Minutes of the VSS Health & Wellbeing Committee
Wednesday 11th September 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
Tara Lewsley (TL) VSS Head of Learning and Growth
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 Apologies
Ciara Boyle, VSS Health and Wellbeing Case Manager.
B Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of the previous HWB Committee meeting held on 15 May 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. Recruitment for additional Board members is ongoing. Options to be explored with TEO if clinical expertise skills gap remains after recruitment process.
In respect of 17.05.24 - AP1, training will be arranged once new Board members are in post.
D Policies: New & Under Development
The Committee approved the following policies under development:
Adult Safeguarding Policy
Protect Life Policy
E Training & Development
E1 TI Quality Mark – Gold Award Planning
Following VSS’ achievement of the Silver Trauma-Informed Quality Mark, KM provided the Committee with an overview of the Gold Award Quality Standards and discussed the overall process in relation to workload and indicative timeframes. It was noted that the HWB team will regroup internally to discuss further and provide the Committee with an update in November.
The Committee acknowledged that aiming to work towards the gold award (following the silver accreditation) demonstrates the commitment of VSS to delivering a trauma-informed approach in everything it does to support victims and survivors.
F Clinical Governance
F1 Client Risk / Safeguarding / Serious Adverse Incidents
NN provided an update on the Client Risk report.
It was noted that 1 individual was 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.
There were no adverse incidents or new unacceptable behaviours recorded during the period.
F2 Compliance Checks
CC provided an update on the Clinical Governance checks and noted that all reviews across the funded organisations are now complete.
The Committee noted that one policy in respect of one organisation remains outstanding, however, VSS are working with the organisation to progress this.
G Quarter End Outcomes Report
TL provided an update on the new M&E Quarterly Reports and highlighted key figures within the following reports were noted at the recent Board meeting.
- M&E outcome report – T/c Q1 24/25
- M&E outcome report – HIA Q1 24/25
- M&E outcome report – MBMLW Q1 24/25
TL asked the Committee to flag any queries in relation to the data presented or to note any areas of focus/trends the Committee wish the Learning and Growth team to explore.
CMcA raised a query in relation to the Talking Therapies target (60:40) and asked what processes are in place for those reporting no improvement, which was clarified and noted.
CMcA noted the review of outcomes in relation to Strategic Outcome 2: Improved access to opportunities for learning and development and asked TL to explore Personal & Professional Development trends.
Action 1: Analyse data/cohort of individuals reporting no improvement (Talking Therapies and Complementary Therapies framework).
Action 2: Explore Personal and Professional Development data/trends.
H Service Development
Historical Institutional Abuse
NN provided an update on HIA. It was noted that the COSICA Pilot Consultation on services for Victims and Survivors is open until December 2024.
The Committee noted concerns raised in respect of legal firms imposing their own cut off dates (well in advance of the closure of the Redress scheme), which is causing stress and additional anxiety to those engaged in the process. It was noted that the Law Society have been made aware of the reported difficulties.
Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries, and Workhouses
NN provided an update on MBMLW. It was noted that VSS provided a response to the MBMLW Truth Recovery Consultation on 16 September 2024.
NN highlighted that there is approx. 350-400 individual victims and survivors accessing support and services to date. VSS continue to work with Community Partners WAVE and Adopt NI to build on resources and progress the service.
It was noted there has been an increase in calls and media attention in relation to the Public Inquiry and a recent documentary which aired during the quarter.
A working group will be established in the forthcoming months to start developing a programme of specific inquiry related support.
The Committee expressed there is a need for an Interim Advocate or Commissioner needed for MBMLW.
Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme (TPDPS)
CC highlighted the deadline date for the backdating element of the scheme has been extended until August 2026. The Committee noted that the waiting lists for application support are still significant.
CC noted there is additional Health and Wellbeing allocation of funding available which provides individuals engaging in the TPDPS application an opportunity to avail of Talking Therapies and Complementary Therapies – both during and after the process.
Regional Trauma Network
NN provided an update on the RTN. 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.
It was noted that the third series of RTN Lunch ‘n’ Learn sessions are taking place over a number of dates between September – November 2024. Details to be shared with Committee members.
SH acknowledged the work ongoing within VSS and thanked all for their input.
I Staff Welfare and Support
KM provided an update on Staff Welfare and Support.
It was noted that as part of the Employee Wellbeing Annual Action Plan to support and improve the health and wellbeing of VSS staff, all staff were offered the opportunity to attend a wellness check carried out by the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Society.
The Committee noted that the VSS Employee Wellbeing plan to regroup in October to set out a plan for next year.
J Health and Wellbeing Committee Work Plan
The Committee noted updates to the Health and Wellbeing Work Plan.
K AOB
The Committee noted a recent engagement between VSS and the Independent Chair for Historical Clerical Child Abuse, which provided an update on the work and progress to date with victims and survivors of clerical child abuse. NN highlighted that VSS front line staff have been made aware of upcoming awareness/media activity and are prepped to signpost individuals to the appropriate body if needed.
Date of Next Meeting
The next VSS Health and Wellbeing Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on 13th November 2024.