The Hammersmith and Fulham Health and Wellbeing Board is set to review its future direction and operational scope in response to significant shifts within the health and social care landscape. The board met on Monday, June 22, 2026, to discuss evolving system dynamics, including a greater focus on prevention, early intervention, and neighbourhood-based care.
Dr Mayada Abu Affan, Interim Director of Public Health, presented a report highlighting that the ecosystem has changed considerably since the Board's establishment in 2013. Key drivers for these changes include a greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and neighbourhood-based care, as well as national reforms in SEND and children's social care, and a new strategic vision for adult social care. The 10-year NHS plan also underscores the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce inequalities and support residents in maintaining independence and well-being for longer.
She proposed that the Board review its strengths and identify areas for development to become a real system leader
with a strong focus on prevention. Evidence reviews suggest that high-impact boards excel in influence, making a measurable difference, delivery, and visibility.
Sarah Bright, Director of Commissioning, Transformation and Partnerships, and Jacqui McShannon, Executive Director for People's Services, supported this proposal. They emphasised the opportunity for the Board to endorse partnership approaches to collectively address the needs of residents. This includes improving coordination between services such as Family Help, CAMHS, YJS, education, SEND, and the voluntary sector, and exploring opportunities for joint commissioning and pooled resources.
Diane Barham from Healthwatch stressed the importance of involving residents and co-production, particularly at the neighbourhood level, to build trust. The Board aims to provide a wider interface to ensure it is meeting its prevention and healthy equalities agenda, as well as incorporating co-production. A workshop is proposed to explore how to come together around neighbourhoods to co-produce solutions with the population and communities.
The Board agreed to embark on a review of its future direction and scope, with a workshop to be scheduled for later in the year. Councillor Wesley Harcourt, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, noted that the outcomes of these discussions would be incorporated into the Board's work programme.
Future meeting dates were noted as September 9, 2026, December 9, 2026, and March 16, 2027.
Agenda frontsheet 22nd Jun 2026 18.30 Health Wellbeing Board Minutes of Previous Meeting Public reports pack 22nd Jun 2026 18.30 Health Wellbeing Board
