Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday 25 November 2025
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Agenda Item: Pre-Meeting Support
Agenda Item 1 : Welcome and Introduction
1.1 Welcome and introductions made. Communication prompts posted to the Teams Chat window, and their use explained. No reasonable adjustments were requested. Members reported no declaration of interest.
Minutes and action log approved by the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board (NAPB)
Code of Conduct to be monitored by Lee Gibbons
1.2 Members were notified that an automatic transcript of the meeting would take place
to ensure accuracy of minutes. There were no objections
Agenda Item 2 : Working Group Updates
2.1 Young Person Autism Advisory Group (YPAAG) Update
Overview:
The Young Person Autism Advisory Group (YPAAG) represents the voices of younger autistic people. The group currently consists of eight young people and meets bi-monthly, ahead of the Board meeting.
The group is working through each priority within the Autism Strategy, gathering feedback on:
- What is currently working well
- What is not working well
- What young people would like to see change or develop
Most Recent Session
- Date: Thursday 22nd January 2026 (most recent session)
- Theme: Priority 2 – Support and Transitions into Adulthood, with a particular focus on support in school and transitions to next steps
Four key themes were discussed, with the following feedback:
Theme 1: Information on Next Steps
Working Well
- Ideas on what they wished to do
Not Working Well
- Not provided enough information on options
Things Young People Want to See
- Conversations about next steps starting earlier
- More accessible information
- More chances to visit
Theme 2: Communication in School
Working Well
- Most members have a designated person they can speak to
Not Working Well
- That person is not always available or is too busy
Things Young People Want to See
- More structured check-in time
- A choice of who they can speak to
- Alternative ways to make contact if someone is unavailable
Theme 3: Difficulty Applying for Next Steps
Working Well
- Schools do offer some support with applications
Not Working Well
- Applications and forms are often confusing
Things Young People Want to See
- Increased 1:1 support to complete applications
- More time allowed to complete forms
Theme 4: Adjustments in School
Working Well
- Use of breakout/rest/toilet cards
- Access to the “Link” provision
Not Working Well
- Breakout cards expiring
- Cover staff not always aware of adjustments in place
Things Young People Want to See
- A central system for cover staff to access adjustment information
- Removal of expiry dates on breakout cards
Next Meeting
- Date: 26 March 2026
- Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Theme:Now That’s What I Call Autism! 2026 Involvement
2.2 Question: Are these young people in mainstream schools or specialist settings?
Answer: The majority are in mainstream schools. We do have a couple from additional needs schools or specialist placements.
2.3 Question: In response to the YPAAG “want to see” themes, I have a suggestion. Where and when would it be convenient to share it?
Answer: Any discussions here that relate to the YPAAG are taken back to them—I like to keep that feedback loop going.
2.4 Question: The board set up a Norfolk resources website last year. Does the YPAAG have something similar, or could one be created with information on options, colleges, courses, application support, and transport links?
Answer: It’s a brilliant idea, though I’m not sure how we’d facilitate it as it would involve a lot of work. There is a Norfolk County Council website called Help You Choose that supports young people to explore options and next steps, and it’s currently being developed to be fully accessible and inclusive for children and young people with additional needs, including autism.
2.5 Question: Carers Voice have made a Carer’s Identity Passport for young carers to indicate needs like phone access or extra homework time. Could we link up if you’re going to do any work around the central system to look at adjustments?
Answer: I’ll check with the YPAAG and get back to you if they want to be involved.
Action: Ask the YPAAG if they would like to be involved with this work.
2.6 Autism Norfolk Forum Update
- Meeting: Autism Norfolk Forum
- Date: Tuesday 20 January 2026
- Format: Zoom
- Topic: Progress on the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy 2024–2029
Agenda Items / Discussion
- House of Lords Report
- Year 1 Progress on the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy
- Year 2 Plans for delivery the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy Open Floor Feedback
Open Floor Feedback
- Prevention instead of crisis control, once someone hits a crisis it is to late. Support should be provided earlier. It is easier and cheaper to deliver and does less damage on a person Mental Health and wellbeing
The current Year 2 action plan seems to focus on young people and young adults; there appears to be a lack of actions and support in place for older autistic people.
2.7 Question: Are there other ways to promote this or involve more people? Currently, we use the mailing list, social media, council development workers, and board members. Any ideas?
Answer: It depends why people aren’t attending. Maybe we should ask our members directly—find out their reasons, then we’ll know what changes are needed.
Answer: We could share this information through mainstream services, like the South community mental health team
Answer: Share through Be U Norfolk, since we’re all connected in different ways
Action: Lee Gibbons to share next year’s Zoom dates with board members and ask what would make people interested in attending the forum.
2.8 Support Pathways Working Group Update
- First Meeting: 15 December 2025
- Next Meeting: 16 February 2026
Overview
The Norfolk Autism Support Pathways Working Group is responsible for progressing actions from the Norfolk Autism Strategies Year Two Plan and understanding autistic people’s experiences of support.
- The group is co-production led, comprising six autistic people and parent carers, supported by TW and LG.
- No professionals or service providers are included as members.
- Terms of reference were reviewed and agreed at the first session (previously signed off by the Board).
- The group defined what “support” means to its members, prioritised Year Two actions, and agreed working methods and session dates through August 2026.
Planned Sessions and Focus Areas
- Session 1 – Experience of Support
- Agree how to gather feedback from autistic people and their families.
- Feedback will inform autism-friendly services and contribute to the Autism Quality Mark.
- Session 2 – Autism Quality Mark
- Explore the development of a kite-mark system to assure quality support and services.
- Prepare a future update for the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board.
- Session 3 – Norfolk Autism Directory
- Promote services to add and manage their information in the directory.
- Target: increase listings by 50% by July 2026.
- Session 4 – Quick Reference Guides
- Review and test existing guides on the Norfolk Autism Partnership Board website.
- Ensure accessibility for children, young people, and adults across Norfolk.
- Session 5 – Reflection and Achievements
- Consider lessons learned and progress made across sessions
2.9 Diagnostic Working Group
Members discussed the current waiting list and referral data, Key metrics highlighted included:
- Total waiting for assessment: 1142.
- Forecasted wait for newly referred: 4.75 years.
- It was noted that these figures have not changed significantly since the previous report presented by CA.
A significant change compared to approximately a year ago was identified:
- There are currently very few new referrals via the NHS route to Be U Norfolk, the new provider.
- 64 new referrals have been received from GPs since transfer on 1st June 2025
This reduction in NHS-route referrals does not indicate reduced demand, but instead reflects a shift whereby:
- The majority of new referrals are now going through the Right to Choose pathway.
From the perspective of representing autistic people:
- It was noted that this position may change in future but currently access via Right to Choose is relatively timely.
- This shift is seen as positive in terms of access, as individuals are currently receiving diagnoses within two to three months, compared to up to five years via the standard route.
- While the overall waiting list remains high and the financial impact on the NHS is acknowledged, quicker access to diagnosis was recognised as a significant benefit for individuals at present.
2.10 Question: How does the Right to Choose pathway compare with the NHS route in terms of referrals?
Answer: In November 2025, there were 9 NHS-route referrals (Be U Norfolk) compared with 128 via Right to Choose, showing a clear shift toward the Right to Choose pathway.
2.11 Question: Does the ICB have an accurate measure of current demand for Right to Choose?
Answer: Demand is based on completed diagnoses measured by invoices received by the ICB. Due to this we do not have a current idea of the amount of referrals through patients choice and the figures are always retrospective.
2.12 Question: Are there any updates on who oversees private Right to Choose providers?
Answer: Right to Choose providers must be approved by the ICB, which is responsible for authorising them to operate under the Right to Choose scheme and overseeing standards
2.13 Question: Does the NHS retain duty of care when a patient chooses the Right to Choose pathway?Answer: Unclear. It may sit with the GP through shared care, but no official position was confirmed. No ICB colleagues were present to clarify
Agenda Item 3: Break
3.1 A ten minute break was held
Agenda Item 4: Norfolk Autism Strategy Advisory Group: Year 2
4.1 Norfolk Autism Strategy Oversight Group Update:
- 12 December: Action owners submitted progress updates.
- 18 December: NASOG members received the plan and provided feedback by 7 January.
- 12 January: NASOG met to discuss the Year 2 Plan Progress Update for November 2025.
Discussions and agreements included:
- BRAG ratings
- Wording to ensure an autism-friendly approach and use of plain English
Consistent and clear format
4.2 NASOG agreed:
- Two areas of good progress
- No issues requiring escalation
NASOG requests the Board agrees the Year 2 Plan Progress Update for November 2025
Areas of Good Progress:
- A number of actions have been completed across a wide range of organisations.
- Norfolk Youth Justice Service now employs three coordinators rather than one.
Areas of Concern:
- No significant areas of concern were identified.
- A small number of action owners did not submit updates on time; follow-up plans are in place for future reporting periods
4.3 Next steps
Write to action owners for progress updates to 31 January 2026
When: 26 January. Return by: 6 February Who: TW and KD
What: Action owners/organisations will be asked to provide:
- An update of action taken up to 31 January
- Actions planned to 31 March.
Autism Strategy Oversight Group
When: Monday 2 March Who: NASOG members
What: Members are asked to:
- RAG rate the progress based on updates from action owners
- Highlight areas of concern and good progress
Health and Wellbeing Board, Integrated Care Partnership
When: Wednesday 4 March Who: TW and KD
What: We will:
- Provide an update on the Year One Plan through the You Said, We Did online content
- Ask the Board on behalf of all members to endorse the Year Two Plan.
Norfolk Autism Partnership Board
When: Tuesday 31 March Who: All members of the partnership board
What: Members are asked to:
- Review the Year Two Plan Progress Update to January 2026 and agree any routes for escalation.
Links shared during this agenda item:
Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Board – Norfolk County Council
The Norfolk Autism Partnership – Norfolk Autism Partnership
Agenda Item 5 : ‘Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy’ (Summary)
5.1 Background:
- House of Lords Select Committee reviewed the Autism Act 2009, the autism strategy, and statutory guidance to assess effectiveness and inform the next strategy due July 2026.
- The Act focuses on adult autism strategy and statutory guidance for NHS and local authorities.
- The national strategy (2021–26) now includes children and young people, but statutory guidance has not been updated since 2015.
Key Findings:
- Recognition & Access: The Act improved awareness and access to assessments, but outcomes remain limited and barriers persist.
- System Pressure: Assessment pathways are under severe strain; long waits are common, and post-diagnosis support is often minimal.
- Strategy Implementation: The 2021–26 strategy was ambitious but lacked a funded, deliverable plan and clear accountability after the first year.
- Persistent Inequalities: Remain across health, education, employment, and justice. Over 200,000 people are still waiting for assessment nationwide. Autism is among the lowest-employed groups within disabled groups
Headline Recommendations:
- New Strategy: Launch a national strategy by July 2026 with priority outcomes, a costed delivery plan, and named accountability.
- Co-Production: Involve autistic people and their supporters at every stage of design and delivery.
- Support Model: Transition from crisis response to stepped, lifelong support; invest in assessment capacity and preventative community services.
- Local Delivery & Accountability: Strengthen local implementation through updated statutory guidance
5.2 The House of Lords received a record number of submissions from the public, autistic people, parent carers, and supporting organisations, informing their recommendations.
- The government’s response largely highlights initiatives already underway, including:
- 10-year Health Plan for England and SEND reforms
- Oliver McGowan autism training and associated funding
- Family hubs development and autism health cheque pilots
- Connect to Work programme supporting employment for autistic people
- The government did not commit to co-producing or developing a new national autism strategy, despite the House of Lords recommending this to ensure readiness when the current strategy ends in June.
- Five national autism charities (National Autistic Society, Autism Action, Autistica, Ambitious About Autism, Autism Alliance UK) issued a joint statement criticizing the government response as unacceptable, highlighting:
- No evidence of intention to develop a new national autism strategy
- Failure to act on the House of Lords’ recommendations
- Non-development of a strategy breaches statutory requirements under the Autism Act 2009
Next steps:
- The House of Lords will debate the government response, allowing questions to a minister.
- The debate will be announced via House of Lords social media channels; stakeholders will be encouraged to observe the debate and monitor outcomes.
Link to read full article: Charity sector calls out Government on ‘unacceptable’ autism policy
5.3 Question: With the current autism strategy running out in July 2026, does the government have a legal duty to create a new one, or can the existing strategy just roll over?
Answer: The Autism Act requires the government to have a strategy and to revise it, so there is a legal duty to revise rather than just let it continue unchanged.
5.4 Question: Is it likely that a new strategy will be properly co-produced in time?
Answer: No, given the short timeframe, a fully co-produced strategy is unlikely, despite the government and House of Lords emphasizing co-production.
Action: To keep the House of Lords report as an ongoing action
Agenda Item 6 : Any other business
6.1 Focus Group Update
- The focus group is still planned
- Scheduling is on hold until Jo Roberts returns from leave.
- Members should be assured that it has not been forgotten.
6.2 Question: Is this group represented on the Community Scrutiny and Legitimacy Panel?
Answer: No, it isn’t
Action: Lee Gibbons to arrange a meeting with ASM to discuss the boards involvement with the Community Scrutiny and Legitimacy Panel
6.3 Now That’s What I Call Autism 2026 – Update
- Planning is underway for Now That’s What I Call Autism 2026 to mark Autism Awareness Week, building on last year’s event.
- Planning is proceeding with the agreement of the task and finish group, with updates provided instead of weekly meetings.
- The full Forum has been booked, excluding the auditorium due to low use last year.
- 14 autistic creators confirmed (up from 12 last year), with 6 maker spaces still available (20 max).
- 3 speakers confirmed, covering self-employment, hoarding, and personal challenges from a positive perspective. More speakers welcome.
- 11 information stands confirmed, with space for 5 more.
- Interest received from 1 performer and 3 volunteers; further involvement encouraged.
- Applications remain open and should be submitted promptly.
- Promotion has started on social media; support with sharing is requested.
- There is no charge to attend or to hold a stall.
- Suggestions and ideas for additional activities are welcomed.
6.4 Question: Will there be an option for live streaming so people can watch remotely?
Answer: I’ll look into it with our photographer and check if the website supports live streaming
6.5 Question: Which social media channels are you sharing this on?
Answer: At the moment, it’s being shared through the NAPB’s Facebook page, which is the only social media channel we’re using right now.
Action: Lee Gibbons to put together a promotional pack and share and circulate it to NAPB members
6.6 Question: Could we approach the Adult Safeguarding Board early this year, as they were interested last time but didn’t have enough notice?
Answer: Yes, I’ll approach them. I’m aware Walter is retiring in March, so capacity may be limited, but I’ll email them today and follow it up.
Date, time and location of next meeting
Tuesday 31st March 2026 13:00-15:00 (Microsoft Teams)