Norfolk Autism Partnership Board – 30 September 2025 (Online)
The Norfolk All Age Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met on Tuesday 30 September 2025 (1:00–3:00pm) via Microsoft Teams. Members approved the previous minutes and action log, with communication prompts shared in the chat to support accessible participation.
Diagnostic Working Group: transition update and waiting list data
The Board received an update on the adult autism diagnostic service transition, following the ICB taking over commissioning from 1 June 2025. The current provider, ABL Health (Be U Norfolk), is delivering an Adult Autism Assessment and Navigation Service. The Board discussed how the new navigation offer (up to 12 weeks of goal-based support while waiting, and/or post-diagnosis) is being embedded and why initial take-up may have been low. Current figures shared highlighted the scale of demand and the impact of the backlog on waiting times.
The group also reviewed a developing reporting template to improve consistency of data shared with the Partnership Board, including outcomes and Right to Choose information. An action was agreed to explore whether post-diagnostic tools previously hosted by the former provider can be made accessible again (including potential hosting via the NAPB website).
Autism Support Pathways Working Group
An update was provided on the purpose of the Support Pathways group: strengthening shared information about local support, increasing engagement with the Norfolk Autism Directory, and exploring a future Norfolk Autism Quality Mark. A call for additional members continued, with an emphasis on ensuring autistic people and parent/carers are represented.
Board recruitment
The Board discussed progress from the latest recruitment drive to broaden representation, particularly increasing the number of autistic people and parent/carers involved in Board and working group activity.
Young People Autism Advisory Group (YPAAG)
The Board received feedback from the Young People Autism Advisory Group (ages 11–18), focused on Priority 2 of the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy (education and transitions). Young people shared practical concerns and suggestions, including support in oversubscribed classrooms, homework pressures, choosing a trusted adult in school, improving transition opportunities, autism awareness among peers, meaningful work experience, and clearer information about post-16 options. This feedback will be shared with relevant education strategy work.
Strategy Oversight: Year One progress and next steps
The Strategy Oversight group shared an update following their meeting on 8 September, including refinements to BRAG ratings and wording, and confirmed the Board approved updated Terms of Reference. The Board also heard progress highlights (including Autism Education Trust training delivered across Norfolk settings and the establishment of YPAAG), alongside concerns where actions have not progressed as expected.
Looking ahead, the Oversight group will co-produce a “You Said, We Did” Year One summary and develop the Year Two Plan, with both due to return to the Board on 25 November 2025.
Intensive Support Service: study update
The Board also heard a study update exploring staff experiences of supporting autistic adults within complex mental health settings. The update highlighted themes including diagnostic delays, service design challenges, post-diagnostic gaps, risk management during crisis and transitions, and the need for consistent autism-informed practice. A set of recommendations was shared, including a trust-wide autism training strategy, improved pathways and system visibility, and strengthened cross-service collaboration.
Any other business and future dates
Finally, members noted an opportunity to support a session at UEA Disability Week (17 October) focused on autism and stigma, and confirmed the next Partnership Board meeting date
To read the full meeting minutes, click here
