Positive about place – West Midlands health and wellbeing boards in a changing governance environment – a review

Abstract

PurposeTo share a case study of a service improvement review of practice and ambition for Health and Wellbeing Boards in the English West Midlands in the changing context of Integrated Care Systems.Design/methodology/approachMixed qualitative methods: 33 semi-structured interviews with senior care and health leaders; a computer-based self-assessment tool for Health and Wellbeing Boards; and desktop analysis of Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies.Findings“Place-based partnership” is a motivating concept, embracing the agency of leaders in pursuing local strategies and solutions. The need for strong leadership was recognised. The opportunity for Integrated Care Systems to contribute to narrowing health inequalities was welcomed by building on local place-based models, maximising council expertise in managing population health and wellbeing in their areas.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is a snapshot of a developing area at a time when further government guidance for Integrated Care Systems was pending. More specific analysis of place-based partnerships in the West Midlands in the context of Health and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Systems would seem beneficial. In addition, further research of subsequent changes such as the Hewitt Review is also considered important.Practical implicationsThe review shows the assertion of “place” as a unifying concept for Health and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Systems. It suggests closer involvement of leaders in children's services with local Health and Wellbeing Boards is needed.Social implicationsHealth and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Partnerships share common aims of improving the health and wellbeing of local populations. Maximising integration especially on preventative approaches and fully engaging communities in health would have positive social impact.Originality/valueThe case study adds to the relatively less well-developed literature on Health and Wellbeing Boards and their link with Integrated Care Partnerships.