress report in one year.

Simon Whitehouse, CEO NHS STW ICB

Members noted that a pharmacy update would be published on the website.

Report attached
Contact: Penny Bason, Head of Joint Partnerships, STW ICB & Shropshire Council

Members noted the ShIPP update as circulated.