Norfolk Autism Partnership Board

Meeting summary

Norfolk Autism Partnership Board Meeting Summary
Meeting date: 27th January 2026
Venue: Microsoft Teams
Time: 13:00 to 15:00

Purpose of the meeting
The Norfolk All Age Autism Partnership Board (NAPB) met to discuss updates on the Norfolk Autism Strategy, review progress from working groups, consider recent reports relevant to autism policy, and plan upcoming activities and actions. The board brings together autistic people, family carers, professionals, and organisations to improve the lives of autistic individuals across Norfolk.

Main updates and discussions

Young Person Autism Advisory Group (YPAAG) Update
The YPAAG represents younger autistic people and provides feedback on priorities within the Autism Strategy. In their recent meeting, the group focused on support and transitions into adulthood with an emphasis on school support and moving on to next steps. They identified that while ideas about next steps are generally present, young people often do not receive enough clear information or chances to visit further education or training options. Communication with school staff is valued but sometimes inconsistent, partly due to staff availability. Application processes can be confusing, and young people would like more one-to-one help and time for forms. Adjustments like breakout cards are useful, but expiry dates and lack of awareness by cover staff reduce their effectiveness. The YPAAG suggested improvements such as earlier conversations about next steps, more accessible information, a central system for staff to access adjustments, and removing expiry dates on cards. The group mainly includes those in mainstream schools, with a few from specialist placements.

Autism Norfolk Forum Update
The Autism Norfolk Forum met on 20th January 2026 with a focus on progress with the Norfolk All Age Autism Strategy (2024-2029). Feedback emphasised the importance of prevention and early support to avoid crisis and underlined a perceived gap in support for older autistic adults in the Year Two action plan. The meeting discussed ways to improve involvement and participation, including exploring reasons some people do not attend and using wider networks like mental health teams and Be U Norfolk to share information.

Support Pathways Working Group Update
This group, led by autistic people and parent carers, focuses on actions from the Year Two Plan and understanding the experience of support. It does not currently include professionals or providers to ensure a co-production approach. The group has planned sessions covering topics such as gathering feedback on support, developing an Autism Quality Mark (kite-mark) for services, promoting the Norfolk Autism Directory to increase listings, reviewing quick reference guides to ensure accessibility, and reflecting on progress. The next meeting is scheduled for 16th February 2026.

Diagnostic Working Group
Data shows the total waiting list for autism assessment in Norfolk is 1,142 people with a forecasted wait of almost five years for new referrals through the NHS route. However, there has been a shift towards using the Right to Choose private pathway, which currently offers diagnosis within two to three months compared to up to five years via the standard NHS route. Since June 2025, only 64 new NHS referrals have been made compared to a higher number through Right to Choose. The board noted this quicker access as a positive step for individuals despite the overall high waiting list and cost implications. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) oversees the approval and standards of Right to Choose providers, though some questions remain about ongoing NHS duty of care in such cases.

Norfolk Autism Strategy Oversight Group (NASOG) Year Two Update
NASOG reviewed progress updates submitted by action owners on the Year Two Plan for the Norfolk Autism Strategy. They agreed there are two areas of good progress including the employment of additional youth justice coordinators. No significant concerns were raised, though follow-up is planned with action owners who have not submitted updates on time. Board members were asked to review the progress update for November 2025 and consider any areas for escalation. Upcoming steps include requesting further updates by 6th February, a NASOG meeting on 2nd March for rating progress, and providing an update to the Health and Wellbeing Board in early March.

House of Lords Report – ‘Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy’
The board discussed a recent House of Lords review of the Autism Act and the national autism strategy currently running until July 2026. The report highlighted persistent challenges in assessment waiting times, post-diagnosis support, and inequalities in health, education, employment, and justice sectors. The Lords called for a new, fully co-produced national autism strategy by July 2026 with clear delivery plans and accountability. The government’s response was criticised by several national autism charities for failing to commit to a new strategy or address key recommendations. The board agreed to keep the House of Lords report as an ongoing action and monitor developments.

Other business

Focus Group Update
A focus group for further engagement is planned but currently on hold pending the return of a key member from leave. The board was reassured it remains a priority.

Now That’s What I Call Autism 2026 Event
Planning is progressing for this event during Autism Awareness Week, building on the previous year. The venue is mostly booked, with autistic creators, speakers, and information stands confirmed and applications still open. There was discussion about options for live streaming the event to improve access. The board was asked to help promote the event through social media and networks. Currently, promotion is limited to the NAPB Facebook page. A promotional pack is being prepared for wider sharing. The board also agreed to approach the Adult Safeguarding Board early in 2026 for their involvement.

Actions and next steps

Lee Gibbons to investigate hosting post-diagnostic tools on the NAPB website, working with relevant providers.

Lee Gibbons to ask the YPAAG if they want to be involved in work on creating a central system for adjustment information.

Lee Gibbons to share the next year’s Autism Norfolk Forum Zoom meeting dates with the board.

NASOG to collect further progress updates from action owners by 6th February and rate progress in March.

The board to review the Year Two Plan Progress Update at the March meeting and consider any escalations.

Keep the House of Lords autism report as an ongoing item for monitoring government response and debate outcomes.

Lee Gibbons to arrange a meeting with Norfolk Constabulary to discuss the board’s involvement with the Community Scrutiny and Legitimacy Panel.

Continue planning and promote Now That’s What I Call Autism 2026; explore live streaming options.

Prepare and circulate a promotional pack to board members for event outreach.

Approach the Adult Safeguarding Board regarding their participation in the autism awareness event.

Future meeting dates
The board noted scheduled meetings for 31st March, 26th May, 28th July, and 29th September 2026.

Summary
The meeting covered important updates across strategic, diagnostic, and support areas for autistic people in Norfolk. Work continues to address long waiting lists through alternative routes, enhance young people’s support, and ensure greater involvement of autistic individuals and carers in shaping services. Challenges remain at the national level in securing a renewed autism strategy, and the board is committed to monitoring and contributing to this. Preparations for Autism Awareness Week event are well underway, with plans to broaden accessibility and participation. The board will meet again at the end of March to review progress and agree further actions.