Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Health and Wellbeing Revised Terms of Reference

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report Health and Wellbeing Revised Terms of Reference.

Since spring 2024, alongside developing the new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Health and Wellbeing Board had undertaken a structured development programme to review its purpose, role, responsibilities, and effectiveness. This process generated a set of recommendations which had directly informed the revised Terms of Reference for the Board.

The review of the Health and Wellbeing Board generated a series of recommendations across four key thematic areas:

•           The Board’s purpose, role and responsibilities

•           Strategy development, priority setting and agenda planning

•           Membership and representation

•           Ways of working, partnership culture and support arrangements

These recommendations had directly shaped the revised ToR for the Health and Wellbeing Board. The updated ToR incorporate the following key changes:

•           Reaffirmation of the Board’s role: While the Health and Wellbeing Board remains a formal statutory committee, it will operate primarily as a strategic partnership.

•           Clarification of purpose: The Board is not an executive decision-making body, nor does it function as a scrutiny committee.

•           Streamlined membership: The number of elected members has been reduced to support a more focused, partnership-led model. The new composition of elected members:

-       Leader of the Council

-       Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care

-       Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

-       Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care

-       Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

•           Introduction of a Vice Chair: A new Vice Chair role, nominated from a partner organisation, has been created to promote shared leadership across the system.

•           Expanded membership: The Director of Regeneration and Inclusive Growth has been added to the Board, strengthening the Board’s focus on the wider determinants of health.

•           Place-based focus: Greater emphasis is placed on developing a strong sense of place and a shared identity across the partnership.

•           Clarity of remit: The Board’s statutory functions and responsibilities are clearly articulated.

•           Defined relationship with other governance structures: The revised Terms clarify the Board’s distinct role in relation to other local groups, partnerships, and committees.

•           Strategic alignment: The Board will actively support the alignment of local strategies, reduce duplication, and drive greater system integration.

•           Shared ways of working: A common set of expectations has been agreed to underpin collaborative working and effective partnership behaviours.

RECOMMENDED to Council that the revised Terms of Reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board be approved.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The review and subsequent revision of the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Terms of Reference were undertaken to ensure the Board remains fit for purpose and effective, with a clear role and defined responsibilities to oversee and drive delivery of the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Stockton-on-Tees.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

N/A