Guidance

VAPC north east England meeting minutes 2021

Updated 14 October 2021

Present

• Lesley Smith (Acting Chair) (LJS)
• Andrew Cammis (Co-Opt) (AC)
• Jacqui Nicholson (Co-Opt) (JN)
• Laurie McLeman (LM)
• Lawrence O’Halleron (LOH)
• Mark Stead (MS)
• Mark Thirlwell (MT)
• Mel Pears (MPe)
• Michael Potts (MPo)
• Peter Sinclair (PS)
• Sheila Crosby (SCr)
• Sean Cockburn (SCo)

In attendance

• Alan Pearson (VWS) (AP)

Apologies

• Ben Halfpenny (BH)
• Deborah Moretti (VWS) (DM)
• Jacqui Nicholson (Co-Opt) (JN)

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, with one member declaring an ongoing matter with Vets UK who would recuse should conflict arise.

Introduction of all members

The Chair welcomed all members and invited new Co-Opt/potential member Andrew Cammis to introduce himself.

Confirmation of minutes and matters arising

Minutes of the meeting were agreed.

Matters Arising:

Sept20 – 7.4 MS to feedback on discussion with DWP network around AF Champions and funding availability from Pilot Scheme (confirmed in earlier COBSEO meeting) – not yet heard from contact, roll requested

Sept20 – 14.1 PS fed back on transformation panel (digitisation) – at first meeting they went through new application platform/claim form and feedback provided, further meetings to be added (MT/PS sitting on panel)

Chair’s update

The Chair confirmed formal appointment by MinDPV to Chair for 3 years.

6 applications received to join Committee, with a further 4 possible appointments available. Appointments to be confirmed by MinDPV within 2 months. Former Co-optee R Liddle (Housing specialist) has decided not to formalise application due to personal change in circumstances.

Chairs Conference held online 17/18th November. Discussed VAPC roles moving forward. MinDPV asked to clarify VAPC role, confirming he wished to see our role extended to be “his eyes and ears on the ground, at a regional level”. Feedback will be considered for future policy decisions across government. VAPC remit is expected to be extended significantly. Further documentation supplied as part of meeting pack for review and future feedback. Vets UK looking to deliver some online training to VAPC members (existing and new). Next chairs conference 9th/10th March 2021, with MinDPV joining closed conference for 1hr.

Chair thanked Mel Pears for his service on committee, having received his resignation effective Sept 2021.

Regional AFF reports

Finchale AFF, attended by SC, briefing notes to be issued post meeting by email. JN happy to provide slides from presentation if required, as well as video file for COBSEO and David Richmond presentations if of interest.

Northumberland AFF, attended by LM (with thanks for short notice), full agenda and useful contacts made.

Military update

MS provided updated on current national and regional commitments. Training curtailed by restrictions and pandemic commitments, only essential staff in office with all others WFH. Major commitments to supporting Covid response and support LA’s & NHS.

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

AP presented a brief powerpoint, which was shared in the meeting, highlighting work of DTS & VWS. Laptop roll out ongoing to enable face 2 face via technology. AP had recently undertaken DWP training and it seems DWP are not aware of some of the interactions between WP and AFPS elements and benefits so further training should be considered. Chair still waiting to obtain details of VWS representative covering south of the region.

AP confirmed majority of issues dealt with recently are around financial matters, with furlough / job losses being major cause.

Disability within the NE veteran community

Regional Stakeholder network is very busy, meeting Minister 3 times in 6 weeks. Remains a concern that disabled military veterans are not represented. DWP Green paper in development is quite radical, with major overhaul of some elements, but it should be noted any major changes to the benefit system moves it further away from veteran benefits (WP/AFCS) which require addressing to avoid 2-tier system. Green Paper being issued Spring ’21.

Digital First is causing significant problems to people with disabilities due to limited infrastructure, equipment and/or technological ability.

Disability hate crime has been recently experienced by disabled veteran (supported by RSN & Finchale), which has led to paper being written by MP on best practice on dealing with this.

War pensions and DWP

Remains significant link with the discussion at 7. Issues remain the same at ground level. PS had found an AF champion within the DWP only to discover he had been promoted and moved onto another job!

PS will continue to work with MP to ensure RSN have access to case studies to help understand the day to day issues, particularly around the complexities of WP & AFCS payments/elements.

PS raised changes within Vets UK no longer sending majority of claimants to medicals, with feedback being temporary system is working better than previous system.

Appointments update

issues, particularly around the complexities of WP & AFCS payments/elements.

PS raised changes within Vets UK no longer sending majority of claimants to medicals, with feedback being temporary system is working better than previous system.

Key committee appointments

Volunteers were requested for two key Committee support roles.

• Deputy Chair
• Secretary.

Expressions of interest were requested to the Chair by Friday 22nd January, with Committee to vote thereafter.

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

MP raised concern that 1 year of discharges from Armed Forces, with limited employment opportunities etc due to the pandemic. Need to consider risks to Veterans in this position and potential bow-wave of issues building through the period. Potentially worsened with another year’s discharge personnel in the short-term future. Chair reminded all attendees of the guaranteed interview scheme for civil service posts for all military veterans.

MT confirmed bow-wave already being seen, but concerned larger charities appear not to be supporting sufficiently. PS advised Vets UK used to provide “Veterans World” which contained very useful information around services available. Chair believes DTS will be providing a booklet containing full services available for ongoing support.

JN confirmed some Regiments are referring directly, with some Covid funding enabling early intervention prior to being service leaver, including working with family members. Veterans Gateway was expected to be the main link to information for veterans but remain difficult to navigate.

Next meetings

DONM Friday 19th March 2021 at 10am

2021 remaining meetings are:

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