Written question WQ94446
- Asked by
- Darren MillarConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Was the new role of special adviser on mental health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board subject to a competitive recruitment process and, if not, why not?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
At its public Board meeting in July 2024, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board approved a plan setting out actions and timescales in response to the findings from the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ review of mental health reviews.
In September 2024, the health board confirmed it had appointed a mental health special adviser for 12 months. Staff appointments are decisions for the health board to make.
The health board has confirmed the special adviser will be the independent chair of an expert advisory group, which will be established with family and user representatives and Llais. This is an important aspect of the governance and oversight arrangements in relation to its response to the Royal College’s review.
The health board’s quality, safety and experience committee is the main oversight mechanism and regular chair’s assurance reports will support the expert advisory group and committee. The first progress report is due to be presented on 24 October. The health board has also committed to providing six-monthly progress reports to the board.
The Welsh Government will retain oversight against the progress of the health board’s action plan through the oversight arrangements established as part of the special measures intervention.