Guidance

VAPC Yorkshire and Humber: Zoom meeting minutes 31 March 2021

Updated 6 November 2023

Attendees

• Alex Baxter (Chair) *Lt Col (Rtd) Alan Skidmore (Vice Chair)
• John Topping (Secretary)
• Maj (Rtd) Duncan Bell
• Rick Short
• Dr. Iain Burnside
• Lt Col (Rtd) Terry Reilly RA
• Ms Helen Singleton
• Gary Collins
• Elspeth Wigley
• Huw Bell
• Judith Donovan CBE
• Yvonne MacDonald
• Chris Nolan
• Major Peter Mason

Apologies

• Sqn Ldr (Rtd) Mike Chambers MBE
• Tim Cole
• Maj Adrian Hunt
• Andrew Palmer
• Stephen Norton
• Alex Bentley
• Craig Gadd
• Flt Lt Steve Griffiths

Observer/guests

• James Bowman - VCHA

Introduction, Apologies, Minutes of Last Meetings/Matters Arising

The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting explaining that this was a continuity meeting due to the Covid19 situation. The Secretary took apologies, and these are noted.

The minutes of the last meeting, which had been circulated beforehand, were confirmed, and agreed.

There were no matters arising not covered by today’s Agenda.

• Statutory Instrument (SI) and the proposed terms of reference (ToR).

The Chairman provided members with a detailed briefing as to the progress to date.

Reports: Members External Events; Quarterly Newsletter Items.

Due to the COVID-19 situation non available.

NHS Medical Support

James Bowman – VCHA Regional Lead North East and Yorkshire.

James provided members with a detailed brief of progress to date and provided a Q & A session for all the members. More information on the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance can be found at ‘Getting it right first time - veterans’. James did say that over 66 NHS Trusts had already been accredited.

Dr. Iain Burnside – Lead Health & Welfare sub-group.

Iain reported on the English NHS sub-group. He highlighted that a lack of awareness of the problems associated with veterans was a major issue. They do not look at individuals.

Job opportunities within the NHS for veterans highlighted. All ex-veterans have a guaranteed job interview.

More Veterans Aware GP Practices was key to raising the effectiveness of any support for them.

The Chairman on behalf of the committee thanked James for his attendance and involvement with the meeting.

Developing collaboration in our region

• Local Authority:

Nothing to report.

• DWP progression:

Due to the Covid19 situation this is on ice.

Various

VAPC Communications subgroup Judith Donovan Lead. Judith explained that there would be 3 parallel objectives.

Internal communications. She said that not coming from a military background she was drowning in information.

Raising the awareness of veterans using all aspects of social media.

And raising the awareness at a much higher level.

this approach was welcomed by the committee which look forward to her progress reports.

VWS monitoring and welfare items

• Mell Duncan –VWS Report

Unfortunately, Mell was unable to access the meeting because of MoD restrictions on Zoom meetings. She apologised and said that this would be resolved for any future meetings. She did provide a Power Point Presentation which was circulated to members prior to the meeting.

• Norcross support

Some concern was expressed at the responses to a specific information request for update on War Pension from Norcross. The secretary has shared this email response to the request with members. The committee felt a further request should be submitted prior to next VAPC (Y&H) scheduled meeting.

Any other business

All members were asked if there was AOB, none given.

Next meeting

Next full scheduled meeting observing COVID-19 regulation on safe distancing etc. will be scheduled once the situation becomes known.