The unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 moved health and social care partners to work together like never before, and at a very quick pace. Our findings confirm that intentional collaboration must be maintained in leading and delivering effective ICSs. ICS partners, together with the public, must now agree a shared vision for health and social care as a priority. A long-term focus to improve population health and reduce health inequalities will require a cultural shift and will place a new type of demand on resource allocation and sourcing. It will also demand public health leadership, a fully coordinated infrastructure, and comprehensive, ongoing evaluation. In parallel to this, the well-being of the health and social care workforce will need to be addressed to build upon the lessons of COVID-19.