Health and Wellbeing Board member development toolkit
Guide | April 2013
Note these files are saved into a zip folder which you can download and save.
Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) took on statutory functions in April 2013. Minimum membership requirements include at least one councillor. HWBs will:
- Have strategic influence over commissioning decisions across health, public health and social care.
- Develop a shared understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of the community.
- Undertake the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and develop a joint strategy for how these needs can be best addressed - including recommendations for joint commissioning and integrating services across health and care.
The toolkit is the result of a member development programme for councillors in London with an interest in Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) delivered by IPC in 2012/2013. Comprising facilitated workshops, action learning and a toolkit, there were sessions for Chairs of the Board, members of the board and ward (backbench) councillors interested in learning more.
There are six modules which can be worked through in any order. The six modules are:
A. Introduction to HWBs for ward councillors
- Understanding key tasks of the health and wellbeing board, including the role of Healthwatch
- Influencing the Health and Wellbeing Board
B. Role of the Councillor on the HWB
- Understanding the different role and responsibilities of people on the HWB
- Building relationships with other stakeholders
- Exploring opportunities for joint working
C. Leading and Chairing the HWB
- Agenda setting and planning when dealing with a diverse range of organisations
- Developing a workplan for the Board
D. Focussing on HWB priorities in your area
- Understanding the Health & Wellbeing needs in your borough and the priorities set by the Board
- Exploring the key themes in delivering preventative services that reduce demand
- Ensuring the best use of resources in delivering services
E. Managing relationships and responding to crises
- Exploring emerging agendas, and potential crisis points
- Approaches for responding to emerging agendas and crises
- Fostering good working relationships
- Developing collaborate working as Health & Wellbeing advocates
F. Working with health
- Understanding the health contribution and governance
- Understanding the context and responsibilities of CCGs, LHIB, and NHS Commissioning Boards
- Overview of NHS budgets, and exploring what areas can be influenced
The toolkit is also available via the London Councils website.