Independent Review of Health and Wellbeing Fora in Northamptonshire

Summary

Although, recently the Fora have been brought closer to the Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board and there is willingness to align county strategy with local needs more effectively in the future. Healthwatch Northamptonshire was asked to conduct a quick independent review of the Fora and produce this report. In all, 57 surveys were completed by attendees of the Fora only and eight one to one interviews carried out with Chairs and Officers across all seven localities.

With some minor changes in focus, alignment of Terms of Reference (ToR), a consistent framework to measure and demonstrate impact, good leadership and additional administrative support, the Fora could continue to serve a really useful purpose in coordinating local groups to have a more positive impact on health and wellbeing across the county.

The current programme of bidding for Public Health funds has also injected impetus and purpose into the Fora’s operations.

Key points

• 88% of people who attend the Fora are regular attendees
• Only 7% (4 people) currently feel ‘very connected’ to the Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board, the majority, 60% only feel ‘somewhat connected’
• 54% do not feel that they can influence the Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board however, 98% think that they should be able to influence the Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board