Morning, Monday, 17th November 2025
Online
This conference will examine next steps for addressing health inequalities in England, including implications of the 10-Year Health Plan for health system change and equity.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the potential impact of key government priorities as part of the 10-Year Health Plan, such as shifting services towards community-based care, strengthening preventative approaches, and expanding the use of digital tools.
Latest thinking on embedding health inequalities as a focus during the transition towards a more integrated and devolved healthcare model will be examined, with the publication of the Plan’s delivery strategy expected this autumn.
Acting on latest evidence on disparities in healthcare
Discussion will draw on recent findings - such as those from the UK Health Security Agency and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - on the extent of regional, ethnic, disability-related and socioeconomic disparities in access and outcomes.
Sessions will consider the role of NHS structural change - particularly in integrated care systems - in supporting joined‑up decision‑making and delivery.
Attendees will also assess approaches to performance monitoring and use of technology in identifying and addressing disparities, including the development of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence methodology for evaluation, and wider concerns around robustness and bias in data currently being used.
Commissioning & governance
Delegates will consider what is needed to develop the effectiveness of strategic commissioning in reducing inequalities and better understanding population need. This follows publication of the streamlined set of functions set out in the model integrated care board blueprint, with concerns expressed by stakeholders relating to additional burdens on providers, service quality in the face of cost cuts, and potential disruptions during transition.
As neighbourhood health services are rolled out in deprived areas, delegates will examine the design of delivery models, progress so far, accountability frameworks, and approaches to effective engagement with the voluntary sector and local populations.
Self-managed care & community services
Strategies to support more active participation in patients’ self-managed care will be considered, including addressing disparities in access to health information and understanding of services.
Discussion will look at how additional funding might be directed towards community infrastructure and trusted local services, priorities for high‑need areas such as diagnostic hubs and health agents, and innovative resource allocation to better target prevention efforts. Long‑term funding and planning cycles will be examined, looking at how these align with wider social policy, including welfare reform, and the case for a national strategy on health inequalities.
Overview of areas for discussion
- health inequalities strategy:
- assessing measures in 10-Year Health Plan - clarity for stakeholders - key considerations for implementation
- options for focused policy alongside broader NHS reform - role of national targets in narrowing the healthy life expectancy gap
- next steps for the rollout of neighbourhood health services - priorities for delivery, accountability and knowledge-sharing
- funding:
- outcomes from the 2025 Spending Review - allocation of the NHS funding uplift towards health equity
- targeting investment on prevention, early intervention, and locally accessible services - reflecting regional and demographic health needs
- accountability:
- responsibilities for tackling health inequalities following changes affecting NHS England - local accountability
- monitoring integrated care system progress and performance - options for stronger oversight of local strategies and outcomes
- community-based care:
- infrastructure needed to expand services in high-need areas - best practice for diagnostic hubs and community health agents in deprived communities
- provision of support and building trusted relationships with underserved areas
- addressing inequalities in access to resources to understand and manage their conditions
- partnerships:
- improving joint working between NHS bodies, local authorities and the third sector work to address inequality - coordination of health, housing, education and employment support
- fostering community involvement in planning and delivery
- access to services:
- strategic options for tackling longstanding inequalities in rural, coastal, and urban areas - opportunities for digital tools, patient transport and outreach improve access
- learning from best practice on care models that can effectively support marginalised groups
- next steps for the NHS App in giving patients greater control over their care
- data and evidence:
- use of innovation - including artificial intelligence - in data systems to identify and address disparities - growing the effective use of local and national datasets
- latest developments in assessment tools and tackling bias
- long-term planning:
- strategies for building a health system that can support prevention-focused infrastructure into the future
- strengthening place-based capacity in areas with poorer health outcomes - developing a whole-government approach to prevention
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from the Department of Health and Social Care; HM Prison and Probation Service; National Probation Service; and The Scottish Government.
