Thank you to all of you who attended and contributed to yesterday’s virtual coffee morning. It proved to be an extremely engaging and informative session for all.
As promised, here are the points and concerns raised during the meeting:
COVID-19
A. You would prefer to limit the number of services and settings with whom you are working to limit potential exposure to the virus
We will actively pursue this with our clients.
B. Concerns about PPE and hygiene were raised
We have received a delivery of face masks which will be delivered to you as soon as possible. More details will follow shortly. Please feel free to make suggestions on how this will work for you. Priority will be given to those supporting specific individuals for Leaf and individuals on crisis packages.
We will set up a PPE request email address so you can request equipment.
We will keep you updated with equipment availability.
Every endeavour will be made to provide you with up-to-date information on a site’s or service’s policy for PPE.
Together, we can be a voice for raising concerns and highlighting practices both good and bad, so if you have any concerns or have been particularly impressed by practices at sites you are working with, please let us know.
The NHS have set up a new platform open to anyone working in mental health services, including the voluntary sector, providing the most up-to-date information and resources from other agencies such as the RC Psych or BPS: Https://future.nhs.uk/MHLDAcovid19/grouphome
We welcome all individual concerns and positive feedback about services. Please relay them to us so we can follow up.
| IR 35 IR 35 has been postponed until a review next April but will still apply to any NHS or public sector work. We will look to target small businesses to build our client base so we have more IR35 exempt opportunities, and opportunities for contractor working to continue, next year. Priory, Elysium, Achieve Together and Cygnet have now changed their approach and will accept contractors until the situation is reviewed. Further information about individual sites will be provided if there are any changes to how they operated during this financial year. Over the coming year, we will work hard to increase the number of small, and therefore IR35 exempt, companies that we work with to make sure you have a choice as to where you work, and on what basis. |
| If you need any further clarification or have any questions on any of the areas discussed, please get in touch. Regular virtual coffee mornings are being scheduled and details will be circulated shortly. We are here to support you and ensure your voice is heard. |