NAP Board Minutes – 14 April 2022

Date & Venue:
14th April 2022, Microsoft Teams (Online Meeting)

Key Highlights:

Leadership & Organisational Updates:
- Board meetings to be held every two months instead of quarterly.
- NAPB moving towards independence; procurement timeline outlined:
  - March – June: Bidding and tender process.
  - July: Bid review and provider selection.
  - October: New provider takes over full operations.
- Plans for increased involvement from Children’s Services.
Working Group Updates:
- Diagnosis:
  - Waiting list wellbeing checks implemented.
  - Progress made on defining Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
  - More representation from autistic individuals and carers still needed.
- Engagement:
  - Independent website successful, with over 1,100 visits.
  - Next Autism Norfolk Forum (ANF) to focus on Housing (June 2022).
  - Autism Awareness Week 2022 activities planned.
- Workforce Development:
  - Pre- and post-training quiz in development for “Understanding Autism” course.
  - Autism training now mandatory for Norfolk County Council employees.
- Employment:
  - Developing an autism employment resource list.
  - Seeking an employer to act as an Autism Employment Champion.
Autism Norfolk Forum (ANF) & Employment Support:
- March 2022 forum focused on Employment.
- Concerns raised over lack of awareness of benefits and employment support.
- Next ANF to feature speakers from Norfolk County Council and Shelter.
- Future forums may trial hybrid in-person/online format.
National Autism Strategy 2021-2026 Overview:
- Board reviewed key areas: employment, health, justice system, and education.
- Board to ensure local SEND strategy aligns with national strategy.
Other Key Announcements:
- Board to support upcoming “Building the Right Support” Peer Review.
- Board agreed to use its logo on the PDA Position Statement.
- New recruitment drive for a Mental Health & Autism Specialist Nurse.

Next Steps:

Continue transition to an independent NAPB provider.
Host Housing-focused ANF in June 2022.
Improve engagement from Children’s Services.
Develop Autism Employment Champion initiative.

Next Meeting: New schedule to be arranged by the Coordinator.

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