DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

APPOINTMENTS

CENTRAL PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CENTRAL PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CPSSAC)

BACKGROUND

The Central Personal Social Services Advisory Committee was established in 1975 under Article 24 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. Its role is to advise the Department on the provision of personal social services in Northern Ireland.

This general remit includes:-

Advice on the overall strategy for personal social services;

Advice on policy for the care and wellbeing of particular groups of people in the community who may be vulnerable;

Advice to the Department's HPSS Management Group on the provision and management of services;

Advice on the Department's policy on support of the voluntary sector; and

Advice on the role of the independent sector in relation to the development of a mixed economy of care.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chairman and members of the Committee are appointed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The Committee consists of 13 members inclusive of the Chairman. Members are appointed for their knowledge and experience of social services and are selected after consultation with the Association of Directors of Social Services and the British Association of Social Workers. Membership also includes people working in professional education and training, people from the voluntary sector and the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities.

CENTRAL PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE MEMBER

ROLE OF MEMBER

It is the member's role to:-

Share in corporate responsibility for the provision of informed advice to the Department, HPSS Management Group and the Chief Inspector of the Social Services Inspectorate as appropriate;

Assist with the development of mechanisms and priorities to secure this advice;

Provide the views of all interested groups within your representative area of social services recognising that appointments are made in a personal capacity;

Assist with the development of, a “roll forward” programme of inspections, evaluations, and other major pieces of work undertaken by the social services inspectorate;

Monitor progress towards the achievement of work plan targets;

Offer advice within your given area of experience and expertise in relation to a range of policies, strategies, standards and other documents issued from time to time for consultation.

MEETINGS

The Committee will meet 2-3 times a year. Meetings are of a

half-day duration. Each member must be willing to devote the necessary time, approximately 3 days per year. Members may also be invited to serve on sub-committees appointed by the Committee to advise on particular issues.

REMUNERATION

The Chairman and members of the Committee are unpaid, however, travelling and other expenses are payable in respect of expenses incurred on Committee business.

PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT

Following a selection process members will be appointed for a

3-year term of office and will be eligible to serve a maximum of two terms.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

CENTRAL PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Members of the Committee will be committed to the principles and objectives of the HPSS and subscribe to the goals and functions of the Committee and abide by its standing orders and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Members must have had a minimum period of 5 years experience in the social care/social work field, regardless of sector.

COMPETENCIES

Nominees will be required to demonstrate that they possess the following skills and attributes:-

An in-depth knowledge of their specific area of practice and a general knowledge of the wider context of social care practice;

An ability to think strategically and the ability to analyse complex problems;

An ability to work as part of a team;
Effective communication skills with clear expression of ideas both in writing and orally;

Good interpersonal skills, developing relationships and networks within and without the Committee;

The confidence to question and challenge other members in an objective manner applying their own experience and expertise to the development of an independent view;

Sound personal skills such as time and stress management.

QUALITIES

It will be important for members to possess the following qualities:-

Commitment;

Drive;

Diplomacy;

Enthusiasm;

Flexibility;

Openness;

Sensitivity;

Integrity;

Independence;

Objectivity; and

Vision.