Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Collins, Councillor McMahon, M Harvey, A Quinn, T Able, R Jarvis and G Halksworth.

The following declaration of interest was declared at the meeting:

(a0 O Richrads – All Minutes – Leigh-on-Sea Town Councillor.

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 be confirmed as a correct record.

The period of time for public questions is 15 minutes.

The Committee received and noted the questions from members of the public and the answers provided by the ICB.

Report of Director of Public Health

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health presenting the final draft Terms of Reference.

The Board referred to its previous discussions regarding the benefits and challenges holding meetings away from the Civic Centre. 

Resolved:

1. That the Terms of Reference, be approved.

2. That future community venues for future Health and Wellbeing Board meetings continue to be explored.

Report of Director of Public Health

The Board considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Pulbihc Health) presenting the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for SEND. In conjunction with this matter the Board also considered a report of the Director of Public Health setting out the process for the refresh of the Southend Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JLHWS) 2025 to 2029.

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

Resolved:

1. That the key areas for improvement set out in the JSNA for SEND, be noted.

2. That the new JSNA for SEND, be endorsed.

3. That the proposal to initiate the development of a refreshed Health and Wellbeing Strategy, be approved.

4. That authority be delegated to the Chair to sign-off the HDRC’s memorandum of understanding with Essex County Council.

5. That the proposal to designate the JSNA Steering Committee as the JSNA and Research Collaboration Steering Group, be approved.

Report of SEND Project Officer to follow

The Board considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting an update on progress against the SEND Area Strategic Action Plan.

The Board asked questions which were responded to by the Head of SEND Assessment, Access and Inclusion.

Resolved:

1. That the progress to date, as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

2. That a further update on the area’s progress in implementing the action plan be presented to the Board in six months.

3. That the Self Evaluation Framework (SEF), be endorsed.

Report of ABSS Chair to follow

The Board received a presentation from N Thomas presenting an overview of the progress since October for the legacy and sustainability of A Better Start Southend (ABSS) beyond 21^st March 2025 and set-out the final steps.

The Board discussed the sustainability of A Better Start and recognised that there will need to be different ways of delivery and that there will be some ‘loss’ of provision in a range of areas.

Resolved:

1. That the final evaluation and impact report be presented to the Board in March 2025.

2. That all ABSS staff and volunteers be thanked and commended for their contributions and positive impact in the last 10 years.

Report of Lead Commissioner (Older People)

The Board considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) presenting the end of year summary of the three Adult Social Care Strategies for the period April 2023 to March 2024.

Resolved:

That the Adult Social Care Strategies Annual Report for 2023/24, covering the three core strategies (Ageing Well, Caring Well and Living Well), be noted.

Report of Lead Commissioner (Older People) to follow

The Board considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) presenting an overview of the Better Care Fund and details of the 2024/25 quarter 2 submission.

Resolved:

That the submitted report on the Better Care Fund, be noted.