Policy Forum for Northern Ireland

This conference examined next steps for the development of a circular economy in Northern Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to assess proposals for driving forward waste reduction, and development of a circular economy.

Delegates discussed the Circular Economy Strategy for Northern Ireland following the Department for the Economy’s consultation, and implications for stakeholders of key measures, including:

• the Circular Economy funding programme - changes to public procurement - regulatory support and incentives
• working with businesses - new clusters, frameworks and structures for supporting implementation - a focus on sectors such as agri-food, retail and energy
• programmes for public information and promoting behaviour change - education and skills programmes - supporting a just transition

With the expected publication of a Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland, delegates considered how a circular economy can tie into wider legislation on climate change and assist in meeting net zero targets.

Delegates discussed what support and action will be needed if Northern Ireland is to meet its ambition of cutting material consumption in half by 2050, as well as assessing proposals for adapting the current regulatory framework to incentivise the reuse of resources, revising end-of-waste regulations, and examining its implications for supply chains.

Further sessions assessed the support needed by businesses and communities to contribute to the development of a circular economy, including possible regulatory enforcement, and where customised strategies might be needed in areas such as agriculture.

Discussion also considered fairness for all in the transition, empowering consumers to choose more environmentally-friendly waste management practices, and implications for the waste sector and local government. Delegates will look at latest examples of best practice in the management of municipal and commercial waste, and potential opportunities for those involved in circular economy innovation.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Heidi Redmond, Circular Economy Adviser, Department for the Economy; Dr Claire Cockerill, Director of Green Growth and Climate Action Delivery Division, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Rachael Hook, Head of Resources and Waste Strategy, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; Keith James, Head of Policy and Insights, WRAP; and John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy, Queen’s University Belfast.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included:

• policy priorities: developing circular economy leadership and vision - government funding priorities to help ease transitions - assessing opportunities and addressing challenges
• supporting implementation:
  
  • putting enablers for the circular economy strategy in place - support for businesses, communities and households
  • developing effective and accessible municipal waste strategies - adapting the current regulatory framework to incentivise the reuse of resources
  • improving monitoring - supporting implementation through economic, social and technological data gathering and analysis
• widening the benefits: strategies and best practice for utilising a circular economy to assist in community and societal development
• public engagement: supporting and empowering consumers to contribute to waste reduction and the circular economy - increasing stakeholder awareness and filling knowledge gaps
• business support and knowledge exchange: building cross-sector resource efficiency and waste prevention partnerships - facilitating cooperation and knowledge exchange on best practice
• research and innovation:
  
  • priority R&D areas for supporting the transition to a circular economy - funding for new emerging technologies
  • capitalising on NI’s offer in advanced manufacturing and academic research

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; Defra; DfC; DfI; Department for the Economy; DfE; DfT; Department of Finance; DoH; Invest NI; the NI Assembly; NIAO; NIEA; and the Welsh Government.

This conference was focused on next steps for the education system in Northern Ireland.

It was an opportunity for key stakeholders and policymakers to examine the way forward for the sector following the published final report of the wide-ranging Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland (IRENI).

It was also a key opportunity to discuss immediate and longer-term priorities for an incoming Executive, following the announcement of a deal between the DUP and UK Government to re-enter power sharing, and resumption of a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, due to be announced shortly.

We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with the Chair of the Independent Review, Dr Keir Bloomer.

Delegates discussed next steps for the sector following the report, looking at key issues for addressing inefficiencies and budgetary pressures alongside priorities for raising standards, as well as the prospects for a single education system.

Delegates also discussed priorities for child development and early years provision, highlighted as a key issue in the IRENI.

Areas for discussion included proposals for developing high quality services and expanding universal provision, and moving towards an integrated service which promotes physical, intellectual and personal development from birth to the start of school.

Further sessions discussed key priorities for SEN provision following the DoE-commissioned Independent Review of SEN Services and Processes undertaken by Ipsos, as well as the Department’s end-to-end review of SEN and its place in the wider reform agenda.

We are also pleased to have been able to include further keynote sessions with: Dr Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education; Pauline Walmsley, Chief Executive Officer, Early Years; and Faustina Graham, Chief Inspector, Education and Training Inspectorate.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• IRENI: assessing key findings and priorities for the system in light of the Review’s final report - implications for policy and system change
• the vision for education in NI: addressing education inequalities and underachievement - a joined up approach to education reform - assessing the case for an integrated education system
• priorities for the school system: addressing funding challenges - adopting innovations and improving infrastructure - key challenges for the workforce - facilitating access to CPD
• raising school standards: next steps for the curriculum and assessment - improving outcomes for school leavers - assisting in the progression to FE and employment
• SEN provision: examining findings from the Review of SEN services - assessing challenges such as value for money
• early years provision: improving access to high-quality services - balancing physical, intellectual and personal development - early-detection of emerging developmental challenges
• scrutiny and inspection: ensuring fair and proportionate inspection - understanding how inspection and scrutiny can contribute to raised standards and educational attainment in Northern Ireland

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; Department for the Economy; Department of Education; Department of Finance; Department of Health; Executive Office; NIAO; and the Welsh Government.

This conference was focused on next steps for cancer care and its provision in Northern Ireland.

It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to examine priorities for diagnostics, service delivery, timely access to care and improving outcomes.

The conference was an opportunity to discuss the way forward for delivery following recommendations laid out in the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 for prevention, diagnosis and treatment, support for those affected by cancer, end of life care, and implementation of the strategy.

Delegates examined the current state of cancer services in Northern Ireland, as well as long-term goals for earlier diagnosis, addressing inequalities in access to care, and improving cancer prevention strategies.

There was discussion on priorities for addressing cancer waiting times, with reports earlier in the year indicating that those in Northern Ireland were the worst on record.

Delegates assessed priorities for the cancer workforce, with a focus on recruitment and retention, safe staffing levels, and training needs.

Further sessions assessed progress in the development of innovative approaches to treatment and early detection.

The agenda also looked at next steps for cross-border collaboration in cancer research and the role this can play in improving service provision, looking at the work of the All-Island Cancer Research Institute and the newly established All-Ireland Cancer Network.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Tomas Adell, Director of Elective Care and Cancer Policy, Department of Health; Professor William Gallagher and Professor Mark Lawler, Co-Chairs of the All-Island Cancer Research Institute; and Gerry Hanna, Chair of Division for Cancer and Specialist Medicine, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• Policy priorities in Northern Ireland: progress on the implementation of A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland - key funding priorities for strategy implementation - aligning with wider health policy
• Developing service provision: strategies for addressing high waiting times - improving and streamlining pathways - providing physical and psychological support to patients - options for prehabilitation
• Cancer workforce: priorities for staffing, recruitment and retention - next steps for workforce support - skills development and training
• Diagnosis: building on the introduction of centralised diagnostic hubs - reducing late-stage diagnosis - potential for specialist integrated haematological diagnostics service
• Improving outcomes: resourcing and funding priorities to improve access to high quality treatment
• Cancer R&I: establishing an all-island approach to research and innovation - priorities for research funding - developing innovative approaches - improving participation in clinical research and trials 
• Addressing health inequalities: communication and service provision in areas of deprivation - impact of COVID-19 - fostering a cross-departmental approach to tackling health inequalities
• Prevention: developing effective awareness strategies - addressing cancer risk factors and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices - recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department of Health, NI; Department of Health, ROI; the Oireachtas; and The Scottish Government.

This conference discussed next steps for mental health services in Northern Ireland.

It was an opportunity for discussion on:

• the progress of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031
• the recently published Delivery Plan for 2023/2024
• the Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland report from the NI Audit Office, which indicated:
  
  
  
  • the highest prevalence of mental ill-health in the UK
  • the lowest level of funding, and with demand for services rising

Sessions in the agenda assessed the way forward for improving mental health services, looking at key areas for development, including enhancing mental health data and provision of community services, improving crisis and addiction services, and addressing waiting times to enable access to services.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Peter May, Permanent Secretary, Department of Health; Professor Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland; and Professor of Mental Health Sciences, Ulster University; and Matthew Taylor, ‘Co-Founder of UK’s first youth-led mental health charity’.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• accessibility: addressing high waiting times for services - streamlining funding where it is most needed - developing infrastructure to enable service improvement
• key workforce concerns: addressing issues within the psychiatry and psychotherapy disciplines - addressing key barriers to recruitment and retention - providing adequate workplace support
• suicide prevention and crisis services: looking beyond the Protect Life 2 strategy - assessing priorities for crisis services beyond 2024
• moving towards prevention: priorities for an early intervention model - promoting help-seeking behaviour - improving advocacy and dialogue
• improving mental health data: improving data collection and utilisation to enhance service provision - considering the potential of an electronic patient records system 
• CAMHS: developing in-school services - priorities for SEN students - improving access - developing efficient pathways to adult services
• community-based services: enhancing community cohesion and wellbeing - mental health education and awareness - moving care outside of clinical settings
• legacy issues: strategies for understanding and addressing the impact of the Troubles, COVID-19 and wider generational trauma on mental health in NI - increasing awareness and support
• student mental health: improving mental health support for higher education students - assessing the findings of the Higher Education Mental Health Implementation TaskForce

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department for the Economy; Department of Education; DHSC; DoH; DOJ; ETI; NI Assembly and the Welsh Government.

This conference examined next steps for SEN provision in Northern Ireland.

It took place following the publication of the Independent Review of Special Education Needs final report, commissioned by the Department of Education, which suggested that major reform is needed within Northern Ireland’s SEN system, and identified significant challenges for delivering early support due to pressures within the system.

Key stakeholders and policymakers discussed priorities for improving service provision and educational outcomes, models for referral, and how the Education Authority’s area planning might be enhanced to improve access to services and sustainability.

Further sessions looked at the Department of Education’s End-to-End Review of SEN Services, that was due in December 2023, which will have looked to create a pathway for improving service provision in Northern Ireland.

The conference was also an opportunity to discuss next steps following the wide-ranging Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland interim report, which identified SEN provision as a key focus area going into the final report stage expected by the end of the year.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Janis Scallon, Director of Inclusion, Department of Education; Shauna Collinson, Interim Assistant Director of SEND Statutory Services, Education Authority; Amanda Hatton, Executive Director, Education and Children’s Services, The City of Edinburgh Council; and Christine Kearney, Director of Development, Autism NI;

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• policy priorities: assessing findings from the Independent Review of SEN - implementation of recommendations - funding priorities - managing increased demand for SEN services
• SEN provision in NI: improving area planning and access to services - adopting a child-centred approach - addressing unmet needs within the system
• workforce: addressing staff shortages, including within Educational Psychology Services - priorities for staff training and workforce development - CPD and developing SEN Support Hubs
• improving educational outcomes: providing effective pathways to FE and employment
• accountability: priorities for service quality and inspection - implications for regulation post-review of SEN and Education
• learning from best practice: considering lessons from other jurisdictions in creating an inclusive model of SEN provision in Northern Ireland

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department for the Economy; Department of Education; Department of Finance; and NAO.

This conference discussed next steps for the energy sector in Northern Ireland.

It brought together policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to assess the ongoing implementation of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy Action Plan 2023, and the plans to drive Northern Ireland towards complete energy decarbonisation by 2050.

We expected discussion to focus on the key pillars of the strategy, including serving the needs of consumers, increasing energy efficiency, growing the green economy and transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables.

It came with concerns around higher energy prices for consumers in Northern Ireland going forward, with the end of the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) Scheme and also following the Utility Regulator’s review of costs in September.

Delegates discussed the infrastructure and system improvements that will be needed for the future, following the £3bn investment announced by NIE Networks into Northern Ireland’s energy grid.

The conference was also a timely opportunity to look ahead to Northern Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, which was due by the end of the year, and subsequent carbon budget, and assess issues and what further support will be needed in meeting climate targets.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Colin Broomfield, Markets Director, Utility Regulator; Debbie Caldwell, Chair, Belfast Climate Commission; Randal Gilbert, Network Assets Director, NIE Networks; and Niall Farrell, Senior Research Officer, Economic and Social Research Institute.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• the energy strategy: policy priorities for the sector - taking forward the action plan - considering the practicalities of meeting objectives laid out in the strategy - government support
• the path to decarbonisation: renewables scale-up - potential of hydrogen and developing the green hydrogen economy - investment priorities for renewable projects and infrastructure
• the North-South Interconnector project: assessing progress so far and potential barriers - utilising the benefits of future grid interconnection - maintaining momentum on delivery by 2026
• enhancing the grid: capitalising on recent investment - priorities for securing and targeting further investment - growing and maintaining the grid to ensure efficiency and security of supply
• regulation: balancing short-term priorities with making progress on long-term goals for the grid - balancing security of supply with further development of renewable energy infrastructure
• protecting consumers: mitigating the impact of the termination of the EPG Scheme - facilitating a just energy transition

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; Defra; Department for Communities; Department for the Economy; Department for Infrastructure; Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, ROI; DfE, UK; DETE, ROI; Department of Finance; DESNZ, UK; DfE, UK; DfT, UK; FCDO, UK; HSENI; NIAO; NIEA; NIHE; and the Welsh Government.

This conference looked at the future delivery of digital health in NI, and priorities for innovation in health and social care.

Delegates examined plans for taking forward the Department of Health’s Digital Strategy, as well as the wider development of healthcare innovation in Northern Ireland.

It was an opportunity to discuss key issues for the introduction of the Encompass electronic patient record system, going live on in November at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust with other trusts to follow suit in 2024/2025, which will create a single digital care record for every citizen in Northern Ireland.

Those attending assessed priorities for managing the transition to a digital records system and for the role of Trusts, HSC staff, and the wider sector in the shift to a digital system.

It was also an opportunity to discuss the wider life sciences and health vision in Northern Ireland.

Policymakers and stakeholders discussed priorities for the development of new innovative solutions for addressing key health and social care challenges, and investment and funding opportunities.

They also looked at strategic options for creating a more joined up innovation ecosystem between research, development and delivery within HSC to better capitalise on Northern Ireland’s potential in the sector. It followed the independent NICON Health and Wealth in Northern Ireland report, suggesting that more needs to be done to develop an ecosystem of innovation in health and social care. We are pleased that the report’s author, Mike Farrar, delivered a keynote address.

Further sessions looked at utilisation of data and addressing key regulatory concerns, including around GDPR and confidentiality, and also Northern Ireland’s unique position as a midway point between the EU Single Market, and the UK Internal Market.

We are also pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Dan West, Chief Digital Officer, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland; and Brendan McGuigan, Life Sciences Lead, Invest NI.

Overall, the agenda considered:

• the HSC Digital Strategy: assessing progress in the first year of delivery - policy priorities for digital transformation and taking the strategy forward
• the Encompass programme: updating legacy systems and prioritising a seamless transition to digital - empowering the HSC workforce - achieving a streamlined care experience
• utilisation of data: GDPR and patient confidentiality in a new electronic record system - enabling safe and secure use, and ensuring transparency - use of health data in clinical research
• health innovation: priorities for further R&D into new digital solutions - funding priorities - addressing overspends in innovation - improving rollout and adoption of new innovation
• social care: developing digital maturity in social care - utilising digital systems and data to support carers - channelling investment to enable interoperability between health and social care
• harnessing benefits: the role of digital technologies in reducing administrative burdens for clinicians - building efficiency in service delivery and addressing care backlogs
• regulation: addressing concerns and providing clarity and surety for industry on the regulatory environment in Northern Ireland - benefiting from NI’s unique position between two markets

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; DBT, UK; Department for the Economy; Department of Finance; Department of Health; Department of Health, ROI; and The Scottish Government.

This conference assessed the next steps for taking forward the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

Delegates examined key issues and challenges for implementing the Deal’s projects and overarching aims, including priorities for skills development and engagement with the UK Government on investment priorities.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive, The City of Edinburgh Council; and Dónal Durkan, Executive Director, Strategy, Invest NI.

The conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss the progress of the BRCD so far, the way forward for further development within Belfast and the wider city region, and what more is needed in making the deal work in practice.

It was also an opportunity to assess how the BRCD can act as a driver in addressing key societal issues within the region, such as infrastructure development, tackling high levels of economic inactivity and unemployment, and boosting skills development.

Further sessions examined potential benefits with the adoption of the new Windsor Framework, what this means for further investment in the region, and implications for implementation and development of the BRCD.

The discussion took place in the context of:

• the UK Government Committee for Northern Ireland Affairs report, Investment in Northern Ireland
• the new Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland
• the Department for the Economy’s 10X Economy - an economic vision for a decade of innovation

Sessions in the agenda discussed:

• progress: assessing the delivery of the Deal’s projects to date - identifying areas of best practice and incorporating these into future delivery - priority areas for further funding
• the UK Government’s priorities: improving engagement with local stakeholders - priorities for longer-term strategic investment
• finance: funding priorities and attracting inward investment - targeting support to accelerate economic growth in the region - strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth
• spreading the benefits: how dividends from the BRCD can produce a positive impact more widely and equitably amongst regional partners - developing regional infrastructure and connectivity
• skills and employability: next steps for improvement and development - addressing key skills shortages - incorporating the work of the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland into the BRCD’s progress
• lessons from other jurisdictions: taking forward lessons and successful approaches from established city deals - best practice in leveraging investment and cooperation
• Windsor Framework: what the new agreement means for delivery of the BRCD - capitalising on potential benefits - addressing outstanding issues - assessing impact on attracting investment
• key growth sectors: strengthening the region’s offer in sectors such as creative industries, advanced manufacturing and digital
• policy priorities: for both central government and the Legislative Assembly to maintain progress - implementation - challenges for funding and delivery in the absence of a functioning executive

The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA; Department for Communities; Department for Infrastructure; Department for the Economy; Northern Ireland Assembly; NIAO; Defra; DBT; DLUHC; DfT; Department of Education, ROI; and the Department of Finance, ROI.