Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Dr Einir Young (Chair).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

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To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

No urgent matters were raised.

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 21st January, 2019 be signed as a true record  (attached).

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee held on 21 January, 2019 as a true record.

To submit the report of the Monitoring Officer  (attached).

Submitted – the report of the Monitoring Officer inviting observations on the Ombudsman's consultation on their Draft Corporate Plan.

Referring to DPA 4 on page 8 of the report, it was noted that up to 12 months was a long and anxious time for the complainant and the person subject to an investigated Code of Conduct complaint.  At the same time, it was recognised that the Ombudsman's office was under a great deal of pressure, especially considering the nature and number of health complaints referred to them.

RESOLVED to accept the report.

To submit the report of the Monitoring Officer  (attached).

Submitted, for information, the report of the Monitoring Officer presenting information about the  Ombudsman's decisions on formal complaints against members.

During the discussion, the following points were noted:-

·         In light of the Ombudsman's decision not to investigate a number of complaints due to the lack of evidence, the importance of advising people to keep a detailed record of what had happened and when it had occurred was important, in order to present this as evidence to support the case. 

·         It was necessary to develop the message regarding what is expected from members in terms of conduct.

RESOLVED to accept the report.