• Introduction to Neighbourhoods

           Rachel Robinson, Executive Director of Public Health (DPH), Shropshire
           Council & NHS STW

• Neighbourhood Health

           Phil Smith, Chief Officer, Deliver & Integration, NHS STW & SSOT

• Strategic Alignment of Neighbourhood working in Shropshire

           Rachel Robinson, Executive Director of Public Health (DPH), Shropshire
           Council & NHS STW

The Board received a comprehensive introduction to the neighbourhoods agenda item, which focused on the development of a shared framework for healthy neighbourhoods within Shropshire. The discussion outlined the purpose of the item, which was to introduce the concept of healthy neighbourhoods, review the National Neighbourhood Health Framework, and ensure alignment of neighbourhood health plans with local priorities, including the Family First Partnership, adult social care transformation, and organizational ambitions. The Board’s leadership role in this process was emphasised, alongside the need for a shared vision, a preventative approach, early help, proactive care, and the reduction of inequalities.

The Board was informed of the strong foundations already established, such as integrated neighbourhood teams, community and family hubs, prevention funding, outreach work, and the Council’s corporate plan. The importance of building upon these assets and aligning delivery across all partners was stressed. The NHS perspective was presented, highlighting the five-year strategic commissioning plan and the significance of equal partnership between the NHS, local authority, and voluntary sector. Clarity of roles, alignment of priorities, and the tailoring of approaches to local geographies were identified as essential.

The National Neighbourhood Health Framework was presented as a key driver, with four priority cohorts identified: older people, long-term condition management, children and young people, and mental health. It was confirmed that there is strong alignment between national mandates and local priorities identified.

During the discussion, questions were raised regarding the role of the voluntary sector within the neighbourhoods framework, specifically whether it is considered a strategic partner or merely a delivery partner. It was confirmed that the voluntary sector is regarded as an equal partner in both design and delivery, contributing insight and innovation. The need for co-design and equal partnership was reiterated.

Concerns regarding the pace of change were raised, particularly in light of the voluntary sector’s contract-based constraints. The Board acknowledged the need for rapid progress but recognised that different sectors operate at varying speeds. It was suggested that agile pilots and collective learning would help maintain alignment, and that smaller-scale pilots allow for greater agility. The Board noted that general practice can implement changes quickly, whereas hospitals and the voluntary sector may require more time due to commissioning and contractual processes.

Further concerns were expressed about the risk of postcode lottery and service gaps, with questions regarding how equitable access across neighbourhoods would be ensured. It was explained that neighbourhood health enables tailoring to local needs, but there are risks if some neighbourhoods progress faster than others. The Board advocated for scalable, adaptable models and collective accountability, supporting continuous learning and flexibility in boundaries to allow adaptation as required.

The value of voluntary sector assets and hubs was recognised, particularly their role in addressing health inequalities and providing trusted places for the community. The importance of sharing learning, understanding community needs, and involving partners in engagement activities over the summer was emphasised, as was the significance of IT and digital approaches.

RESOLVED:

• to note the Board’s statutory leadership role in developing the Shropshire Neighbourhood Health Plan;
• to progress agreement and development of neighbourhood footprints 
• to progress and confirm system leadership arrangements;
• to support alignment of existing programmes and policy to the Neighbourhood Health Framework;
• to endorse proposed next steps to mobilise neighbourhood health delivery across Shropshire;
• to agree the strategic direction towards a single Shropshire neighbourhood framework and roadmap, aligned to the national Neighbourhood Health Framework & NHS 10-year plan, Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy, ShIPP priorities and wider place-based priorities including national children’s reforms; and
• to request a future decision report setting out the preferred model, governance arrangements, resource implications, delivery roadmap and implementation considering the need for a flexible needs-led approach.