Guidance

VAPC north east England meeting minutes 19 April 2021

Updated 14 October 2021

Present

• Lesley Smith (Chair) (LJS)
• Jacqui Nicholson (Secretary) (JN)
• Laurie McLeman (LM)
• David Blueman(DB)
• Peter Standfield (PSt)
• Mark Thirlwell (MT)
• Michael Potts (MPo)
• Peter Sinclair (PS)
• Sheila Crosby (SCr)
• Sean Cockburn (SCo)
• Tony Clare (TC)

Apologies

• Ben Halfpenny (BH)
• Mark Steed (MS)
• Deborah Moretti (VWS) (DM)
• Andrew Cammis (AC)
• Lawrence O’Halleron (LOH)

Declarations of interest

The Chair reminded members that should anything be discussed at the meeting which might constitute a conflict of interest between their personal life and VAPC business, they are required to declare such interest and take no part in the item concerned.

There were no specific Declarations of Financial or Pecuniary Interest.

Introduction of all members

The Chair welcomed all members and introduced David Blueman, Peter Standfield and Tony Clare, whilst confirming the appointment of Jacqui Nicholson & Andrew Cammis, who were co-opted in 2020. The previous members gave a brief bio for the new members, who then introduced themselves.

Lesley confirmed her appointment as Chair for a term of 3 years.

Confirmation of minutes and matters arising

Minutes of the meeting 15th of January 2021 were agreed. A glossary will be produced to help members with acronyms.

Matters Arising:

The matters were to be fed forward Mark Steed was to bring some information on the DWP, due to his workload he is absent. Sean C confirmed he has notes on the Finchale Forum but he has not written then up as of yet.

Chair’s update

The Way Ahead – Update on Statutory Instrument The Minster was disappointed that the submitted report had not received a response. He was expecting action from the 1st of April. This is an ongoing situation that it is hoped to be rectified. The remit is to be changed with the understanding that the statutory instrument reflects this. Vets UK have shown some resistance to the VAPC taking a critical friend role. No amendments have been possible in the current bill. The minister has agreed to sign off the amendments for inclusion in the next available bill. Next point to get the statutory instrument changed will be early next year. Feedback is MOD Legal advised no major concerns, minor terminology changes. Will enable VAPC to make a difference and able to ensure policy changes are fair and respond to need. Noted that Minister with whom change of VAPC role agreed has resigned since this discussion and new Minister in role but not yet up to speed.

Update on Chair’s group work-flow Chairs have been meeting monthly to push through the changes to the SI whilst David Richmond was still in office. The OVA said that the document required some slight alternations. The Way ahead has been superseded.
The Veterans Strategy has 6 themes which will be used as the basis for the review by VAPC committees for the regions. More definition is required to enable the committees to report back on the key themes.

Members with specialities can join sub committees to feed back to the region VAPC. This feedback will go into the Chair’s Committee and through to the master report. Chair proposed that the committee discusses focus and report back 3rd of May 21 to define what the NE committee vision is for our region. Any member with a relevant skill set can volunteer to go onto the sub committees. The committee to decide the priority of the themes. Minister has requested a bi annual report. All information will be shared with the regional committees.

Annual return (work undertaken) for 2020 – members to provide brief outline of hours spent for return to VETS UK via email to LJS.

Focus for the coming year – how do we engage at every level to collate what is happening in the NE and how veterans are being affected by government policy. (LM) feels that the VAPC needs to be more visible and to attend association meetings across the region. (JN) suggests that the VAPC members who sit on AF Forums introduce themselves with both roles to raise the profile. Flyers both hard copy and electronic to share with other military organisations. (SC) would like a register of organisations that work across the NE. (PS) highlighted that the committee does not have a budget to market the VAPC. (LJS) confirmed that there is a small budget that we can access once we have an agreed focus/ communication strategy.

Stakeholder consultation. (JN) to ask COBSEO if they can share a list of their members in the NE. Veterans Gateway and Armed Forces Covenant App have maps with organisations pinned. VCR HUB website – all members have access. (LJS) Engage with local authorities and armed forces champions. Focus on Teesside to reinvigorate the AFF in that area.

Establish links with DWP champions and Police Commissioners. Members to use the template to order business cards if required. Submit an expenses claim. VAPC ID card.

Regional AFF reports

Finchale AFF, attended by SC, briefing notes to be issued post meeting by email.

Northumberland AFF – clash with this meeting thus no attendance.

Military update

No report as MS absent due to current workload with COVID19 response.

Chair confirmed useful to understand future veterans view of current commitments, along with current in service support available, to ensure visibility of potential issues.

Veterans welfare service

VWS should be the first point of call for all veterans requiring assistance. Self referral via an online form. New service leavers receive a booklet from the DTS at the point of leaving. Members of VAPC can refer veterans directly into the service.

VWS – not in attendance due to not receiving first invite and already committed when dial in details issued.

Up to date Regional Managers details have been requested. They should be fully staffed within the next 6 weeks. PMN Received

Disability within the NE Veteran community

(PS) and (MP) Digitisation – no further meetings have been held. Claim form expected in the near future for War Pensions. DWP – stakeholder forum for NE: PS raised issues affecting veterans and their family members. (MP) clarified that the Minster for Disabled people is under the DWP and the Regional Stakeholder national strategy comes under the Cabinet Office. Raising awareness and the profile of the disabled community is essential. MP feels the Veteran voice is lost and needs boosting.

War pensions and DWP

(PS) The movement of staff and the effect of COVID19 furlough has meant that new contacts need to be made.

Appointments update

Laurie and Michael stood for the appointment of deputy chair. The vote carried Laurie but it was a very close poll. Jacqui has volunteered to cover the secretary role. Mark T has accepted a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Sub Committee.

More committee members still needed (at least 5 vacancies remain on the committee). Co-opt will be considered via Chair.

Key committee appointments

There remains an intention for further liaison roles to be appointed, which will be intended to align with national sub-groups working against key themes.

AOB

Thursday 17th of June – Town Hall meeting – Early evening. David Richmond (Independent Veterans Advisor) and Rob Rowntree will be speaking. Wider VAPC update from the Chair of Chairs. In lieu of the 100 years celebration.

(MP) DWP green paper about to be released on the National Strategy just after the local elections. Minister to speak directly to the NE region to create a dialogue. NE community to nominate local people for honours to gain the recognition that they deserve.

(PS) Proposed action to create a Lord Lieutenant Armed Forces Veteran. (PS) Would like it noted that Vets UK are not responding in a timely manner.

Next meetings

2021 remaining meetings are:

• Friday 11th June 2021
• Monday 6th September 2021
• Friday 10th December 2021 (possibly full day)