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Restructuring NCVO
Voluntary organisations are encouraged to take part in a consultation on how England's National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is governed. NCVO proposes to reduce the size of its management board from 40 members to 12, and create an Assembly to reflecting the breadth of its' membership. Running to 6th July, there is an online questionnaire; or see the press release at http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/press/releases/?id=4522
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Charities, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
Small businesses put themselves at risk by flouting age discrimination changes
Six months on and only 17% of businesses have adopted recruitment and employment changes. Small businesses are risking employment disputes as they fail to make changes to their employment policies following age discrimination legislation introduced in October 2006. The findings come from new research by Acas, Britain's leading employment relations organisation. The survey, which polled 750 small businesses, reveals that only 17% of them have introduced changes to their employment and recruitment practices. Respondents said that they had not made changes because they believe their organisations already comply or that the regulations do not apply to their business.
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Business, Employment, Equality, Housing, Legal | Permalink | Comments (0)
Rural affordable housing solutions for the Midlands region
The West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum proposes innovative and radical solutions to the provision of rural affordable housing across the region for the future. The Forum launched a major initiative, following the publication of the Affordable Rural Housing Commission report and established its own task group to ascertain how the four recommendations made might best be delivered within the West Midlands. The Forum has put forward proposals to significantly increase both the rate and volume of affordable homes to people living and working in rural communities.
Country/Regional Focus: England, West Midlands
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11 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Communities, England, Housing | Permalink | Comments (0)
Grant Safeguards Historic House in Newham
English Heritage gives grant to St Antony's Catholic Club to repair Red House and open it up to local community - English Heritage has awarded a grant of £45,000 today (11th April) for repairs to the historic Red House, 13 Upton Lane, Forest Gate. St Antony's Catholic Club, the owners of the18th century building, applied for the funding to assist in their plans to open the building up to the local community. The Red House is a grade ll listed building in the old village of Upton, and, apart from the nearby Spotted Dog Pub, is the only historic building of note in the area. The original building dates from 1717, and while some brickwork from the 1760s remains, it was extensively remodeled in the1880s. Its first inhabitant was a Dutch merchant Isaac Blihdesteyn, and it was later owned by a Mr Tuthill who manufactured early trade union banners. St Antony's Catholic Club bought the building from Mr Blihdesteyn's descendants in 1933.
Country/Regional Focus: England
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11 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Communities, England, Heritage | Permalink | Comments (0)
Children remind adults to act responsibly on our streets
Children from Middlesbrough, South Tyneside and Darlington will be very publicly calling upon the small minority of people who think it is acceptable to act anti-socially on our streets and in our towns to change their ways and take responsibility for their actions. Competitions are being run in schools in Middlesbrough, South Tyneside and Darlington and 17 others across England which have received nearly £500,000 funding from the Government's Respect Task Force to introduce innovative new 'Talking CCTV', aimed at getting the public to reflect on their behaviour and the example they are setting to others, especially children. The competitions and activities, such as designing posters that challenge bad behaviour and taking part in neighbourhood litter picks, help educate children about acceptable behaviour while at the same time they are encouraged to use their 'pester power' in a positive way - reminding grown-ups how to behave. The winning schoolchildren will be invited to become the 'voice' of the Talking CCTV in their town or city's CCTV control room later this year. Talking CCTV allows operators to talk directly to those involved, when they spot irresponsible behaviour, asking people to stop doing something or to make amends.
Country/Regional Focus: England, North East
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12 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Awards, Communities, England, Young People | Permalink | Comments (0)
Helping businesses in Lincolnshire become wealthy and wise
A wealth of guidance and practical help will be on offer to small and medium sized enterprises at an event to be held at Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. Free information on a wide range of topics - from income tax and VAT to importing and exporting procedures, smoke free environment law and funding for growing businesses - will be available at the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Business Advice Open Day at Market Rasen Race course on Thursday 26 April 2007. Organised by HMRC, the Open Day brings together a wide variety of organisations under one roof and is a unique opportunity to obtain quality advice in a relaxed and informal setting.
Country/Regional Focus: England, Lincolnshire
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April 16, 2007 in Business, Communities, England, Health, Rural | Permalink | Comments (0)
Royal praise for pub scheme
A scheme which encourages public houses to become the hub of a community has been praised by HRH the Prince of Wales. East Midlands Development Agency's (emda) support for the Pub is the Hub (PITH) scheme was also commended at a special reception at Clarence House recently. Since November 2005 emda has supported the Pub is the Hub scheme with £186,100 of funding. The scheme operates in rural areas across the UK with the aim if improving rural life through the provision of new or improved services, such as shops and post offices. It was established through the Rural Action Team of Business in the Community following support from HRH the Prince of Wales. Of the 18 licensees who attended the event, which was hosted by Prince Charles, eight of them were from successful PITH schemes from across the East Midlands.
Country/Regional Focus: England, East Midlands
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10 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Communities, England, Health, Rural, Wales | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mental Health Promotion Plan for Wales
This Action Plan recognises the wide ranging positive action already underway at Assembly Government level. It identifies what more needs to be done, and provides a stimulus for local action. The Consultation asks: Does the action plan address the correct issues to promote mental health in Wales? Drawing on the evidence base, what additional interventions would you like to see developed for Wales? Can you identify any barriers to implementation? Please identify the actions which you could help to implement Do you have any specific comments on any of the recommendations?
Country/Regional Focus: Wales
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13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Health, Wales | Permalink | Comments (0)
Healthcare Associated Infections: A Community Strategy for Wales Consultation
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) damage patient health and cost the health service money. A HAI Strategy for Hospitals in Wales was released in July 2004. The guiding principles should apply in any healthcare setting, however the community setting does present a range of unique problems.This strategy highlights best practice for infection control and is aimed at heath care staff providing care in the community setting. This document should also be considered by:Health Service and Local Authority staff when commissioning private care; and Private care (in the community setting). Responses will need to be received by Monday 02 April 2007.
Country/Regional Focus: Wales
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11 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Health, Wales | Permalink | Comments (0)
Free electricity monitors will help cut household bills and global warming
Labour's Alistair Darling and David Miliband have proposed a new plan to make real-time electricity monitors available free of charge to all households in Britain to help combat climate change. With Labour's plans, electricity suppliers would be required to provide these displays free to all customers who want them. All new and replacement household electricity meters would also come with a visual display. Real time electricity monitors show how much electricity is being used and what it costs from moment to moment. They help people cut back on unnecessary use, saving money and cutting emissions of carbon dioxide from power stations, the main greenhouse gas causing global warming and climate change. One estimate suggests that British homes are collectively wasting £900 million of electricity a year by leaving appliances on while they're not being used. A typical household could cut its electricity bill by £25 a year simply by turning appliances off instead of leaving them on stand-by.
Country/Regional Focus: UK
Themes: energy, environment
Web: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/10338
13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Energy, Environment, Regeneration, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
English Heritage to host conference on the future of seaside towns - Making Waves
The English seaside is unique, but many of the fragile remnants from its heyday are not well understood and appreciated. English Heritage will be hosting a two-day conference this autumn to bring together experts to explore how and whether the historic character of the country's seaside resorts can be better protected and play a role in their renaissance. Leading academics, social historians, policy makers and individuals with an active role in regeneration will discuss how seaside communities can reinvent themselves, highlight the problems and challenges today, debate what sort of balance needs to be struck between heritage and contemporary experiences, and consider the practical measures needed to ensure the future of the historic core of these places. Allan Brodie, Senior Investigator at English Heritage who has spent the last five years researching the history of seaside towns, said: 'Many seaside towns have suffered a downturn in prosperity marked by physical, environmental and community decline. Very often, the historic fabric that made these towns distinctive is under pressure to adapt to changing holiday tastes and at risk from inappropriate development.
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Heritage, Regeneration, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
A Guide to Social Enterprise in Health and Social Care
The health and social care system is changing. The Government is committed to an ongoing process of modernising and reforming the way services are provided. It wants care that is tailored to the needs of people rather than those of the service provider, and proactive services that promote health and well being, not simply reactive ones that deal with the consequences of ill-health. The social enterprise in partnership with Hempsons Solicitors have released a guide to social enterprise operating in the health and social care sector, and features in-depth look at nine case studies, highlighting the diverse range of social enterprises operating in these emerging markets and their fresh approaches to service delivery. This guide is for anyone interested in social enterprise and the benefits of working with, setting up or working for a social enterprise - particularly those operating in primary, community or social care.
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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11 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Social Enterprise, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
Social Enterprise in Scotland
A new strategy and action plan intended to grow and develop social enterprise in Scotland is launched today. The strategy 'Better business -a strategy and action plan for social enterprise in Scotland' highlights the important contribution a social enterprise business model can make to life in Scotland. Social enterprises contribute to economic growth and business development while at the same time meeting important social goals. They can deliver services focused on the needs of people, regenerate and empower people in Scotland's most deprived communities and play a major role in supported employment. In addition to social and economic benefits, many social enterprises are involved in bringing environmental benefits to communities. Communities Minister, Rhona Brankin, today launched the social enterprise strategy. She also announced £1.5 million in resources for an action plan to promote four strategic objectives.
Country/Regional Focus: Scotland
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29 March 2007
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April 16, 2007 in Scotland, Social Enterprise, Social Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Mutuality Works 07
The Co-operative College is hosting a major event for co-operative and mutual professionals on 15 and 16 May at Bosworth Hall Hotel in Market Bosworth, Warwickshire. Mutuality Works 07 builds upon the success of events the College has run for a number of years. As a result of widespread demand, they are launching this event which is designed for professionals within membership, learning and development and community and governance. Delegates from consumer co-operatives, NHS Foundation trusts and other co-operative and mutual enterprises are invited. The event will provide the opportunity to network with people from different backgrounds within co-operatives and foundation trusts, enabling attendees to get fresh ideas and information from different sectors. Keynote speakers include, Hazel Blears MP - Minister Without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office, Ben Reid - Chair of Co-operativesUK, Chief Executive of the Midcounties Co-operative and Chair of Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, Alison Tickner - Director of Diversity ('out of the box') Academee Learning Solutions and Mo Girach - Chief Executive of Foundation Healthcare Group.
Country/Regional Focus: England
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29 March 2007
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April 16, 2007 in England, Regeneration | Permalink | Comments (0)
Joint action plan announced to find work for healthcare job seekers
A detailed action plan which will help to increase job opportunities for newly qualified healthcare professionals is published today. The plan, which has been put together jointly by the NHS trade unions, the Department of Health and NHS Employers through the Social Partnership Forum, makes a series of practical suggestions as to what NHS, social care, local government, independent and voluntary sector employers and higher education institutions can do together to identify employment opportunities for newly qualified healthcare professionals. Commending the forum participants, Health Minister Lord Hunt said: 'The Social Partnership Forum demonstrates that collaboration between employers, unions and the Department of Health can provide a constructive way forward in improving job opportunities for new graduates. I am encouraged by the response of many employers in helping ensure new qualifiers are supported. There is much work to do but this report provides a number of options to help those who have made a significant personal commitment in undertaking training.'
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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13 April 2007
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April 16, 2007 in ICT, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
Green fuels could be bad for the environment
A misjudged push for `green' fuels could instead damage the climate and trash rainforests, according to the UK's largest environmental groups today. Biofuels - which are similar to petrol but less environmentally damaging because they are made from crops and wastes - could play an important role in tackling global warming. But, say bosses from the RSPB, WWF, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, the Government's dash for biofuels is ill thought out, lacks appropriate safeguards and could be creating more problems than it solves. The Government proposal - known as the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) - could, in its present form, see businesses producing biofuels by destroying rainforests and wetlands, not only threatening endangered habitats and species but also releasing far more carbon into the atmosphere than could ever hope to be saved by replacing fossil fuels. The groups are demanding the Obligation is tightened up so that biofuel producers must meet minimum greenhouse gas and sustainability standards, with environmental audits of the whole life-cycle of the fuels, from growing the crop to transporting it to the pump.
Country/Regional Focus: UK
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11 April 2007
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April 13, 2007 in Energy, Environment, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
