Pillar 1 - Identifying and tackling inequalities
Our annual review of health inequalities is available here. This document provides an overview of and update on the progress made across 10 key areas of care since 2023/24 – reporting on key inequalities indicators by deprivation and ethnicity.
Aim: To embed processes, cultures and ways of working that help tackle inequalities in everything that the ICB does, based on the Core20Plus5 framework.
Current projects:
- Creating a robust set of inequalities metrics and dashboard to enable effective tracking of progress in reducing inequalities
- Creating a culture of learning and sharing, including the health equity summit, a systematic approach to gaining and sharing insights from communities and Core20Plus5 ambassadors
- Embedding inequalities in core processes, including commissioning and contracting – so that inequalities is embedded in business as usual processes
- Using the impact of Health Inequalities Transformation funding to design and embed sustainable approaches to reducing inequity
Aim: working with partners across the system and co-producing with communities to tackle specific inequalities in key clinical focus areas with a focus on specific communities who have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Immediate priority is black communities, but in later years will expand to other specific communities, including Plus groups.
Current projects:
• Improving maternity experience and outcomes for black women
• Equitable and holistic approach for black men at increased risk of prostate cancer
• More equitable approach to mental health for black men
• Better identification and management of hypertension within black communities.
Aim: to address cross-cutting barriers that impact on people’s access and experience of care.
Current projects:
• Building trust with communities and approaches to reach communities where they are
• Increasing levels of digital inclusion to reduce access barriers
• Overcoming barriers to leadership so that the ICS workforce is reflective of the local population.
The North West London Health Equity Summit
The yearly Health Equity Summit is an event where partners from across North West London come together to celebrate good work and agree actions to reduce health inequalities.
NW London Race Equality Steering Group (RESG)
Structural racism refers to systemic and institutionalised disparities that disproportionately impact marginalised communities, as reflected in the health outcomes data from North West London. One of the key barriers to reducing these inequalities is the high level of mistrust in public services within certain communities and ethnic groups, a mistrust fuelled by structural racism. To address this, the North West London Race Equality Steering Group (RESG) was established in July 2022, providing a strategic platform to bring the conversation about structural racism to the forefront of decision-making regarding service provision and health outcomes. Find out more.
Events
Saturday 22 June 2024
On 22 June 2024, the Black Health and Wellbeing Expo was held at Novotel London West, aimed at enhancing health outcomes in Black communities across North West London. The event focused on addressing health disparities faced by Black African and Caribbean populations, considering both clinical needs and broader social determinants like employment and housing.
More than 120 community partners, volunteers, NHS staff, and local authority members participated, featuring over 50 stalls from NHS and community resources. Key highlights included:
- Health Checks: Essential screenings revealed significant findings:
- 85 blood sugar checks identified 35 individuals as prediabetic and 30 with diabetes.
- 56 participants underwent kidney health and blood pressure screenings, with 19.6% showing high blood pressure and 8.9% presenting both high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Engagement and Fun: Attendees enjoyed free food, massages, children's activities, and educational talks from health specialists.
The Expo showcased collaboration among over 120 partners, building trust and raising awareness of NHS services to improve health in Black communities. Overall, it was a successful initiative reinforcing our commitment to addressing health inequalities.
North West London Health Equity Summit 2023
On Saturday 21 October 2023 over 300 people from across North West London attended Wembley Stadium for the Health and Wellbeing event to improve black health outcomes.
The design of the event was in response to the significant disparities in health outcomes and the wider determinants of health such as employment, housing and poverty amongst those that are more prevalent in black communities.
The event at Wembley Stadium wellbeing is part of a series of outreach events to improve health outcomes by taking on board the wider determinants of health for black communities from across NW London with input from all eight boroughs. Each event will be different but will be designed around health promotion and building trust with the communities. Find out more.
North West London Health Equity Summit 2024
he North West London Health Equity Summit 2024 brought together over 200 people to review progress on reducing health inequalities and to discuss how communities can be better supported to achieve fairer health outcomes. The focus was on strengthening partnerships, sharing learning, and highlighting where further action is needed,
The event ended with the Health Equity Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations tackling barriers to equitable healthcare. With 64 nominations, the awards showcased work ranging from inclusive arts programmes to improving diversity in health research and creating multilingual health resources. Find out more.
North West London Health Equity Summit 2025
The North West London Health Equity Summit 2025 focused on “Delivering health equity through the lens of neighbourhood health”, bringing together senior leaders, clinicians, community partners and system stakeholders on 25 November 2025. The event explored innovative, neighbourhood‑based approaches to tackling health inequalities, highlighted learning from the Share Needs Assessment, and showcased lived experiences and local solutions aimed at improving outcomes for Core20Plus5 communities.
The summit also hosted the 2025 Health Equity Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations reducing health inequalities across North West London. With more than 90 nominations submitted, the awards recognised community heroes breaking down barriers to better health, strengthening trust, and championing inclusion. The event reinforced the importance of whole‑system collaboration, cultural competence, and neighbourhood‑level partnership working to drive lasting change. Find out more.