To undertake a deep dive into the Health and Wellbeing Board priority ‘support for vulnerable adults and families’.

Members had a detailed discussion on the merits of the Systems Optimisation Group which had been set up to provide a co-ordinated, multi-agency approach to supporting vulnerable people with complex needs who are at risk of harm to themselves or others.

Members expressed frustration that the group was struggling to gain traction and that client consultation was perceived to be the next step. It was suggested that any past consultation exercises that had been undertaken by various agencies should be reviewed first to see to what extent they already identified what the issues were.  Members felt the group needed to refocus and seek quick success in order to ensure that the group provides value for money rather than losing the good will of those who attend.

Members further questioned the value of the Health and Wellbeing Board, feeling that it too had lost its strategic focus with the Board itself being challenged as to its mandate and role.  Ann Wagner offered, and the Board accepted, to assist the Board to address the following:

·         Going forward what does the Health and Wellbeing Board feel like;

·         How is the Health and Wellbeing Board going to work going forward; and

·         What is working well and what can be done differently.

Ann and Caroline Dimond were asked to take this review forward and report back when appropriate.