Will the Minister provide an update on the publication of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Advisory Group’s risk workplace risk assessment tool for health and social care staff, as recommended by the Fifth Senedd's Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee?
The Covid-19 Workforce Risk Assessment Tool was launched for use in health and social care in May 2020 and was quickly adopted across the public sector. By August 2020, the Tool had been expanded to include a version for use in Education, childcare, play work, youthwork and further education, along with a generic version for any other workplace. The Tool was additionally made available in interactive form on the Leaving@Wales platform.
Since its launch the Tool has been subject to ongoing review by the First Minister’s Scientific Risk Assessment Subgroup. In December 2021 the Welsh Government published a report from the Chair of the subgroup which reviews the latest scientific evidence, statistics on how the Tool was used, and independent evaluation feedback from stakeholders. This report forms part of a larger body of work advising the First Minister on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority people.
The Workforce Risk Assessment Tool continues to be a live resource. The Chair of the subgroup and Senior Welsh Government clinicians reviewed the Risk Assessment Tool at the end of 2022, in light of current evidence and infection rates. The decision was made to continue to retain the tool in its current format to ensure continuity and a means by which employers are able to assess the risk level of their employees and take appropriate action based on current government advice.
First Ministers Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic COVID-19 Advisory Group: summary report | GOV.WALES