Ill Health and Disability Benefits Stakeholder Reference Group: November 2016

Attendees and apologies

Present

• Bill Scott, Inclusion Scotland
• David Formstone, Social Work Scotland
• Derek Sinclair, CPAG
• Donna Burnett, NHS Lothian
• Emelia Crighton, NHS
• Gill Young, Castle Rock Edinvar
• Graham Watt, University of Glasgow
• Jim Carle, Kibble
• Kate Burton, NHS
• Michael McClements, CoSLA
• Nicola Dickie, CoSLA
• Nikola Plunkett, Scottish Government
• Pauline Davidson, Scottish Government
• Richard Gass, Glasgow City Council representing SLGP
• Rob Gowans, Citizen’s Advice
• Ruth Candlish, Scottish Government
• Yvette Burgess, Coalition of Care Providers Scotland

Present for Item on Options Appraisal only

• Andy Parks, Scottish Government
• Mel Giarchi, Scottish Government
• Philip Duffy, Scottish Government

Apologies

• Anne Gunnar Logan, Coalition of Care Providers Scotland
• Beth Hall, COSLA
• Dr Mini Mishra, Chief Medical Officer

Items and actions

Minutes of meeting 9 June 2016

No comments had been received from Members and the minutes were agreed.

SG Update and Next Steps on Consultation (Pauline Davidson)

SG introduced the paper on the consultation and highlighted that a formal response was expected in early 2017.

Options Appraisal (Andy Park / Mel Giarchi)

Analytical colleagues from the SG delivered a workshop on the Options Appraisal process for the new social security system, focusing on assessments for disability-related benefits.

Members explored the merits of each of the options. Comments will be reflected in the final write-up of the multi-criteria analysis, along with additional evidence, which will be published as part of the Stage 2 Options Appraisal for Social Security in the New Year. The discussion was conducted under ‘Chatham House’ rules.

Action – Circulate a Questback Survey which will be used to gather further comments and evidence on how each option ranks against the criteria.

Role of the IHDB Stakeholder Reference Group, Experience Panels and other Stakeholder Reference Groups (Nikola Plunkett)

As requested at the previous October meeting, a list of all current / upcoming stakeholder groups was tabled.

Noted that the Disability and Carers Benefits Expert Advisory Group (DACBEAG) has been re-named, removing the name Commission, which members had previously raised concerns with. The DACBEAG would likely be discussing its remit and role at its first meeting in the New Year. Members were informed that the DACBEAG would have a level of ability to sets its own agenda (within agreed remit), it would be independent of government, reporting directly to Ministers and have a strategic role. Discussions centred on the role of the group, how it fitted in the current landscape, whether it should be statutory and the need for strategic oversight. Members noted that further clarity was required on the interaction between different groups.

Members were asked whether there were other stakeholder groups that had not been included in the list. The Children and Young People’s Advisory Group was mentioned as missing. It was also noted that it was important that all other stakeholder groups took a whole population approach and made efforts to ensure they were not ‘adult-centric’.

Members also noted it was important to include users and not just experts in the stakeholder reference groups. They welcomed the Experience Panels as a means for engaging users. Discussion also considered how to include those not in receipt of benefits and future generations of recipients.

Action – Update and circulate list of stakeholder reference groups (SG)

Action – Feed back to colleagues issues raised in relation to specific stakeholder reference groups (SG)

Action – Update and greater clarity on the DACBEAG following their inaugural meeting in the New Year (SG)

AOB and Agenda for Next Meeting (Pauline Davidson)

No items raised.

Date of Next Meeting
Monday 13 February – 10:30 – 13:00 – St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh