Department for the Economy Board minutes 2022 - 24 November 2022

No new interests declared.

Agreed without amendment.

A number of areas were discussed:

Further education review

• The first workshop with the FE sector is being held tomorrow.

Good Friday Agreement anniversary

• A series of events have been planned, including an investment conference which could take place later in the year.

Energy Support Scheme

• The £400 payment and that for alternative fuels and non-domestic side were discussed.
• Arrangements from April 2023 were discussed.

Sharon Hetherington presented:

• The DoF proposal to switch Capital funding to Resource to address the NI Block overspend has not been agreed by HMT.
• As a result, Capital was available at a NI Block level for 2022/23 and DfE has asked for £4m.
• Secretary of State is due to make an announcement on the 22/23 budget.
• HOCS to consider how to split a shortfall in funding in 2023/24 between departments.
• There is budget uncertainty going into next year.
• Prioritisation of resources will become more important.

Michelle Scott presented:

• The Independent Review of Invest NI is reaching its final stages, with publication of a final report likely in January 2023.
• A draft Board Effectiveness Review report in respect of Invest NI has been completed.
• Interim findings from the Independent Review, and the Board Effectiveness Review, have identified concerns.
• The Invest NI Board and Executive Leadership Team are holding a workshop on 30 November to include considering roles and responsibilities, refreshing the code of conduct and reviewing the role of the Secretariat. There will also be a range of 1 to 1 sessions.

HR update

• There is a new structure and G5 in NICS HR.
• New G6/7 and AO recruitment competitions postponed.
• Need to understand the relationship between short and long term sick absence.
• Need a breakdown of sick absence by G3 command.
• Need to know how many inefficiency warnings under consideration result in a warning/final warning.
• COVID and non-COVID absences need separated.

10x update

• The Board noted initial arrangements for a small 10x stakeholder group and that further work will be done on external engagement on 10x.

Assurance statements

• No questions.

Corporate Risk Register

• Quarter 2 updates agreed.

Business Plan

• Quarter 2 progress updates agreed. These will be published on the department’s website.

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

There was no AOB.