In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair the Committee:

Resolved:

That Councillor Boyd be appointed Chair for the meeting.

Procedural Matter

The interim Chair proposed that the Board only deals with agenda item 5 (Health Protection Updates) as it required a decision and that the remaining items of business be noted without debate/discussion. 

Resolved:

That the proposal to only deal with the matter for decision and note all other matters on the agenda, be endorsed.

Apologies for absence were received from J Gardner, M Atkinson, J Cripps, T Syed, A Pike and K McGovern.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 14 December 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

Welcome and introduction

The Board welcomed Rebecca Jarvis who was recently appointed as the new Director of South East Essex Alliance.

Report of Director of Public Health

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health informing the Board that the statutory responsibilities and local governance of health protection matters in Southend in relation to the two sub-committees of the Board (Health Protection Board and the Health Protection Oversight and Engagement Board) will be maintained through the Director of Public Health in collaboration with UKHSA and the Council’s Chief Executive and Cabinet.  The report proposed that the two sub-committees be disbanded and  a a joint surveillance and advisory group was established, in partnership with neighbouring Councils, namely Essex County Council and Thurrock Council led by experienced Public Health Consultants and supported by key local partners, including the NHS and UKHSA.

The Board asked questions which were responded to by the Director of Public Health.

Resolved:

That the collaborative approach to Health Protection surveillance and advice, to support the DPH in discharging its statutory function, as set out in the submitted report, be endorsed.

Report of Domestic Abuse Strategy and Commissioning Manager

The Board received a report covering the procurement of Domestic Abuse (DA) Services and the options related to the recommissioning of these services.

Resolved:

That the recommended procurement option set out in the report and the set of requirements for Domestic Abuse Services for the City of Southend, to be included in the tender specification, be noted.

Joint report of the ABSS Chair and Director

The Board received a report presenting a progress update on the activities of A Better Start Southend (ABSS).

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Presentation slides to follow

The feedback from the HWB Informal Session held 23^rd January 2024 was noted.

Draft Forward Plan

The Forward Plan for 2024/25 would be finalised and presented to the first meeting of the Board in the new municipal year.

Report of Director of Public Health

The Board received a report presenting the Social Prescribing Link Workers Annual Report 2022/23.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.