The Interim Adult Protection Board NI was established in 2019 by then Health Minister, Robin Swann. This was in response to the first report from an independent review commissioned to examine the health and social care systems response to care failings at Dunmurry Manor Care Home. The review by CPEA, was commissioned by the Department of Health following the Commissioner for Older People’s 2018 Home Truths: A Report on the Commissioner’s Investigation into Dunmurry Manor Care Home.
The Minister, accepted the findings of the CPEA review report Independent Review into Safeguarding and Care at Dunmurry Manor Care Home (DoH, 2018) and recommended a change programme and Adult Safeguarding/Protection Bill. There followed an extensive consultation on legislative options.
In line with the Review’s recommendations, the Minister confirmed that plans include standing down the Northern Ireland Adult Safeguarding Partnership (NIASP) in a move towards the establishment of an Independent Adult Protection Board (IAPB) at arm’s length from the DoH. In the interim the DoH Strategic Planning and Performance Group were asked to establish an Interim Board.
The terms of reference for this Interim Board set out below are based on the following planning assumptions.
- The move to an independent structure will require a statutory footing. The development and commencement of legislation (primary and secondary) and the establishment of the Board is likely to take at least 2 years.
- The IAPB arrangements will remain in place until the necessary legislation has been passed and commenced.
- The IAPB arrangements will enable the Board to test new ways of working, underpinned by Human Rights considerations, which will inform the new legislation and adult protection arrangements.
- The IAPB will be hosted by SPPG and Chaired by the Director of Hospitals and Community Care.