Northern Ireland Board
14 January 2013
Agenda item 13/02
ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING NORTHERN IRELAND
Minutes of the Northern Ireland Board meeting held on Monday, 24 September
2012 at 10.00 am in the Boardroom, 17 Windsor Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6EE.
Present
Ann Marie O’Neill
Kevin Bell
Robert Moore
Rosemary Strange
Eamonn Connolly
Joe McCambridge
Margaret McCambridge
Francis Lavery
William McCormick
Mary Walker
Louise Dorman
Margaret Meehan
Lorna Mercer
Ann Scott
Chair
Council Member
Vice-Chair/Health and Safety Regional Committee
Nurses Working with Older People Field of Practice
Southern Branch
Belfast Branch
UK Learning Representatives’ Committee
Southern Branch
Belfast Branch
South Eastern Branch
Student Representative
Children and Young People’s Field of Practice
Acute Intervention Field of Practice
Mental Health and Learning Disability Field of Practice
Apologies
Margaret Graham
Martain Fiddis
Donna Hanna
Primary and Public Health Field of Practice
South Western Branch
Northern Branch
Staff in attendance
Janice Smyth
Garrett Martin
Maura Hannon
John Knape
Carolyn Mason
Joy Ireland
Director
Deputy Director/Senior Officer Employment Relations
Personal Assistant to Director/Board Administrator
Head of Communications, Policy and Marketing
Head of Professional Development
Business Manager
MINUTES
12/63 Chair’s opening remarks and declaration of interest
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and congratulated Kevin Bell
who was recently elected Chair of the Governance Support Committee.
Ann Marie O’Neill reported that Michael Battersby’s had resigned from the
Board for personal reasons and that Robert Moore, Vice Chair, had written
to Michael on behalf of the Board (in her absence) to thank him for his
contribution.
A letter of congratulations was sent on the Board’s behalf to Jacqueline
McCaughey who won the Care Manager Award at the recent NI
Independent Health Care Awards ceremony.
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Agenda item 13/02
Margaret McCambridge suggested the Board send a letter of
congratulations to Brenda McIlmurray, who was recently elected to a health
practitioner seat on RCN Council; the Board agreed.
12/64 Minutes of Board meeting held on Monday 25 June 2012
Minutes of the Board meeting held on 23 April 2012 agreed (paper
nib/12/46).
Eamonn Connolly joined the meeting.
12/65 Matters arising
A
Clarification of driving at work policy for members – item 12/46
The Chair clarified for the Board that it is the sole responsibility of any
individual RCN activist claiming mileage allowance to ensure that their
vehicle is road worthy and insured for business use; they are not
required to provide documentation to the College to support this.
B
Issue in relation to the NISAT tool – item 12/47(a)
The Director recapped on a meeting involving members from the South
Eastern (SE) HSC Trust, and updated on a meeting with Kim Campbell
(member employed in SE HSC Trust) and Kevin Keenan, HSC Board,
on 6 July. Janice informed the Board that the manual version of NISAT
is 76 pages and following completion in a patient’s home has to be
uploaded to a database. An electronic version has not yet been
procured but Kevin Keenan has a business case with the Department for
the e-version and hopes to roll it out in an early implementer site in
2013/14.
Following meeting with Kevin Keenan on 6 July, Janice corresponded
with members in the SE Trust detailing what action was taken on their
behalf and suggesting they contact the RCN with any further problems.
A copy of this correspondence was requested by a member of the HSC
Board staff on 2 August and provided. This correspondence was
subsequently circulated further by HSC Board, but not in full, and as a
result the views and opinions of the College were misrepresented. The
College was contacted by a member on 22 August regarding comments
attributed to Janice and expressed concern that the comments made no
mention of issues raised by RCN members; these comments were
contained in the section of Janice’s correspondence not circulated by
the HSCB. Janice subsequently contacted the HSCB and requested a
copy of exactly what was circulated; this has been received.
The Board agreed that Janice should write a letter of complaint to the
HSC Board.
William McCormick said that within the Belfast HSC Trust there is a
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perception that the RCN does not have a policy in relation to NISAT and
Janice suggested that she circulate a copy of the College’s original letter
to Board members that makes clear the College’s position, together with
the letter of complaint to the HSC Board: the Board agreed.
C
Use of branch funds for attendance at Congress – item 12/47(b)
The Chair reported that work in relation to the use of branch funds is
ongoing with the Director involved at every level, and Carolyn Mason
involved at a network level. Ann Marie referred to an email received
from Jane Clarke, Director of Governance support, last evening and
informed the Board that more information will be available in due course.
The Director stated that she had no problem with how the branch funds
are used so long as it is in accordance with standing orders. This is a
process issue about how decisions are made, who is involved and how
are they communicated, and ET accepts that this has not always been
clear. Under the legal and governance framework member policies will
be developed separately from staff polices in order to avoid confusion.
Chris Cox, Director of Legal Services, is meeting with Council to seek
Council’s opinion on the legal status for RCN members and their roles,
in order to provide greater clarity in the future.
Joy Ireland, Business Manager, is part of the branch funds working
group set up by Tim Golbourn, Director Finance and Corporate
Services. The outcomes of the work undertaken by that group will
inform Council’s decisions and result in clearer guidance.
The Chair reiterated that the Board’s concerns have been raised and
considered.
D
Number of nights funded at Congress 2012 – item 12/47(b)
The Deputy Director referred to the agreed daily delegate allowance of
£80 per day for attendance at Congress as discussed prior to the
application pack having been issued. Margaret McCambridge reminded
the Board that other members in the UK were funded for one night more
than NI members and was unable to find the details of what was agreed
in previous Board minutes. Janice assured Margaret that this had been
discussed prior to the application packs being issued and that very few
branches throughout the UK were funded for four nights as due to the
geographic location members from the other three countries sometimes
attended for a shorter period of time. Janice also highlighted the cost of
travel for members from NI (in the region of £116 - £165) which also has
to be built into the cost of Congress attendance.
Janice suggested the Board had choices; either raise the issue of
additional travel costs for delegates from NI, or use the discretionary
funding allocated towards an extra night at Congress rather than send
more members to Congress.
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Joe McCambridge asked whether the allocated funding was for five
nights at £80, or a daily allowance of £80; Janice confirmed that RCN NI
is allocated an allowance that is claimed by drawing down from the
centre, however, as flights are more expensive there is less money
available for subsistence; everyone is allocated the same pot of money
but it is carved up differently.
A discussion and debate followed on the merits of remaining at
Congress on the Thursday evening and whether the evening was seen
as an opportunity for a party or an opportunity to network. Kevin Bell
praised the contribution of NI members this year and emphasised the
importance of affording as many members as possible the opportunity to
attend Congress and reminded the Board that the AGM and Congress
will be a joint event in 2014.
Margaret McCambridge asked whether there will be an option for a
Congress delegate to choose an alternative hotel, and pay the
difference in cost, to that selected by the RCN; Janice confirmed this is
not an option and that hotel rooms have already been secured in
Liverpool for Congress 2013. Margaret also asked whether the special
needs of a delegate would be taken into consideration in 2013 when
arranging hotel accommodation as apparently this year a member had
some requirements that were not met; Janice suggested this could be
considered at the Board seminar on 5 November when the process will
be discussed further.
E
Informing members of forthcoming AGMs – item 12/47(c)
John Knape, Head of Communications, Policy and Marketing, reminded
Board members that concern was expressed at the last meeting that
due to the removal of the NI page from Bulletin had eroded the
branches’ capacity to notify members of forthcoming branch AGMs.
John informed the Board that the dates were published in the
September edition of Bulletin, a bulk email was sent to members with
email addresses, information published in the weekly update and on the
RCN NI website; every opportunity was taken to ensure that members
were informed. Unfortunately the Northern Branch AGM was not
quorate but a new date has been arranged.
Margaret McCambridge thanked John and his team for all their efforts
but regretted that members only got five days notice when it should have
been three weeks and Joe McCambridge reminded the Board that it is
stated in the branch constitution that notice of the branch AGM will be
published in Bulletin.
Janice informed the Board that Daniel Allen, RCN Senior
Communications Officer, will be in Belfast on Thursday 27 October at
the Caring About Care conference to survey members’ views and
opinions about Bulletin.
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Rosemary Strange raised the issue of removal of country and regional
pages from Bulletin at the UK Diversity Committee and was told that it
was a cost cutting exercise. Janice confirmed that it was necessary to
reduce the cost but not to remove the pages.
F
RCN NI facebook page – item 12/47(c)
Deputy Director, Garrett Martin, discussed and explored locally with
John Knape the viability of an NI facebook page but RCN facebook is
supported nationally and there would not be the capacity to have an NI
page at present.
G Board transition plan – item 12/48
The Chair reminded the Board that the RCN NI transition plan had been
submitted and following a further consultation exercise on 6 August, the
transition plan was re-submitted unchanged.
H
Discrepancies and problems experienced in recording Congress
voting – item 12/52
The Chair spoke to item 12/65(H) and (I) informing the Board that these
issues had been raised, discussed, and failings in the voting system
acknowledged.
I
Noise caused by lunch distribution at Congress fringe – item 12/57
Addressed under agenda item 12/65(H).
12/66 RCN legal and governance review: Boards work strand
The Chair referred to paper nib/12/66 circulated at the meeting outlining the
procedure for the RCN Northern Ireland Board election and Janice talked
the Board through the details. Attention was drawn to the fact that current
Board members who hold a field of practice or UK representative seat on the
Board are eligible to stand for branch places in the forthcoming elections.
Margaret McCambridge encouraged representatives from the fields of
practice to become involved in their branches.
Following the resignation of Michael Battersby, the Board agreed that the
North Western branch place on the Board should be for a four year term.
The Board noted the election procedure and appointed Maura Hannon as
the returning officer for the Northern Ireland election.
12/67 Chair’s report
The Chair spoke to paper nib/12/67 previously circulated and thanked the
RCN for her recent long service award. Ann Marie told of her attendance,
with the Director, at a Northern HSC Trust presentation of a long service
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award to a member who had completed fifty years of service.
12/68 Director’s report
The Board noted paper nib/12/68 previously circulated and the Director
expanded on the following meetings:









Professor Alan Stout, BMA Vice Chair of GPC (4 July), emphasising that
it is unacceptable for practice managers to carry out appraisal of nurses,
nursing duties to be delegated to support staff, and to change staff’s
terms and conditions. Dr Carolyn Mason is sending a follow up letter to
Dr Sloan Harper as he did not answer all the questions previously asked.
Philip Weir, Special Political Adviser to the Minister (11 July), discussed
a number of issues relating to staffing.
Professor Scott Brown, RCGP, and colleagues (25 July), discussed
Transforming Your Care and other topics.
Media interview (27 July) regarding the Review of Public Administration.
Cathy Cairns, NMC (30 July), whose post has been made redundant in
the re-organisation.
Maeve Hully, CE of Patient and Client Council (1 August), discussed
contribution to Nurse of the Year 2013.
Maria Webb, RCN UK Case Management Manager, Huw Bevan, IS
Security and Compliance Manager, Alex Marsh, IS Development
Manager (7/8 August), visited stewards in the workplace to discuss their
role and support required.
Nurse Leaders’ Network (17 September), frank discussions about
professional accountability and provision of care.
Successful leadership challenge (19 September) with joint winners from
the Belfast and Southern health and social care trusts.
Kevin Bell enquired about current arrangements now the NMC role
undertaken by Cathy Cairns is redundant. Janice responded that on a UK
basis the College has been in discussions with the NMC, Peter Carter has
discussed the matter with the Secretary of State, and the RCN attends NMC
Council meetings and receives briefings. Janice suggested circulating the
briefings to the Board as they arrive and the Board welcomed this.
John Knape informed the Board of a recent teleconference when it was
highlighted that RCND has logged an increased number of calls from
members in relation to NMC issues and asked if anyone feels colleagues or
fellow members are being disadvantaged by the NMC they should inform
John who will feedback their concerns.
12/69 Performance management report
The Director spoke to confidential paper nib/12/69 circulated at the
meeting. Janice informed the Board that the management team had hoped
to review the format of the report but decided to await the outcome of the
legal and governance review; however, the management team are having
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an away day on 22 October and will consider this again. A revised draft
version will be brought to the next Board meeting on 14 January with a view
to implementation in April 2013 (issued in advance of the meeting on pink
confidential paper).
Janice informed the Board that Maria Webb, RCN UK Case Management
Manager will be the staff lead for the UK case management survey to be
launched on 1 October 2012.
Janice welcomed any questions from the Board and Louise Dorman asked
whether the Fundamentals of Care sessions are recognised by trusts as
some individuals who had already completed them were asked to undertake
them again. Janice confirmed that they are recognised by the trusts and
asked Louise to forward the information to the Deputy Director for follow up.
Margaret Meehan enquired about the purpose of the case management
visits on 7/8 August and Janice replied that the visits were to enable RCN IS
staff to speak with members and ascertain firsthand the requirements of
their role, what support is provided by the trust, what support is required,
and to examine facilities available, in order to build a picture of what IT
support is necessary to carry out their role. Janice is very optimistic about
how this will be taken forward; the process will commence with stewards as
there is significant risk around members’ data. The case management
vision is that there will be a system to incorporate all stages, from the
members’ first contact to case closure, and anyone involved in that process
will have the appropriate tools required.
12/70 RCN NI Frontline First
The Deputy Director referred to information contained in the performance
management report and provided feedback from the recent frontline first
summit, the purpose of which was to carry out a risk assessment of nursing
in NI with the main elements around workforce and the reduction in preregistration numbers. A paper with a risk assessment will be brought to the
Board development day on 5 November to agree an action plan.
Garrett informed the Board of a march taking place in Belfast on 20 October
2012, co-ordinated by ICTU, to coincide with the march in London. It is
planned to have an RCN presence in Belfast.
12/71 Agenda for Change
The Deputy Director referred the Board to the performance management
report and highlighted the main outstanding issues around job evaluation,
arrears payments, clustering agreement and continued support for
members.
12/72 Congress 2013
The Director spoke to paper nib/12/72 previously circulated. As formerly
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stated there will be an opportunity at the Board development day on 5
November to agree any necessary changes.
Janice reminded the Board that at their last meeting in June they had set up
a sub-group to take forward the arrangements for hosting Celtic Night at
RCN Congress 2013 (Ann Marie O’Neill, Margaret Meehan, Joe
McCambridge, Mary Walker and Joanne Stevenson). However, since then
Janice has learned that Liverpool Victoria has determined, in accordance
with its industry guidelines, that funding is now to be used only for
educational events and not for social events which means there will be no
central funding for Celtic Night. However, if the Board wishes to proceed
with hosting this event it would have to be organised and hosted by
members and self funding. John Knape had been asked to arrange a
meeting of the sub-group but wanted to make the Board aware of this
situation first. Janice is unsure where else this has been discussed.
Following discussion it was agreed that Ann Marie and Kevin Bell will seek
clarity of the situation at Council in October and John Knape will organise a
meeting of the sub-group prior to the Board development day on 5
November 2012.
12/73 Dates of RCN Northern Ireland Board meetings and seminars in 2013
The Chair spoke to paper nib/12/73 previously circulated outlining the
proposed dates of RCN NI Board meetings and seminars in 2013 and
sought the Board’s agreement: the Board agreed.
12/74 Branch bank balances
The Business Manager outlined for Board members the amount of money
held in branch accounts and informed them that she is part of the RCN
branch funds working group currently exploring what the funds could be
used for in the future. The proposals from the group will be forwarded to
Council for approval.
Margaret Meehan suggested that some of the money in branch accounts
could be used for Celtic Night at Congress in 2013; Joy agreed to raise this
at the next meeting in a couple of weeks’ time.
12/75 Future activist programme quality assurance: outcomes of latest Open
College Network review of the UK L&D pathway for RCN
representatives
The Chair welcomed Cathy Pugh, Learning and Development Facilitator, to
the meeting. Cathy delivered a presentation to complement paper
nib/12/75 previously circulated and provided an opportunity for questions.
Ann Marie thanked Cathy on behalf of the Board for her presentation.
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12/76 RCN AGM
The Director informed Board members that the AGM will be held in Regent’s
College London on 17 October 2012. Janice reminded the Board that online
voting has been introduced this year and asked them to encourage
members to vote for the increase in fees to allow the College to continue
with work planned as there will be implications if the increase is not agreed.
Lorna Mercer left the meeting.
12/77 Rae Bequest/Marcia Mackie funding
Carolyn Mason, Head of Professional Development, informed the Board that
we are now entering into another trawl for applicants for funding from the
award schemes and outlined the established links with the RCN Foundation.
Margaret McCambridge stated that at Congress the recipients of funding
were introduced as “winners” which is incorrect; the term “successful
applicants” would be more accurate and acceptable.
12/78 Transforming Your Care
John Knape updated on developments since the previous Board meeting in
relation to Transforming Your Care, including meetings with the Minister,
and Philip Weir. The RCN is broadly supportive of the direction of travel but
have concerns over the process and implementation, particularly the lack of
workforce planning. It is anticipated that the draft implementation plan will
be published this week for consultation. John encouraged Board members
to discuss the document with colleagues locally and to feedback to him in
order to form a robust response.
Garrett Martin, Deputy Director, and John met with Conall McDevitt on 26
July at Conall’s request. Conall is particularly exercised about the concept
that Transforming Your Care is the Northern Ireland version of the health
and social care bill.
12/79 2013-2014 operational planning
The Director informed the Board that the Council priorities outlined in paper
nib/12/83 will inform the operational plan together with the outcomes of the
recent frontline first summit. The draft operational plan will be circulated
electronically to Board members for approval following the management
team away day on 22 October (final plan to be submitted by 26 October).
Ann Scott left the meeting.
12/80 Student bursaries
Louise Dorman asked the Board what steps should be taken following the
implementation of cuts to the level of student nurse bursaries, albeit that the
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Minister announced on Friday that he will reinstate the uniform and book
allowance.
Board members discussed the lack of public awareness of the role of
nursing students, the emphasis on the vocational element of their degree,
placements and unsocial hours, the potential impact on the number of
individuals entering the profession and attrition rates, and the increasing
challenges on frontline staff. Although the NMC states that nursing students
have to be exposed to 24 hour nursing, this requirement could effectively be
addressed by working one night and one weekend.
Following a lengthy discussion it was agreed that The Director should
1. Write to the Minister on behalf of the Board highlighting the student
contribution to the service which appears to have gone unrecognised and
copy the letter to the Chair of the Health Committee.
2. Contact students attending the Caring for Care conference on Thursday
to ascertain whether they would be willing as a group to speak with a
local journalist about the cut to the nursing student bursary.
William McCormick suggested that there may be some merit in Janice also
writing to the Directors of Nursing stating that whilst as a Board we are
aware of the struggles within the service we would also wish to highlight the
exact requirements for a nursing student in terms of exposure to 24 hour
nursing; the Board agreed.
12/81 Political party conferences
John Knape informed the Board of forthcoming party political conferences
(SDLP, 9-10 November at Armagh City Hotel, and DUP, 23/24 November at
La Mon House). Janice Smyth and John attended the UUP conference on
22 September at Titanic Belfast, and details of the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis are
as yet unavailable.
Janice and John are currently exploring member support and political activity
and hope to be able to share additional information with the Board shortly.
12/82 Matters from Boards for Council
The Chair asked the Board whether they had any additional matters they
wished to raise at Council, apart from funding of Celtic Night; no additional
issues raised. Ann Marie suggested Board members email her directly with
any further topics.
12/83 Summary report to Board from RCN Council meeting 18/19 July 2012 The Board noted paper nib/12/83 previously circulated and Janice drew the
Board’s attention to Council priorities; point 16.2 and the RCN’s plans to
commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and informed the Board that a
deceased NI member’s family would like to have a posthumous presentation
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which John Knape is currently trying to arrange; point 17.5 and encouraged
support for the RCN Foundation. Foundation Trustees are hoping to attend
a future Board meeting to talk about their plans and the grants they offer.
Janice also informed the Board that Chris Piercey has been elected as the
new chair of the Diversity Committee.
The Board noted paper nib/12/83(a) circulated at the meeting.
12/84 Media and consultation update
The Board noted paper nib/12/84 previously circulated.
12/85 Reports from branches, fields of practice, regional learning
representative, regional safety representative and UK stewards’
committee
Board members noted the following reports previously circulated:







Nurses working with older people field of practice - paper nib/12/85(i)
NI regional safety representatives’ report - paper nib/12/85(ii)
NI learning representatives’ report - paper nib/12/85(iii)
Belfast branch - paper nib/12/85(iv)
South Eastern branch - paper nib/12/85(v)
Southern branch - paper nib/12/85(vi)
Mental health and learning disability field of practice - paper
nib/12/85(vii)
A primary care and public health field of practice report was circulated at the
meeting (paper nib/12/85(viii)).
12/86 Any other business
A
NI networks sub-committee updated
Carolyn Mason, provided an update following this morning’s meeting of
the sub-committee, and the three important components were:



A formal application to establish a new network, i.e. public health
network, has gone through the process pending Board’s agreement
and ratification: the Board agreed.
Proposal to disband four inactive networks using the established
criteria and process (palliative care, women’s health, ENT, midwifery)
with Board’s approval: the Board approved.
Seeking two Board members to join the sub-committee as some of
the current members will be standing down on 31 December 2012.
Margaret Meehan and Mary Walker volunteered and Janice
suggested that when the new Board is constituted on 1 January 2013
other Board members may wish to become involved.
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The Chair paid tribute to Rosemary Strange and Lorna Mercer for their
immense contribution to the NI networks sub-committee.
B
RCN Board seminar – 5 November 2012
Janice outlined the following agenda items for the Board Seminar:



To agree the Congress 2013 application template
Frontline front action points
Operational plan.
Janice requested that any suggestions for additional agenda items
should be forwarded to John Knape.
12/87 Date and time of next meeting
RCN Northern Ireland Board Seminar will be held on Monday, 5 November
2012 (details to follow from John Knape).
Next meeting of the RCN Northern Ireland Board will be held at 10.00 am on
Monday 14 January 2013, in the Boardroom, 17 Windsor Avenue, Belfast,
BT9 6EE.
Signed:
Date:
14 January 2013
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