Guidance

VAPC east Midlands: meeting minutes 17 October 2022

Updated 12 March 2024

Date

Monday 17 October 2022

Location

Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), Nottingham

Present:

• Barry Smith (Chair)
• Michael Whitehead (Communications lead)
• Stav Melides (Industry lead)
• Thomas Smith (Housing lead)
• Andrew Holt (CJS lead)
• Karen Cox (KC)
• Ian Crowe (IC)
• Ron Moonesinghe (RS)
• Gary Holden
• David Houghton (Secretary)
• Louise Briggs
• Michael Smith

Apologies

• Richard Hurwood (Vice Chair/health lead)

1. Welcome

The Chair welcomed Members to the hybrid meeting (with some Members attending in person, and others joining ‘virtually’ online), and extended his thanks to Paul Desborough and his team at the RFCA for supporting the meeting.

2. Apologies for absence

The Chair accepted pre-notified apologies from those who were unable to attend the meeting (either in-person or virtually).

3. Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest that would affect the work of the Committee.

4. DTS update

The MOD DTS representative presented an update on DTS’ current activity in the EM region, noting that DTS is currently handling approximately 50 ‘Red’ (high intensity) cases, of which 22 are in the DTS EM Region (which is not the same geographical area as the EM VAPC region). It was highlighted that DTS have introduced a new client assessment checklist which, while still being bedded-in, should streamline DTS’ processes for supporting clients. It was also noted that the provision of DTS services across the EM region should become better now that EM DTS are fully-staffed.

Members were briefed on the transfer of the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) to DTS wef 1 October 22. It was noted that the transfer of the JSHAO to DTS should improve the tri-Service transition offering provided Service leavers and their families. The DTS representative confirmed that, alongside their new responsibilities relating to the JSHAO, DTS will continue to run the MOD Referral Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-referral-scheme-a-guide).

The Meeting discussed the recent slight drop in DTS meeting its KPIs, and noted that this shortfall seemed to be linked to a recent reallocation of DTS staff across different areas, rather than any actual shortfall in the provision of DTS services.

Members discussed the level of support DTS receive from Service chain of command, including regional SO2 Life Skills Posts. The DTS representative noted that EM-based SO2 Life Skills personnel provide good support to DTS 2 and that such personnel meet with DTS staff on a regular basis, although the level of interaction does vary across the 3 Services.

5. VWS update

The MOD VWS representative highlighted to Members the improving situation relating to the filling of previously vacant VWS Posts. Provisional offers have been made to 3 candidates to fill the vacant Welfare Manager posts for the Midlands & Wales Region. It was highlighted that 2 of the selected candidates are ex-military and the other candidate worked previously for the DWP.

The Meeting was updated on the continued and increased engagement of VWS staff in Advice Days & Surgeries across the region, including support at the new Military Hub at The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Hospital.

6. Minutes of last meeting and actions

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted.

Updates on Actions from the meeting held on 16 May 2022 were provided during the individual Member reports/updates at Item 8.

7. Out Brief from Ministerial Engagement and Subsequent Chair of Chairs Activity

The Meeting noted the recent appointment of Sara Atherton MP as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families), and the continued role James Heappey MP has as Minister of State (Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans). It is understood that, for veterans’ issues, Sara Atherton will have responsibility for AFC issues, while James Heappey will own the Vets Strategy. It was highlighted that VAPC Chair of Chairs is scheduled to meet with Sara Atherton at the end of October 2022, while many VAPC Regional Chairs will meet with the Minister at VWS Norcross on 17 November 2022. It was also noted by the Meeting that the OVA (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-veterans-affairs/about) may move from the Cabinet Office to the MOD at some future date.

The Meeting discussed the continuing lack of progress relating to the Statutory Instrument (SI). While a Draft SI (entitled ‘The Armed Forces (Covenant) Regulations 2022’) has been laid in Parliament, no date has been set for the SI to be debated/approved and then signed into law by the Minister. Members noted that the lack of progress with the SI may reflect a long-term failure on the part of the MOD to make progress on this issue. It was highlighted that a ‘VAPC Update’ Private Member’s Bill may be taken forward. VAPC Chair of Chairs et al. plan to meet with the appropriate MP to discuss such a Bill.

Ahead of the future need for local authorities etc. to implement their duty of care/due regard for veterans, the Meeting discussed the need to raise awareness of this issue, including the identification of training needs and the potential costs associated with preparing to implement and support the Duty. Members were encouraged to try to find examples of existing ‘due regard good practice’ that could be shared across relevant organisations within the EM Region.

8. Individual member reports - updates

Policy and governance

Members allocated/assigned to individual EM County Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Boards (AFCPB) provided updates on continuing work, emerging issues and new initiatives from their respective AFCPBs. It was noted that the utility of, and knowledge within, the Regional AFCPBs continued to be variable. As an example, it was highlighted that housing SMEs within some of the AFCPBs were unaware of the guidance and training available from Stoll and Warwickshire County Council. Members were encouraged to share links to this training within the AFCPBs.

The disparity amongst the performance of regional AFCPBs was discussed and highlighted by the difference between the strong performance of the Leicestershire AFCPB (which is Chaired by a Member of the EM VAPC) and the continuing challenges relating to the Lincolnshire AFCPB. The latter PB now has a new Chair (the Mayor Lincoln) but remains without specific and funded support. In order to try and address the enduring weaknesses within the Lincolnshire AFCPB the Meeting was informed that the EM VAPC Chair was scheduled to meet with Commandant RAF College Cranwell who is a co-signatory in Lincolnshire of the Covenant.

The utility of other AFCPBs replicating the type of review/refresh of AFCPB arrangements conducted recently by Derbyshire’s AFCPB was discussed. The Derbyshire review considered the scope, purpose and outcomes of the AFCPB, and aims to identify any gaps in relation to how AFCPB Members be supported to meet their obligations to the Armed Forces community. Members were encouraged to raise this issue with their respective AFCPBs with a view to similar reviews being conducted in other EM counties.

Communications

The Communications Lead Member highlighted the communications-related work being lead from the SW VAPC, including the continued efforts to secure support from MOD et al. for VAPCs to have a secure online area to share information, dedicated VAPC-related email addresses for Members etc.

Health

The Meeting was informed that IC is looking to develop an Integrated Care System (ICS) response relating to engagement with the AF community. The potential utility of this initiative was welcomed by Members. It was also noted that the Chair and KC had engaged with Lincolnshire’s Integrated Care Board (ICB) with the aim of influencing the ICB’s strategy for veterans, albeit that such a strategy is not expected to be addressed by Lincolnshire until December 2022.

IC also informed the Meeting that he has joined the Rutland County Council Health and Wellbeing Board (RHWB). It was highlighted that, while the RHWB has created a a strategy, discussions continue about how the strategy will be implemented. RHWB Papers from July 2022 and October 2022 were circulated to EM VAPC Members post-Meeting.

Enhanced learning credits

It was noted that the previously-agreed view of the need to reduce the scope of ELC entitlement below the current minimum Level 3 qualifications will be included in the EM VAPC input to the 12-Month Report to Minister.

Transition

The Industry Lead Member noted to Members that a Report from the VAPCs’ National Training Sub-Group will be issued in the near future. The Meeting was also updated on the continued development of initiatives with the Institute of Directors and growing mentoring support being provided by the Rotary Club to veterans.

It was highlighted to the Meeting that MEC Development Technical Consultants, a company based in Leicester, are keen to employ a number of veterans in various roles. Members were encouraged to use their networks to highlight these potential employment opportunities to veterans.

Veterans interaction with CJS

The CJS lead Member noted to the Meeting that he had held meetings with COBSEO to support the establishment of a national police lead focussed on supporting veterans in the CJS. It was highlighted to the Meeting that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) (who are a Gold ERS Holder) could act as the ‘gold standard’ for other regional police forces on this issue. It was also noted that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (https://www.npcc.police.uk/) is supportive of the idea of such a national police lead for issues relating to veterans in the CJS.

The Meeting discussed and supported the utility of evaluating GMP’s current support of veterans, with the aim of (hopefully) showing that such initiatives have resulted in a subsequent ‘demand reduction’ on police time/resources. Such evidence could then be used to inform/influence other regional police forces to set-up/adopt initiatives similar to those of GMP.

Housing

It was highlighted to the Meeting that West Lindsey Council are looking to join a partnership for the possible future development of the RAF Scampton site when it is disposed off by the MOD. The Meeting also noted the potential opportunity for the development of the former RAF Woodhall Spa site.

Health and wellbeing hubs

It was noted that the Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People Programme (VPPP) is working with Loughborough University to develop ‘hub-and-spoke’ wellbeing safe spaces where partners can work with and support veterans.

9. Discussion about 12-month report

The Meeting was informed that, when Chairs meet with Minister Atherton at VWS Norcross on 17 November 2022 (see 7.1) they will present the pan-VAPCs’ 12-Month Report to the Minister.

The Chair thanked Members for their inputs to the Report. The key themes highlighted within the EM VAPC element of the Report (circulated previously to Members) were supported by Members.

Any other business

Members welcomed the Paper from IC circulated in advance of the Meeting relating to mesothelioma, noting the current disparity between mesothelioma compensation arrangements for civilians and Service personnel/veterans. The Meeting welcomed and supported the recommendations made in the Paper, which mirrored recommendations made in the Armed Forces Covenant Report 2020.

The Meeting was briefed by RS about his work to establish a veterans’ band and the development of the initiative.

Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be a face-to-face meeting, and is planned to take place at 1030 hours on 13 February 22 at the Officers’ Mess, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham.