Minutes of the VSS Health & Wellbeing Committee Meeting 17
Tuesday 09 November 2021
Remote via Zoom
HWB Committee Members Present:
Patricia Haren (PH) VSS Board Member & Committee Chair
Beverley Clarke (BC) VSS Board Member
VSS Officers in Attendance
Emma Dargan (ED) VSS Programmes Manager
Bryan Leonard (BL) VSS Head of Health and Wellbeing
Ciara Boyle (CB) VSS Health and Wellbeing Case Manager
Nicola Nugent (NN) VSS Health and Wellbeing Case Manager
David Hall (DH) VSS M&E Manager (from 3:30pm)
Melissa McCartan (MMc) Business Support Officer (minutes)
A Apologies
No apologies received.
B Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of the previous HWB Committee meeting held on 07 September 2021 were agreed.
C Action Points
BL provided an update on the following outstanding action points:
07.09.21 – AP1: Review of the induction plan for Committee members.
Induction plans for ARC member and VSS staff obtained; bespoke induction plan to be developed and agreed by the HWB Committee.
04.05.21 – AP1: Share final draft Policy on Managing Disclosures of non-recent Abuse with HWB Committee for review.
Feedback received from NAPAC, with minor amendments and suggestions made. To be reviewed and circulated to VSS Board for sign off. Managing Disclosures of non-recent Abuse training is scheduled to take place on 25 November 2021.
04.05.21 – AP2: Issue Committee self-assessment to all Committee members for completion in advance of next meeting. This AP is now closed.
09.09.2020 - AP2: Programmes team to develop a best practice regarding checks for individuals who have conflict related convictions or returning from long-term sick leave etc. guide for funded organisations. This AP is now closed.
18.02.20 – AP5: Recruitment of independent HWB Committee member.
HCS/HHWB currently exploring potential co-option through TEO.
10.09.19 - AP1: HWB Programme Manager to work with M&E team and others in VSS to take forward further analysis of CORE data (i.e. 40% not reporting improvement), and to prepare a report and recommendations within 2019/20.
CB (HWB Case Manager) presented findings alongside DH under AOB.
05.12.18 - AP5: NISCC registration for funded organisations and Caseworkers required. Renewal dates to be submitted and logged by VSS.
Follow-up/support being provided by CEO and HHWB. Outstanding NISCC registrations in progress.
Action Points arising from Tuesday 09 November 2021:
09.11.21 - AP1: Committee members to review ToR and provide feedback by Friday 26 November 2021, along with induction plan ideas for new HWB Committee members.
D Policies: New & Under Development
NN currently completing draft policy on ‘Managing Disclosures of Non-Recent Abuse’; feedback has been received from NAPAC, with minor amendments and suggestions made. Policy to be circulated to VSS Board/HWB Committee for review/approval.
E Clinical Governance
E1 - Client Risk / Safeguarding / Serious Adverse Incidents
BL advised there is no major update since the previous VSS Board meeting, which took place earlier today.
The Committee noted a decrease in challenging phone calls since April 2021.
No new serious adverse incidents and unacceptable behaviour recorded during the period.
E2 - Training & Development
ED provided an update regarding the Workforce Training and Development Plan. It was noted there has been positive outcomes through the use of technology in terms of engagement and the range of courses offered.
The Committee noted as at 04 November 2021, a total of 2,368 places have been attended equating to 785 unique participants across 162 training events/courses arranged by the VSS Programmes Team.
ED highlighted the most recent activity/training taken place since the previous HWB Committee meeting, which included courses in Family Therapy, Psychological Trauma and Emergency First Aid at Work.
It was noted that following completion of each course, every participant is now encouraged to complete an evaluation via Survey Monkey. ED and team intend to analyse this information in the coming months to determine the impact of the training courses provided. BC noted it would be useful for Board members to attend training and provide feedback from another perspective.
The Committee noted ‘Seeking Safety’ training will be rolled out online early 2022 as per the VSS Addiction Working Group action point.
F Quarter End Outcomes Report
The Committee noted the outcomes based ME report for Q2 2021-22.
G Service Development
NN provided an update on HIA. It was noted data shows, to date, 508 individuals are accessing services between VSS, Advice NI and WAVE, of which 203 are registered with VSS. NN advised a breakdown of data will be provided in the next quarter. The Committee noted that focus is now on raising awareness of the support and services available for victims of HIA and establishing the Practitioner Working Groups.
NN provided an update on Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses. The Committee noted that VSS continue to provide interim emotional support to victims of MBI-MLW. NN advised call volumes have increased following VSS being highlighted as support and services provider in a recent inquiry report.
ED provided an update on the Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme. The Committee noted interest has been high and that four organisations have received additional resources to employ Welfare Officers to help manage the high volume of applications and reduce waiting lists. ED advised additional funding has went out for health and wellbeing support.
PH asked how many applications have been submitted to date. ED to update members at next meeting.
BC asked if there is any financial support/advice available for individuals receiving sums of money. BL advised that TEO are currently looking at options to provide specialist financial advice for victims of Troubles/conflict and HIA.
BC and PH acknowledged the recent work and achievements of the VSS front line team in relation to TPDPS/ Service Access Requests.
The Committee noted there is no formal update in respect of the RTN.
H Terms of Reference
09.11.21 - AP1: Committee members to review ToR and provide feedback by Friday 26 November 2021, along with induction plan ideas for new HWB Committee members.
It was agreed BL will circulate a reminder via email.
I HWB Committee Work Plan
The Committee noted this paper.
J Induction Plan for Committee Members
Discussed per action point above.
K Staff Welfare and Support
The Committee noted CB is currently finalising a new staff Health and Wellbeing Framework, which captures all of the support available for VSS staff. This is due to be launched at the VSS Staff Planning Day on 16 November 2021.
BL advised this paper will be shared with the Committee once finalised.
The Committee noted that there is an external and confidential counselling service available for all VSS staff.
L AOB - Data Analysis Update
CB delivered a presentation on Talking Therapies: No Improvement Demonstrated Data Analysis (initial findings) and engaged in a Q&A/feedback session re: next steps.
The Committee highlighted the importance of developing alternative therapeutic interventions to support those who do not demonstrate an improvement through engaging in talking therapies.
The Chair thanked CB and DH for the work carried out in respect of this.
Date of Next Meeting
The next VSS Health and Wellbeing Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 March 2022.