Minutes of SMT Meeting held on 18 January 2023, 9:30am via Zoom.
In attendance:
- R Kidd Chair and Chief Executive
- N Monson Deputy Chief Executive
- B Monson Deputy Chief Executive
- L Burns Deputy Chief Executive
- K Neeson Deputy Chief Executive
1. Apologies
There were no apologies.
2. Minutes from previous meeting
The minutes from the 7 November meeting were agreed.
3. Action Points
There were no action points not covered by the agenda.
4. Corporate Health, Safety and Welfare
There were no items to report.
5. (a) Audit, Risk Management and Finance
- SMT discussed the recent finance meeting and some of the challenges it will present in the final quarter
- we referred to the approvals panel exercise for staffing which is adding further delay to getting competitions commenced to fill vacancies
- B Monson and L Burns discussed some possible CMS updates that could be developed and implemented subject to the contractor being able to deliver promptly
5. (b) Emerging Risks
- it was noted that the emerging risk on finance would be removed from the risk register as the imposed pay settlement falls below the 2.5% allowed for in our calculations
- it was noted that SMT would continue to monitor the risk of strike action following confirmation from NIPSA that it is consulting its members
- no new emerging risks were identified
| Emerging risk | Action required |
|---|---|
| Overspend on HSENI’s 2022-23 budget due to pay rise in excess of 2.5% budget | Emerging risk to be removed from Q4 risk register as final pay offer made and within 2.5% budget |
| HSENI unable to deliver to meet targets as a result of work to rule or strike action by staff | NIPSA has confirmed that it is consulting with its members and is likely to ballot members on possible strike/ work to rule action - management will continue to monitor the situation |
6. Staffing
- it was noted that NICS HR business partner team will attend the February SMT meeting
- SMT discussed and considered a number of staffing matters across the organisation
7. Case and Project Work
- Major Investigation Team (MIT) update – Nothing further to report beyond the update document provided separately
- N Monson had circulated a separate paper on an update to the enforcement guidelines and these were discussed and agreed
- the matter of Crown Censure was also discussed and N Monson updated SMT on work being undertaken by K Carrick
8. Business Planning
- it was noted that the date for the launch of the Corporate Plan is 2 March and a discussion took place on potential venues and it was agreed to seek a number of quotes on the format
- the bi-laterals are now all arranged with the Heads of Group and will take place in the next few weeks
9. Performance Monitoring
B Monson updated SMT that accident numbers remain lower than previous year. RIDDORs are 1700 vs 1900 last year. Visit contact numbers are 4070 so on target for the 5000 by year end. There has been 1200 advisory contacts. Complaint numbers remain significantly lower even when compared to pre Covid years. Majority of Inspection Notices served relate to the welding initiative which has been a great success. Prohibition Notices are also up on last year reflecting the increased numbers of visit contacts.
10. Board Business
Nothing additional to report.
11. Any Other Business
- there was a discussion on a planned training event which needs to be rescheduled and alternative dates have been circulated
- SMT discussed the Welding event to be held on 7 March and we have secured a number of highly respected speakers and it is hoped to host a dinner the evening before the event to enable some introductions to be made in relation to occupational health provision in Northern Ireland
- K Neeson advised SMT that the Gas Safe Register contract is up for renewal
- SMT noted the DfE announcement on offshore energy plans and the fact this could have some potential impact on HSENI in terms of workload
12. Date of next meeting
The date of the next meeting is Thursday 16 February.
The meeting concluded at 1.30pm.