Minutes of The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) Board Meeting No 124

Board Meeting Type:        Board Effectiveness/Self-Assessment Review    

Date & Time:                        Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 9.45am

Location:                              Equality House, Belfast

Attendees:

Board Members:

 

Catriona MacArthur (CMA)             Board Member  (Meeting Chair)

Brian Gilfedder (BG)                        Board Member

John Cahill (JC)                              Board Member

Sandra Horley (SH)                         Board Member

VSS Officers:

Andrew Walker (AW)                       Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Guests:

Steve Mungavin (SM) - (from agenda point 5)               

CEF Associate Trainer & Facilitator                                                                    

Apologies:                                        None

 

1.   Opening

·         The Chair welcomed all present to the meeting.

2.   Minutes and conflict of interest

·         The minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 May 2026 were approved.

·         There were no conflicts of interest declared.

4. CEO Update – Key Issues

·         AW provided a short update on a range of matters:

o   TEO Committee – AW noted the VSS appearance at Committee and reminded Board Members of the access to the session available online.  Based on previous VSS evidence, on CVS engagement with Ministers, and on TEO Committee views, AW is hopeful that further VSP funding can be considered by TEO.

o   Historical Clerical Childhood Abuse (HCCA) – TEO has scheduled engagement with VSS to discuss a possible co-design of support and services for survivors of HCCA.  VSS seeking clarity on a range of matters which would inform the approach.

o   MBMLW Bill Consideration Stage – update on progress in the Assembly including the debate and amendments.  Particular focus on issue of posthumous date.

o   Noting that new TEO Permanent Secretary Moira Doherty will meet with AW on 11th June.

o   Outcome of Finance and Governance recruitment – no appointment made.  Consideration of options for next steps.

o   VSS proceeding to submit application for Gold Level TIQM (and to roll out options for sector organisations to commence accreditation).

5. Any Other Business (AOB)

·         No AOB raised

5.  Board Effectiveness Workshop

·         Steve Mungavin facilitated the annual Board Effectiveness Workshop.

·         Actions emerging from the Workshop were documented separately and progress against these will be monitored at Board meetings through the course of 2026/27.

 

Next Meeting Details:

Date & Time:                        Thursday 18th June 2026 (9.30am – 13:00pm)

Location:                              Equality House, Belfast  (subsequently revised to Seatem House)