To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

The Chair welcomed Debbie Roche to the board.  Debbie has been nominated to represent the community and voluntary sector on the board.

The Chair informed the panel that an extraordinary meeting of the board would take place on 13 February 2014 to consider the Better Care Fund.

Carole Burgoyne, Strategic Director for People announced that following a recruitment process, she was pleased to announce the appointment of Kelechi Nnoaham as the Director for Public Health (DPH) from 1 April 2014.  Stephen Horsley would continue to act as interim DPH until the end of March 2014.