Independent Review of Health and Wellbeing Fora in Northamptonshire

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook research on the effectiveness of Health and Wellbeing Fora across Northamptonshire. They received 57 survey responses from forum attendees and carried out eight interviews with forum chairs and officers from all seven district and borough fora to understand how they operated, what they achieved and how they connected to county-wide health and wellbeing priorities.

The review found that the fora were valued primarily for networking, information sharing and bringing together representatives from health, local government and voluntary sector organisations. Most respondents felt their forum had a clear purpose and made a positive contribution to local health and wellbeing. However, there was considerable variation in how the fora operated, their terms of reference, governance arrangements and ability to demonstrate impact. Many participants felt there was insufficient engagement from key organisations such as GPs, hospitals and schools.

A recurring theme was the weak connection between local fora and the Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board. More than half of respondents did not feel their forum could influence the Board, although almost all believed it should be able to do so. Participants also reported limited awareness of what other fora were doing, raising concerns about duplication and missed opportunities for collaboration. The recent availability of Public Health funding was widely viewed as a positive development, helping to create greater focus, activity and purpose.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire recommended bringing the fora closer to the Health and Wellbeing Board through clearer governance and strategic links, standardising terms of reference and impact measures, improving communication between fora, strengthening representation from health and education organisations, and building on the momentum created by Public Health funding. The report concluded that, with greater support, consistency and strategic alignment, the fora could play a valuable role in improving health and wellbeing across Northamptonshire.