Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/DisclosuresofInterests

None.

The Chair referred with sadness to the death of former Councillor Tony Colburn, who was also a member of the Panel, representing the Royal British Legion (Mumbles & South Gower Branch).

All present stood in silence as a mark of sympathy and respect.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Panel held on 25 September be agreed as a correct record.

Panel members provided verbal updates relating to the current and proposed activities, events, and workloads of their respective groups & organisations, including the following areas:

Navy

Ruth Fleming reported that the Naval Families Network meetings will begin next March. She indicated that the Tawe Division had attended ten remembrance events.

Army

Chris Evans reported that he had attended the All Wales Covenant meeting in Wrexham recently. He indicated that the STOMP event at the Grange last week had proved successful and that Armed Forces Day in 2017 would be the same day as the Air Show, so events will be based around the Cenotaph due to the logistics for the weekend. He stated that three parades had been attended by the Division over the Remembrance period. He reported that the Swansea Council had recently won a silver award at a ceremony in Cardiff and that he himself had come runner up in the personal category.

Special Events

Nigel Jones reported that the second flagpole was now in place in Castle Square for events there. He re-iterated the arrangements for the Air Show and Armed Forces day which will be based around the Cenotaph area. He also referred to the Now the Hero project that will start next September.

Royal British Legion

Anna Looker reported that the Service Children in Education guide was now available via their website, if Members of the panel could share and promote it would be useful. She reported that it seems that the “Count Them In” campaign seems likely to be successful if the informal feedback proves correct, it will mean the question relating to “Service in the Armed Forces” would be included in the 2021 census. She also referred to the “Great Pilgrimage” event to the Menin Gate in Ypres is to be held to commemorate a similar event held 90 years ago. It is hoped up to 2000 people will attend, with hopefully representatives from every branch in the country. Fund raising activities will be undertaken to help subsidise the cost of the trip for attendees.

Help for Heroes

Shelly Elgin reported that they had just appointed Amanda Thomas as a key worker for the South West area. She also indicated that they had also secured in excess of £500k funding for 7 new support staff who will work in association with Change Step.

South Wales Police

Alison Fisher reported that Officers had recently attended substance misuse training events, and Officers in custody suites continue to try and identify “veterans” at every opportunity.

British Training Board

Adrian Rabey reported that a further 22 companies have signed up to the guaranteed interview scheme. He stated the “Drop In” centre in Eaton Road, Brynhyfryd continues to prove successful, with Greggs now donating some food for events, all Members of the Panel were welcome to attend.

SSAFA

Dave Singletary reported that casework continues to increase and become more technical, particularly due to recent benefits changes. He stated that a new member of staff has recently been appointed who has expertise on benefit/pension issues, so this should assist the organisation greatly. He outlined that the SSAFA ball will again be held at the Aberavon Beach Hotel in February and all Members of the Panel were welcome to attend.

Blesma

Tom Hall indicated that he was pleased to be attending his first meeting, and outlined the primary focus of his organisation in helping limbless veterans and family members.

University of Wales – Trinity St David’s

Details of a bursary available for courses at the University for veterans/service personnel were distributed to the Panel.

City and County of Swansea

Spencer Martin reported further on the Silver award won by the Authority at the recent Covenant ceremony in Cardiff, and indicated that the Authority will continue to strive towards achieving the Gold award. He referred to the MOD fund for strengthening relationships within Health Authorities which NPT Council are coordinating a funding bid for, if successful it would lead to a full time officer being appointed in the local ABMU Health Authority area to collect relevant data.

The Chair thanked Chris Evans for attending the event in Wrexham on her behalf, and indicated she continues to be involved in individual housing cases where she can assist organisations and individuals. She indicated that Swansea Council has introduced extra points for service personnel/veterans which is proving successful. She indicated the possibility of events next year to commemorate the 100 years of the RAF, more details would follow in due course.  She also indicated that the Welsh Guards would be invited to attend Swans games in the February at the Liberty Stadium. She outlined the feedback from the Remembrance Day Service at St Marys and stated that the Archbishop has indicated his desire to get the Church more involved in the covenant.

Adrian Bailey, Development Officer from SCVS gave a detailed powerpoint presentation to the Panel relating to the issue of Co-production.

He outlined the basic history, context and principles behind the development of the Co-production idea, what’s currently happening with consultation and options and possibilities for the future going forward.

He referred to the legislative changes introduced under the Wellbeing of Future Generation Act, which effectively means anyone affected by changes, particularly around Social Care should not only be consulted, but can ask to be part of the production process.

This should mean that all plans and initiatives should be co-produced with the organisations and people affected by its potential outcomes.

He indicated that a new co-production strategy is currently being developed by Swansea Council, its aims will include the better engagement of the public, particularly those people with disabilities and impairments that would be affected by changes to social care provision.