Minutes of the VSS Health & Wellbeing Committee
Wednesday 15th May 2024
Remote via Zoom
HWB Committee Members Present:
Sandra Horley (SH) VSS Board Member & Committee Chair
Catriona MacArthur (CMcA) VSS Board Member
VSS Officers in Attendance
Nicola Nugent (NN) VSS Head of Health and Wellbeing
Karen Morgan (KM) VSS Health and Wellbeing Case Manager
Carol Carmichael (CC) VSS Interim Programmes Manager
Melissa McCartan (MM) VSS Business Support Officer (minutes)
A Welcome and Apologies
SH welcomed everyone to the meeting as new Chairperson of VSS Health and Wellbeing Committee and acknowledged Patrica Haren’s contribution and commitment to VSS over the years.
Apologies received from:
Lisa Brown, Boardroom Apprentice
Ciara Boyle, VSS Health and Wellbeing Case Manager
B Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of the previous HWB Committee meeting held on 14 February 2024 were agreed.
C Action Points
NN provided an update on the outstanding action points, noting all have been completed or are on track for completion, with the exception of two longstanding action points:
08.02.20 – AP5: Additional Clinical Expertise to be recruited / co-opted onto Committee. It was noted that recruitment for additional Board members and clinical expertise remains ongoing.
Action points arising from 15.05.24:
15.05.24 - AP1: Board/HWB Committee Members to attend HIA and MBMLW training.
15.05.24 – AP2: Explore training options for Board level ‘values-based’ training and refresher training on trauma informed working.
D Policies: New & Under Development
NN advised there are no policies to review this quarter.
E Training & Development
E1 TI Quality Mark Action Plan
KM provided an update on the Trauma Informed Quality Mark and thanked SH for her input during the assessment period. It was noted that the assessment has now been completed and One Small Thing Board are due to meet on 31 May 2024 to determine the outcome of the report.
It was noted that One Small Thing have asked to use VSS policies and procedures as ‘examples’ for excellent trauma informed working, indicating that the report will result in a positive outcome.
The Committee noted that this will be an ongoing process, and VSS aim to work towards the Gold accreditation next. SH and CMcA commended KM and team for their ongoing work throughout this process.
NN highlighted that VSS are now engaged in a pilot through One Small Thing for a Trauma Informed Strategy in Northern Ireland.
F Clinical Governance
F1 Client Risk / Safeguarding / Serious Adverse Incidents
NN provided an update on the Client Risk report.
It was noted that 4 individuals were recorded on the Client Risk Register and supported in line with VSS’s Client Risk Management Policy, with no further action required from VSS at this time.
The Committee noted 1 individual was recorded on the Safeguarding Client Risk Register and was supported in line with VSS Safeguarding Client Risk Policy, with no further action required from VSS at this time.
NN highlighted the increase in calls and challenging engagements recorded in the quarter. The Committee noted the increase in February and March was primarily related to the delay in SDA payments and that these figures have been flagged to TEO.
F2 Compliance Checks
CC presented a summary report on the Clinical Governance checks and noted that all reviews across the 46 funded organisations are now complete. CC highlighted the areas of policy development which have been identified.
SH and CMcA thanked CC and team for their ongoing work throughout this process and for the detailed report this quarter.
CMcA noted interest in attending Serious Adverse Incident training. CC to update Committee on training opportunity once a procurement exercise has been completed.
G Quarter End Outcomes Report
The Committee noted the following reports:
- M&E outcome report – T/c
- M&E outcome report – HIA
- M&E outcome report – MBMLW
CMcA raised a query around monitoring targets against budget, which was clarified and noted.
H Service Development
Historical Institutional Abuse
NN provided an update on HIA. It was noted that the HIA Redress Scheme (applications for compensation) is due to close on 2 April 2025. Groups are building advocacy resources to help support the level of demand through the application process. NN anticipates there will be an increase in demand following the upcoming leaflet drop (June 2024) across all homes in NI. A risk around and managing expectations/VSS reputation (following recent media) has been added to the strategic risk register for monitoring and subsequently raised with TEO.
Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses
NN provided an update on MBMLW. It was noted that MBMLW services
are in the process of being upscaled, following meetings with TEO, the
Independent Panel
and the development of a new business case.
TEO Truth Recovery Public Consultation is due to launch in June 2024.
The Independent Panel have produced an Interim Report on progress over a 13-month period and will be made public on 22 May 2024. It was noted the Panel will also appear in front of TEO Committee on 29 May 2024.
Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme (TPDPS)
NN provided an update on TPDPS. It was noted that Community Partners have been resourced with additional Welfare Officers to respond to increasing numbers of survivors seeking support in respect of the TPDPS application process.
NN highlighted the deadline date for the backdating element of the scheme (August 2024) is approaching, which has resulted in an increase in applications and waiting times.
CC noted there is additional Health and Wellbeing allocation of funding available (TPDPS), which provides individuals engaging in the TPDPS application an opportunity to avail of Talking and Complementary Therapies.
Regional Trauma Network
NN provided an update on the RTN launch event which took place in February 2024. The Committee noted that challenges continue regarding waiting lists and timescales for accessing tier 4 and 5 specialist services within the H&SC Trusts and the need for RTN to be appropriately financially resourced to address this issue.
Clerical Abuse
No significant update or progress to report.
I Staff Welfare and Support
KM provided an update on Staff Welfare and Support.
The Committee noted arrangements are being made to hold a mindfulness session for staff at the upcoming VSS Staff Planning Day in June 2024.
It was noted that VSS are taking part in the 2024 PRIDE Parade (following feedback from a staff survey) and will walk alongside NICS.
KM highlighted that Clinical Supervision, which was introduced in October 2023, remains available to all VSS staff.
J Health and Wellbeing Committee Work Plan
The Committee reflected on the 2023/24 Work Plan. NN agreed to review and update for the 2024/25 year based on discussion/feedback.
15.05.24 - AP1: Board Members to attend HIA and MBMLW training (existing and new Board members).
15.05.24 - AP2: Explore options for Board level ‘values-based’ training and refresher training on trauma informed working.
K AOB
There was discussion around the Health and Wellbeing Committee induction process. It was noted that for information purposes, NN will develop an outline summary of the VSS HWB team roles and responsibilities.
Date of Next Meeting
The next VSS Health and Wellbeing Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on 11 September 2024.