Norfolk Autism Partnership Board – 25 November 2025 (Online)
The Norfolk All Age Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met on Tuesday 25 November 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. An automatic meeting transcript was enabled to support accurate minute-taking (with no objections).
Public Engagement Network (Choice Support) – opportunity to share experiences with the CQC
The Board heard from Emma (Choice Support) about the Public Engagement Network (PEN), which helps gather feedback from communities whose voices can be overlooked, and shares this with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Two online advisory groups run quarterly (children and young people; and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism). The next meeting is due in February 2026, focusing on experiences in A&E and hospital settings, including sensory and accessibility barriers. Attendees receive a £30 high street voucher, and membership is flexible.
Working group updates
Diagnostic Working Group
The Board received an update on standardised reporting across groups, and current adult diagnostic data (to 15 November 2025), including referrals, completed assessments and the size of the waiting list. Discussion covered Right to Choose (including impact, cost, quality monitoring, and ensuring diagnoses are properly recorded by GPs), discharge reasons, and the value of visualising data trends. The group is recruiting additional members.
Young People Autism Advisory Group (YPAAG)
The group shared that the October session shifted into team-building due to members being dysregulated. The next meeting is planned for January 2026, focusing on Priority 3 (employment) and what young people need to feel “job-ready”.
Autism Norfolk Forum
The Board noted low attendance at the most recent forum (two attendees, both professionals), linked to a date change and half-term. Future dates were shared, including 20 January 2026 (with ABL Health to discuss pre-diagnostic navigation support), plus dates into 2026.
Steering Group
An update confirmed work to re-establish the Steering Group, supported by increased autistic representation on the Board following recruitment. The Steering Group will help escalate issues affecting autistic people that sit outside the formal strategy structure.
Support Pathways Working Group
A newly established group will focus on both statutory and community-based support. Membership is full (including autistic people and parent/carers), with the first meeting scheduled for 15 December 2025 to confirm Terms of Reference, agree priorities, and plan how the group will work together.
Strategy Oversight – “You Said, We Did” and Year Two Plan
The Strategy Oversight Group shared progress on co-producing the online Year One update (“You Said, We Did”), including autism-friendly wording and web layout. The Board also reviewed and signed off both the “You Said, We Did” content and the Year Two Plan, subject to partner organisations’ governance approval. Next steps include collecting progress updates from action owners and presenting the Year Two Plan for endorsement through the Health and Wellbeing Board / Integrated Care Partnership.
Follow-up: Autism Intensive Support and adult mental health transformation
The Board received an update from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust on work to improve consistency across adult Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). Discussion emphasised trauma-informed and autism-informed approaches, reasonable adjustments, avoiding diagnostic overshadowing, and improving digital accessibility. Members highlighted wider system challenges (access, diagnostic waits, limited post-diagnostic support) and agreed further, more detailed work is needed beyond Board-level discussion. Actions were agreed to share relevant NHS guidance and schedule a follow-up discussion.
Any other business and future dates
The Board noted the publication of the House of Lords Autism Act Committee report (to be added as an agenda item next time), a co-chair opportunity for autistic members, and the reintroduction of optional post-meeting “welfare checks” to gather feedback. The next Board meeting is Tuesday 27 January 2026 (1:00–3:00pm).
To read full meeting minutes click here
