Department for the Economy Board minutes 2021 - 28 October 2021

Agenda Item 1:Declaration of Interests

None

Agenda Item 2:Minutes 30/9/21 Board meeting

Agreed without amendment.

Agenda Item 3: Strategic Issues

There was discussion on a number of areas:

• Vocational Qualifications Review – pace with reforms.
• FE Review – Ministerial approval to commence 1^st phase received.
• Awaiting implications for Skills following yesterday’s Budget.
• Energy Strategy – timing of launch.
• RHI Tariffs – the judgement that has taken place.
• Covid update.
• EU Exit – proposals that have been made by the European Commission.
• High Street Voucher Scheme – statistics and delivery.

Agenda Item 4: Review of DfE Board Effectiveness

(Name Redacted) gave an overview of the review of DfE Board effectiveness that will be carried out by Business Consultancy Service:-

• Objective is to produce an action plan that will enhance Board effectiveness.
• Input from members will be via a questionnaire and 1 to 1 meetings.
• An action plan will be presented at January’s Board meeting.
• Board interaction with ALBs will be considered in the questionnaire.

Agenda Item 5:
Finance Update

David Malcolm updated:-

• Spending Review
• Annual Accounts

Actions: 1.Summary of the Autumn Budget 2021 paper to be shared with NEBMs and Boardroom Apprentice.

2.Deadline for the statutory laying of the Annual Accounts to be ascertained.

Shane Murphy

David Malcolm

Agenda Item 6:

Papers to Note

There was discussion on the following papers to note:-

HR Update

• Ongoing concerns with recruitment and vacancy rate.

NI Protocol Update

• Risks due to uncertainties.

Machinery of Government Report.

• How the recommendations are being taken forward.

Agenda Item 7: AOB

There was no AOB.

Agenda Item 8: Organisational Delivery and Transformation Programme

Board members convened a Programme Board meeting for the rest of the available time.