Mission Statement

The Review will adopt an inclusive and transparent approach, and will have an inherently multi-disciplinary ethos. Consumer expertise, both in terms of users and carers, will be seen as a core value and a means by which the Review can test out its ongoing work and proposals.

This independent Review will strive to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between people of different religious belief; political opinion, racial group, age, marital status, or sexual orientation, between men and women generally, between persons with a disability and persons without, and between persons with dependents and persons without. The Review will be conducted in the context of respect for persons, a commitment to the self-realisation of people, social inclusion, and full citizenship for all.

Our Mission is to grasp this opportunity and ensure that the set of recommendations we present to Government chart the course for the 21st Century.

Guiding Principles for Review

• Involvement and Open Access
  We will recognise, encourage and value the contribution that everyone can make to the Review – users, volunteers, professionals, organisations, carers and other groups. The principle of open access will be employed throughout the Review.

• Confidentiality
  High value will be placed on the importance of confidentiality with respect to attribution of statements in relation to all Committee deliberations.

• Integrity
  The Steering Committee and Expert Working Committees will be committed and objective in their work.

• Inclusivity
  The scope of the Review is a major challenge. All dimension of the Review are of equal importance and will be given equal priority. Committee members will be expected to identify with the full work of the Review.

• Quality
  All involved with the Review will work to the highest possible standards in our endeavours, monitoring and evaluating to maximise effectiveness.

• Teamwork
  A collective culture of teamwork and ownership will be fostered, thus building momentum and energising the Review.

• Harmonisation
  Clearly there will be opportunities for practical harmonisation at every level at both a North-South and East-West basis, as endorsed by “Investing for Health”.

• Coherence
  Given the scope and range of issues being examined in the Review, the project will be conducted in an integrated and cohesive manner.

• Existing Excellence
  The Steering Committee wish to both acknowledge and use the many current examples of strategic, policy and practice excellence in Northern Ireland.

• Research and Information
  Appropriate research will be conducted to inform the work of the Review, and to enhance a comprehensive database which will be developed, and which will draw on the best relevant material.

• Government Support
  The Steering Committee acknowledge the wholehearted support of the Minister for this Review, and are gratified that he regards modernising mental health and learning disability services as a priority. Regular and appropriate briefing will be provided to him (and his successors) and to DHSSPS officials.

Goals for the Review Process

1. To work towards a set of recommendations which contain the best practice, policy and legislative perspectives.
   
   
2. To anchor our recommendations in a broad financial and economic context.
   
   
3. To make recommendations on workforce implications.
   
   
4. To make recommendations on the effective management of services.
   
   
5. To keep all stakeholders fully informed of the progress and directions of the Review.
   
   
6. To ensure that user and carer partnership is intrinsic to the Review at all stages.