Structural reorganisation: integration of expanded remit

Six submissions (Barnardos, Doras, CIB, SPMHS, staff member 1, DoJ) made recommendations related to the expanded remit of the Department, which now includes policy responsibility for equality, disability and integration. Staff member 1 called for the SoS to aim to “stitch together” a singular yet representative vision that distils down “the key components of each policy area”, and to consider the “existing values of DCYA, DoJ and DoH staff”, before developing a new work culture and set of shared values. Staff member 1 also called for the creation of “a new policy framework for the whole Department, which has a number of constituent parts that sit equally alongside BOBF2”. This was echoed by Doras, who requested that the new policy areas are “given equal focus and attention” to “children and youth in the mission, vision and strategic objectives” contained within the SoS.

Barnardos recommended that:

the focus on children and youth affairs is not downgraded and that they remain at the centre of the Department’s strategy” and called for the DCEDIY to “strive to use the new responsibilities bestowed on the Department to bolster the rights, voices, experiences and futures of children and young people”, particularly “children who are vulnerable or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

CIB called for the SoS to retain “the focus on children – their physical health and mental well-being and their need to have a voice” and SPMH stated that it is “vital” that the Department “sees the promotion of children’s and young people’s wellbeing remaining a key priority and strategic objective”.

Staff member 1 also made reference to the challenge of developing a SoS in the current “tumultuous environment”, and requested that the Strategy “retains sufficient flexibility to allow for external jolts and pressures”. Staff Member 1 also recommended ensuring that staff and the Management Board allocate sufficient time to the strategy-making process during this “demanding time”, and use the opportunity afforded by remote working “to engage the new staff”. Staff Member 1 suggested investing time in the effective communication of the Department’s “vision, mission, goals and objectives” through more in-depth staff engagement and interaction in the strategymaking process, as well as through more creative communication tools such as “a snappy 2 minute video, strong visuals”, or “a mandatory 5 minute slot in unit meetings”.

DoJ recommended that the two Departments: “work closely together on International Protection matters to ensure a joined up approach”.