To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies were received from Paul Northcott, Pat Teague and Councillor David Thomas.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 25 September 2025.

To consider the consultation draft of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-30.

The Director of Public Health presented the report as published, explaining that iw will now go out for consultation for a period of six weeks, before returning to Full Council in the spring.  The board noted the report.

To note the Public Health Annual Report 2025 on Ageing.

The Director of Public Health presented the report as published, showing Board members a number of video excerpts, and explaining the different versions of the report available to the public, including accessible versions.  There were no questions raised, and the board noted the report.

To consider the NHS Health and Care Strategy 2026 - 2031

Toby Hewlett, Director at Devon ICB outlined the updated strategy, explaining that it has arisen as a result of a renewed 10 year national plans which focusses on prevention and digital transition.  Mr Hewlett outlined the methodology and the data which has fed into the strategy design, and outlined the issues it was intended to address.

Board members queried execution frameworks, efficiency measures, opportunities to collaborate and how the strategy may impact on community treatment ambitions.  The Board agreed to note the report.

To note the report on the above.

Officers presented the strategy report as published, noting that it had been produced in collaboration with Autism Ambassadors.  The board noted an increase in late diagnosis, especially among females, and queried how this strategy interacts with national guidance, internal barriers to autism inclusion and follow up work with autism ambassadors.  The Board noted the report.

To consider the Devon, Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Health Protection Committee Annual Assurance Report 2024/25.

Mandy Guy presented the report as published, highlighting key areas and noting the importance of the actions described in combating public health outbreaks and in improving public health strategies.  Members queried preparedness and risk levels in various areas.  The report was noted.

Emma Crowther presented the report as published, noting key metrics in various areas, and noting downward trajectories in a number of performance areas. 

Action: The Board requests that Better Care Fund Schemes and their performance is added to the work programme of the Adults Health Scrutiny Board (Simon Bellamy/Governance Support to arrange)

To note the Health and Wellbeing Board work programme 2026.

The Board noted and endorsed the Work Programme as published.

CQC report

The Board discussed upcoming CQC reports, including timelines for publication and work undertaken to date.