Written question WQ91233

There has been a considerable focus on stabilising the board over the past 12 months and I have provided Members of the Senedd with regular updates. Substantive appointments have been made for the chair, vice chair, and chief executive. Interviews for a further four independent members were held earlier this month. This will give the organisation the stability and focus it needs to improve as we move into the next phase of special measures.

As part of special measures arrangements, the Welsh Government commissioned a review of the Office of the Board Secretary in Betsi Cadwaladr UHB. Following receipt of the final report from this review, the health board has progressed a number of actions to improve board governance, including:

• Terms of reference for all committees have been refreshed. When the full complement of independent members is in place by the end of February, all committees will be operational. Special measures is embedded within all the committees and independent members play a crucial role in ensuring that the requirements of special measures are delivered.

• A new board induction programme has been developed and all new independent members will be inducted via this process.

• A board development programme is now in place, this includes a focus on clinical services, site visits, key areas such as winter resilience planning and financial grip and control.

• A risk management framework was agreed by the board at its meeting in September 2023, supported by the board assurance framework with implementation underway reporting to the Audit Committee.

Audit Wales has recently undertaken a follow-up review of Board effectiveness in Betsi Cadwaladr UHB. This will provide an independent assessment on the progress that has been made to improve board stability and effectiveness over the past 12 months. This will be published later this month.