Minutes of SMT Meeting held on 7 September 2022, 11:00am at Ladas Drive Belfast.
In attendance:
- R Kidd Chair and Chief Executive
- N Monson Deputy Chief Executive
- B Monson Deputy Chief Executive
- L Burns Deputy Chief Executive
- K Neeson Deputy Chief Executive
1. Apologies
There were no apologies.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the 6 July meeting were agreed.
3. Action Points
There were no action points not covered by the agenda.
4. Corporate Health, Safety and Welfare
- SMT noted that the work being done to improve the security of the building has now been completed
- Work to convert the Robens room is ongoing as we are awaiting the delivery of the new desks to convert it from work stations to meeting room but the old furniture is mostly cleared and removed
5. (a) Audit, Risk Management and Finance
There were no new audit or risk management issues to note and the financial picture is as reflective of where we expected to be at this point in the year.
5. (b) Emerging Risks
Currently nothing to report.
6. Staffing
- SMT discussed a number of staffing issues around vacant posts which are soon to arise and there was a discussion on the options and timing of competitions for replacements and the way forward
- It was also noted that a number of the NICS hubs are now available for use by staff, however we anticipate that staff will still utilise Ladas Drive for team meetings and other business meetings
7. Case and Project Work
Major Investigation Team (MIT) update – N Monson referred SMT to the MIT update which was circulated in advance of the meeting. MIT continue to run at close to capacity with no shortage of new cases to replace those that have gone to court.
8. Business Planning
There was nothing further to update on this work as the consultation exercise is still live until mid October.
9. Performance Monitoring
B Monson updated SMT that accident numbers are still down and inspection numbers are rising as trainees are undertaking more operational work. Complaints are lower than pre covid levels when compared to the same period in previous years. It was noted that the very significant rise in the number of Improvement Notices mainly relate to an initiative which was held on welding fume and SMT agreed this provided an excellent result of raising concerns where inadequate provisions were in place to protect workers from carcinogenic fumes. It was agreed that these facts all portray a positive picture but cannot be considered trends but rather merely a snapshot in time.
10. Board Business
SMT noted the indicated delays in replacing those board members who are due to the complete their second term in spring 2023. The board chair position also appears to be going to be delayed and both the Chair and board members have been approached by the Public Appointments Unit and have agreed to extend their tenure of the roles.
11. Any Other Business
- SMT noted the plan to hold a Christmas dinner event for all staff who wish to attend
- The Chief Executive gave SMT an update on the proposals around Crown Censure
- SMT discussed and agreed to hold an event for all staff to formally launch the new Corporate Plan for 2023 to 2028
- SMT discussed and agreed to the holding of a charity event where staff come together for a light lunch and make a donation to support a chosen charity
12. Date of next meeting
The date of the next meeting will be set for October 2022.
The meeting concluded at 3:00pm.