Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Caborn, Robertson, Shackleton and Sweet and Andy Hardy and Dame Julie Moore.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 January 2018 were agreed and signed by the Chair, as a correct record subject to minute number 26, Chair’s Remarks being amended to read, ‘The Chair also reported on the launch of the ‘West Midlands on the Move’ event in November which he had attended on behalf of the Mayor’.

There were no matters arising.

Sarah Norman presented a ‘WMCA Inclusive Growth, Public Service Reform and Wellbeing Plan on a Page’ on behalf of Henry Kippin.

Sarah Norman referred to the three tranches of activity, inclusive growth, radical prevention and system collaboration and how the WMCA was seeking to add value in these areas by embedding inclusive growth in everything we do, addressing the socio-economic problems that stop people from thriving, and building the enabling conditions for whole- system, whole –placed change.

It was noted that further information regarding the integration of PSR and Wellbeing was included in the Update on Health and Wellbeing Programme report that would be considered later in the meeting.

Resolved : That the approach as outlined be endorsed.

The board considered a report of the Mental Health Implementation Director that updated them on progress and the current position of the West Midlands Health Commission Action Plan and the work undertaken since the launch of the programme on 31 January 2017.

The Mental Health Implementation Director, Sean Russell, outlined progress in key areas.

In relation to the allocation of a further £7m to the Midlands Engine to support mental health wellbeing in the workplace across the Midlands Engine footprint from 2018/19 and 2019/20 and an enquiry from the Chair as to whether a criteria has been assigned for the allocation of funding and how this will be  progressed, Sean Russell reported that no criteria has been established to assign funding but he is seeking to work with the Midlands Engine to identify principles by which the funds will be released.  He added that a Midlands Engine Mental Health forum is taking place on 27 April 2018, in Loughborough which will seek to bring partners together to start the discussions regarding the proposed approach. Sean Russell undertook to prepare a briefing paper for the Chair post this event to enable further discussions to take place

The Chair reported that he and the Mayor would progress the matter with Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Engine following feedback from Sean Russell on the funding criteria/scoping event.

In relation to Zero Suicide Ambition, the Chair noted that there were two suicides at Solihull Rail Station last week and enquired as to what work is being done in this area.

Sean Russell outlined the work that is being undertaken with regards to rail stations at a national and local level with Network Rail, rail companies and British Transport Police to try to prevent any more suicides at stations

Jane Moore added that she and Sean Russell were talking to Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM) on suicide that would look at this area across all transport modes.

In relation to the second ‘Walking out of Darkness’ event that is planned for 7 October 2018, the Chair considered that as many people as possible should be encouraged to sign up for the event and asked that a letter be written on his behalf (following 3 May local elections) to all Leaders to make them aware of the event.

The Chair noted that Sean Russell had recently received the WMCA’s Chief Executive Special Award and conveyed his congratulations to the Mental Health Implementation Director.

Resolved: That progress and the update on the current position of the West Midland Mental Health Commission Action Plan and the work undertaken since  the launch of the programme on 31 January 2017 be noted.

Alison Tonge reported on the partnership structure of the STPs and how these would be developed into Integrated Care Systems (ICS). It was noted that the pilot programme would commence at the end of April and would be open to all partners in STP areas who would be provided with resources to shape the strategic commissions. Alison Tonge added that this was a good development opportunity for STPs to have support and consider what the ICS should like. A further update would be presented to the next meeting

In relation to a comment from Councillor Hamilton that politicians have not been involved in the transition process, Jane Moore undertook to include feedback on this issue in her report to the STPs.   

In relation to the first report prepared by Jane Moore for Health and Wellbeing Chairs, Jane Moore advised that the report had been well received and Chairs had asked for short and simple reports moving forward.

Resolved: That the update be noted.

Simon Hall, was in attendance to update the board on the West Midlands on the Move and report on the proposed collaboration with Sports England, with Adam Rigarlsford, Strategic Lead, Sports England

The presentation provided an overview of the housing deal, spatial investment delivery plan, the smart bike scheme, the scope of the disability and physical activity work and Sport England’s Strategy with the WMCA which included in the pilot Birmingham and Solihull.

In relation to housing and growth, Councillor Meeson reported of the need for the WMCA to have the powers to ensure housing developments incorporate social/ sports facilities. 

The Chair concurred and considered that local development plans need to include what the WMCA wants.

Henry Kippin advised that devolution and inclusive growth would bring together housing, skills and transport with the Wellbeing principles to deliver something better and different.

Sarah Norman reported there was a real opportunity to develop the evidence base so that the WMCA can identify the most appropriate interventions and deliver those initiatives that have the most impact.

Guy Daly reported that the universities have amassed a wealth evidence on behaviour change but consideration needs to be given to changing behaviour for hard to reach groups and noted that ‘run a mile’ in Scotland was easy to roll-out and effective.

Simon Hall reported that he was supportive of using the evidence base to seek to incorporate activity into people’s lives and would be working with local communities to try to attract people who do not undertake any physical activity.

The Chair thanked Simon Hall and Adam Rigarlsford for their presentation.

Resolved: That the presentation be noted.

The board considered a report of the WMCA Director of Prevention and Wellbeing, Jane Moore that provided an update on the health and wellbeing agenda since the last meeting.

Jane Moore reported on the work undertaken to align the WMCA Health and Wellbeing agenda with the WMCA PSR and Inclusive Growth agenda and to set out a clearer narrative on how the Health and Wellbeing portfolio contributes to the overall WMCA objective of delivering economic growth that benefits all people of the West Midlands.

It was noted that this information was captured in the appendices attached to the report; a plan on page for PSR, inclusion and cohesion; WMCA Health and Wellbeing Portfolio - plan on a page and WMCA Health and Wellbeing Work Plan-plan on a page.

Jane Moore also referred to appendix 3 of the report, a table that summarised the actions and deliverables for the workstreams within the three key work areas of productivity and health, radical prevention and system collaboration.

In relation to productivity and health and the action to develop an interactive online version of the Wellbeing Dashboard, Jane Moore reported that she would welcome comments from colleagues on the indicators they would like to see included in the dashboard.

In relation to the digital social referral pilot (urban challenge) that seeks to improve the health, wellbeing and social connections of a group of older people, Henry Kippin undertook to circulate a briefing note to the board for information. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the Health and Wellbeing plan on a page, work plan and framework be endorsed.