Month: March 2021

World Water Day 2021: finding the true value of Scotland’s water

What is the true value of water in Scotland and what does it mean to you? On Monday 22nd March, the Hydro Nation International Centre, supported by the Scottish Government and the James Hutton Institute are hosting a free online celebration of World Water Day, bringing together Scotland’s water community to hear their perspectives on the theme of ‘Valuing Water’.

In our water-rich Scotland, water is often taken for granted, but the annual UN World Water Day is a brilliant opportunity to reflect on what it means for a nation to truly value its water. Value means different things to different people, sometimes just purely economic, but many see water through a wider cultural, environmental, and societal lens.

On the 22nd of March participants will be able to join in the conversation, in what is also Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, and hear from representatives from the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association, the Scottish Government, the Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice Scotland and Visit Scotland.

This year’s online format has presented exciting opportunities and, in addition to a series of fascinating talks and panel discussions, World Water Day 2021 will host a series of immersive, three-dimensional virtual exhibition spaces, giving participants a chance to:

  • Explore the latest thinking on range of issues, including community empowerment and engagement, how Scotland is leading water innovation, making our cities “climate-proof” and contributing to the global fight against climate change;
  • Gain fascinating insight into the leading-edge research of the Hydro Nation Scholars and wider academic community;
  • Network virtually with key players in the Scottish water sector, as well as others with interest and insight into Scotland’s water resources;
  • Lose yourself in an exploration of the role of water in contemporary Scottish art and design,
  • And more!

Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), said: “The Hydro Nation International Centre at the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, is honoured to coordinate our annual national celebration of World Water Day, bringing together water professionals, researchers, policy, regulators and the public to share experiences and perspectives on the world’s most precious resource.”

Barry Greig, of the Water Industry Team at Scottish Government, commented: “Scotland’s unique Hydro Nation agenda comprises a broad range of activities supporting the Scottish Government’s vision to be a world leader in the sustainable use and responsible management of water.

“We strive to manage our water environment to the best advantage, ensuring we recognise the importance and value of water within our national and international identity. World Water Day provides an ideal opportunity to showcase Scotland’s water leadership.”

The event will be held on the 22nd March, with registration commencing at 9:30am.

Tickets are free and can be booked via Eventbrite at the following link: 

http://bit.ly/ScotWWD21.

Test and Trace: “British taxpayers cannot be treated by Government like an ATM machine”

“Unimaginable” cost of Test & Trace failed to deliver central promise of averting another lockdown

In May last year NHS Test and Trace (NHST&T) was set up with a budget of £22 billion. Since then it has been allocated £15 billion more: totalling £37 BILLION over two years.

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) justified the scale of investment, in part, on the basis that an effective test and trace system would help avoid a second national lockdown – but since its creation we have had two more lockdowns.

In its report Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee says that while NHST&T clearly had to be set up and staffed at incredible speed, it must now “wean itself off its persistent reliance on consultants”; there is still no clear evidence of NHST&T’s overall effectiveness; and it’s not clear whether its contribution to reducing infection levels – as opposed to the other measures introduced to tackle the pandemic – can justify its “unimaginable” costs.

The scale of NHST&T’s activities is striking, particularly given its short life. Between May 2020 and January 2021, daily UK testing capacity for COVID-19 increased from around 100,000 to over 800,000 tests. NHST&T had also contacted over 2.5 million people testing positive for COVID-19 in England and advised more than 4.5 million of their associated contacts to self-isolate. 

But the percentage of total laboratory testing capacity used in November and December 2020 remained under 65%, and even with the spare capacity, NHST&T has never met the target to turn around all tests in face-to-face settings in 24 hours. Low utilisation rates – well below the target of 50% – persisted into October last year.  

A major focus for NHST&T in early 2021 was the mass roll-out of rapid testing in different community settings, but there have been particular setbacks for the roll-out to schools, after NHST&T had significantly underestimated the increase in demand for testing when schools and universities returned last September.

Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “The £23 billion test and trace has cost us so far is about the annual budget of the Department for Transport.Test & Trace still continues to pay for consultants at £1000 a day.

“Yet despite the unimaginable resources thrown at this project Test and Trace cannot point to a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic, and the promise on which this huge expense was justified – avoiding another lockdown – has been broken, TWICE.

“DHSC and NHST&T must rapidly turn around these fortunes and begin to demonstrate the worth and value of this staggering investment of taxpayers’ money. Not only is it essential it delivers an effective system as pupils return to school and more people return to their workplace, but for the £billions spent we need to see a top class legacy system.

“British taxpayers cannot be treated by Government like an ATM machine. We need to see a clear plan and costs better controlled.”

Test and Trace chief Baroness Dido Harding has defended the £37 billion service and said the committee report is ‘old news’.

Scottish retail staff speak out about increased abuse during the pandemic

Usdaw urges respect for shopworkers

Survey Results 2020: Campaign to end violence and abuse against retail workers

Retail trade union Usdaw is urging customers to respect shopworkers as they today release new statistics showing that 79% of shopworkers say abuse was worse last year.

Scottish shopworkers are speaking out about their own experiences ahead of a new protection of shopworkers law coming into force in August.

The final results of Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

  • 88% experienced verbal abuse,
  • 60% were threatened by a customer,
  • 9% were assaulted.

The full report can be downloaded from: www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2020

Scottish voices from the frontline: 

These are some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “I challenged the customer under ‘Think 25’ – he threw his shopping at me and tried to grab me.” – “Punched in back when filling shelf by a customer, just to ask me if I am busy!” – “Told that I’m a f***ing cow.”

Glasgow: “Customer swore at me and hit with sandwich.” – “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.” – “Finger pointing in face and being poked with finger.” – “Customer trying to punch me on the body.”

Highlands and Islands: “Asking politely to keep a 2 metre distance. Was told to f*** off & get on with my work.” – “Throwing money at me.” – “Verbal abuse, mainly from people influenced by drugs and alcohol.”

Lothian: “People get stroppy about wearing face coverings.” – “Customers have called me an ‘idiot’ for asking for ID.” – “Had a customer grab my bottom when leaning over me to get at products.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Customers take their frustrations out on the staff, being verbally abusive for no reason and treating us like dirt.” – “Threats, coughing in my face, rants at having to wait in a queue.”

North East Scotland: “Shoplifters angry at being challenged.” – “An attempted armed robbery, verbal abuse from shoplifters, verbal abuse from intoxicated customers and verbal abuse from people who’ve been asked for ID.”

South Scotland: “Covid related abuse about social distancing and queues at checkouts.” – “Get verbal abuse asking for ID.” – “customers being nasty, shouting in front of the rest of the queue, and shouting abuse when carrying out Challenge 25.”

West Scotland: “Drunk people unable to accept service refusal, usually verbal also been spat at and threats.” – “When politely explaining our refund policy some people get very abusive when they find out they cannot exchange without a receipt.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary, says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from Scottish shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive.

“Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by shopworkers. It has been a terrible year for our members, with almost 90% of shopworkers suffering abuse, two-thirds threatened and one in ten assaulted.

“We are saying loud and clear that enough is enough, abuse should never be part of the job. At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that staff working to keep food on the shelves and the shop safe for customers are being abused.

“So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament in January. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is that the public understands that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we are working with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

FFFSurveyResultsReportDownload

Amazing Aegon UK staff raise more than £140,000 for charity

  • ​Total includes more than £86,000 for two Scottish charities – Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Alzheimer Scotland – and £38,665.51 for the national charity partner Macmillan
  • Aegon will support Blood Bikes Scotland and Marie Curie Edinburgh as local charity partners and Prince’s Trust as national charity partner in 2021

The pandemic didn’t stall fundraising in 2020, as Aegon UK employees working with their Atos colleagues raised a total of £142,368.06 for nine employee selected charity partners UK wide. (Who donated the 6p? – Ed.)

The company charity committees and employees coordinated everything from raffles, quizzes and dress up days, to running challenges, virtual coffee mornings and pet competitions to raise funds throughout the year. Aegon UK then matched these funds pound for pound, bringing the grand charitable total to £142,368.06 for the nine charity partners.

25% of all funds raised went to the national charity, Macmillan and 75% of money raised in each location went to the local charity or charities. The local charities selected by the employees in Edinburgh were Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Alzheimer Scotland .

Due to the lockdown, cheque presentations took place virtually this year for most of the charities, with just a couple of the cheques being delivered in person by Aegon employees.

A breakdown of the funds raised for each of the nine charities can be found below.

Mike Holliday-Williams, CEO, Aegon UK commented: “The pandemic presented our charity committees and employees with a fresh fundraising challenge this year. The usual bake sales and dress down days were no longer possible when the offices closed. But Aegon employees rose to this challenge and came up with a steady stream of wonderful ideas to ensure our charities were well taken care of, lifting everyone’s spirits in the process.

“Pet competitions, ready steady cook at home challenges, the 555 running challenge quizzes, dress up days, virtual coffee mornings, raffles and so much more – I was in awe at the persistence and creativity from everyone involved.

“Employees have gone above and beyond in 2020 to support the company’s commitment to giving back to our local communities – from nominating the charities close to their hearts, through to the passion and dedication shown in raising these funds for fantastic causes. I’m extremely impressed with the dedication and efforts of those involved, especially during a global pandemic.

“I would also like to thank the charity committees across all the locations for their hard work in keeping up the momentum and delivering for our charity partners. Helping people is at the core of what Aegon does as a business, and the fundraising work we do as a company is a key part of that.”

Michelle Campbell, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan said: “This is an acutely challenging time for people living with cancer, the NHS and for cancer care. We are doing whatever it takes to make sure our vital support continues to be available.

“Funding is needed more than ever, so for Aegon to exceed their original target and donate £38,665.51 is more than we could have imagined. This type of donation pays for a Macmillan support worker for over a year, helping people living with cancer receive the help they need.

“We would like to thank Aegon for their continued support throughout the year and for the outstanding amount raised.”

Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said: “Staff at Aegon have done amazing work to help children with life-shortening conditions across Scotland. We at CHAS just can’t thank the team enough.

“The money raised will fund the cost of specialist hospice care for children with short lives, and emotional and practical support for their parents, brothers and sisters. No-one should face the death of their child alone and this partnership takes us one step closer to making that a reality.”

Caroline Miller, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Alzheimer Scotland said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging year for people living with dementia and their carers. There is an estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland – approximately 60,000 of whom live in the community.

“Each of these people, to different degrees, rely on their daily routines, social interactions, community-based groups and activities, and formal health and social care services, as a way to maintain their wellbeing and live as independently as possible in their own communities.

“All these supports have been disrupted as a direct consequence of this pandemic and the public health restrictions. We’ve seen from the dramatic increase in calls to our helpline, the toll this has taken.

“The generosity of Aegon and their staff during our partnership has been humbling. Despite the restrictions in place, they have continued their fundraising at pace and also responded with a generous gift to our crisis appeal.

“The total of just over £43,000 raised is an incredible achievement in any year but we are so grateful that in this most difficult of years they have made such a contribution. This money will have a real impact on people living with dementia in Scotland as we continue to transform the ways in which we support people living with dementia, their families and carers as we move forward.”

The charities were chosen as the result of a company-wide vote on a shortlist of charities nominated by Aegon UK employees.

In 2021 Aegon UK employees and Atos colleagues will be supporting:

  • National charity – Prince’s Trust
  • Edinburgh local charities – Blood Bikes Scotland and Marie Curie Edinburgh
  • London local charity – London’s Air Ambulance
  • Manchester local charities – Forever Manchester and Dianne Oxberry Trust
  • Peterborough local charity – East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH)
  • Witham local charities – Kids Inspire and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
  • Lytham local charity – Trinity Hospice & Brian’s House

Breakdown of funds raised for all Aegon UK charity partners in 2020. 

Aegon locationCharityFunds raised
National charityMacmillan£38,665.51
Edinburgh – local charityAlzheimer Scotland£43,023.08
Edinburgh – local charityCHAS£43,023.08
Witham – local charityFarleigh Hospice£3,718.42
Witham – local charityEssex and Herts Air Ambulance£3,718.42
London – local charityLondon’s Air Ambulance£3,675.68
Peterborough – local charityEast Anglia Children’s Hospice£4,784.69
Manchester – local charityDianne Oxberry Trust£879.59
Manchester – local charityForever Manchester£879.59
TOTAL£142,368.06

Social Bite launches Break the Cycle campaign

  • Social Bite announce plans to build two new Villages, with target sites in Glasgow and London
  • Olympic hero backing “Break the Cycle” campaign to raise £1m to help fund two new villages, Sir Chris will cycle 60-mile route from Glasgow to Edinburgh with 1,000 fellow riders to raise money for the cause
  • Edinburgh Village project has helped 39 people since July 2018 with 79% saying the village has helped improve their wellbeing

Social Bite, with the support of Sir Chris Hoy, has today announced its latest fundraising campaign Break the Cycle – a 60 mile charity bike ride which aims to raise £1m to help build Social Bite Villages in two new UK cities, with target locations in Glasgow and London.

The Break the Cycle event will take place on Sunday 5th September, with Sir Chris joining 1,000 fellow cyclists as they set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow and pedal the 60 miles through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the flagship Social Bite village in Granton.

Each participant will be asked to raise £1,000 in order to take part and ride alongside the six-time Olympic Champion, contributing to the overall fundraising target. All entrants will also have access to some incredible prizes, from naming a house at one of the villages to winning a signed medal from Sir Chris Hoy himself.

As well as the physical event in September, the fundraising campaign is open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK invited to take part in their own virtual challenges from March to September to raise money and help Social Bite break the cycle of homelessness.

Friends, families, workplace teams and schools are all encouraged to pick a challenge and get sponsored for doing it. Whether it’s a 60-mile challenge or 60 minutes of exercise, the virtual challenge can be designed to fit what suits people best.

Money raised both on event day and in the lead up through virtual challenges will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup.

The communities will offer a supportive community environment and opportunities to help people affected by homelessness build an independent life.

The goal of the Social Bite Villages is to provide a different blueprint for how we, as a society, respond to homelessness and temporary accommodation – one which puts support and the individual at the centre of the approach. 

The village concept is supported by Dame Louise Casey, the former Westminster homelessness tsar who led the work with helping 33,000 people into emergency housing during the pandemic.

Since launching in May 2018, the Social Bite Village in partnership with Cyrenians has provided accommodation and support to 39 residents, helping them find their feet and permanent homes. 82% of people who have lived at the Village are either still happily housed there or have moved onto a positive destination.

10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “It’s an honour for us to have one of the country’s biggest sporting heroes support us in our effort to build two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness.

“Sir Chris has been an advocate of the work we do for some time and when we came up with the Break the Cycle concept, we knew there was only one person we wanted to partner with.

“We’re incredibly passionate about our plans for the Social Bite villages. Since opening the first one in Edinburgh, 39 people have been helped with a home and support through the project. Now that we have seen that the model is working, our ambition is to build more in cities across the country and I’m thrilled to announce that this is our intention in London and Glasgow.

“The money we manage to raise from our Break the Cycle fundraising campaign will allow these plans to become a reality and enable us to develop communities that will have a transformative impact on people’s lives. We’re very grateful to all our supporters, including M&G plc who have already signed up as a major partner.”

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I have supported Social Bite by sleeping under the stars each year at their mass participation sleepout events for the last four years.  I have seen the impact of the funds raised and I am passionate about supporting the bold approach to breaking the cycle of homelessness.

“I know times have been incredibly tough of late but I’d encourage everyone to get involved and help raise the funds needed for this extraordinary project and take on their own challenges over the coming weeks and months. I look forward to see those taking part at the starting line …”

Steven McKechnie, Director at Arup, said: “Our society can be a challenging place for those who don’t fit neatly into its expectations and norms.  Social Bite’s ‘villages’ provide a route into society for some of those people. 

“They provide support and shelter and enable the growth of self-worth. They help people to learn how to start growing their roots.  They are more than just a room for the night.  They are beautiful and homely.  They have a sense of place and delight that feeds the soul. 

“We, in Arup, are tremendously proud to have been asked to help with this magnificent project.  We will be contributing ideas and design thinking and will be connecting with our contacts in local authorities, development firms and public bodies to help to select suitable sites. We hope our contribution will be helpful.”

Jim McBride, Head of Homelessness at Glasgow Council, said: “Glasgow HSCP would welcome early discussions with Social Bite to determine how this innovative approach could contribute to the work the city is undertaking to address homelessness and supporting people who present with complex needs.”

To find our more or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk

Edinburgh College Class of 2020 celebrates with a Virtual Graduation ceremony

Edinburgh College’s Class of 2020 celebrated the enormous achievement of graduating from their courses with a virtual ceremony held last week, Friday 5 March.

Over 600 graduates from across the College’s Creative Industries, Engineering and Built Environment, Health Wellbeing and Social Science and Tourism, Hospitality and Business faculties joined virtual ceremonies hosted on YouTube.

The Class of 2020 were due to cross the stage at the city’s McEwan Hall last September, however the event had to be moved online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonetheless, graduates celebrated in style and watched their ceremonies from their homes – taking in speeches from Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross, as well as seeing and hearing lots of excited and emotional well wishes from their lecturers.

Graduates and staff shared photos of their individual celebrations across social media, showing off their gowns, mortarboards and certificates while enjoying their moment with their loved ones.

Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to our Class of 2020. This day may have felt like a long time coming but each graduate has made it and, for that, they should be extremely proud of themselves.

“To graduate from any course in any year is no mean feat, but in the times in which we have been living, the achievements of our Class of 2020 are nothing short of extraordinary – my hat goes off to them.

“I would like to thank every graduate for their commitment to their studies and their determination to keep going, and for working hard with our dedicated lecturing and support teams to successfully achieve their awards.

“We’re very proud of all our graduates and wish them every success in their future – whether they go on to further study or straight into the world of work, we look forward to hearing about their achievements yet to come.”

Building Back Better: Move to boost transport connections across the UK

  • Prime Minister sets out vision to boost connectivity across the UK, with improved transport infrastructure at the heart of Government’s levelling up agenda
  • Consultation to launch this Spring on reforming Air Passenger Duty tax in further step to boost transport connecting the whole of the UK, whilst we explore new requirements to offset emissions and in parallel continue to decarbonise aviation
  • Sir Peter Hendy’s interim report into transport connectivity outlines potential for a UK Strategic Transport Network, with £20m committed to develop plans

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today (Wednesday 10 March) sets out his vision to ‘build back better’ from coronavirus by boosting transport connectivity across and between the whole of the UK, as part of ambitions to truly level up across the country.

The UK Government will also consult on cutting air passenger duty on internal UK flights, and will commit £20m to develop plans for upgraded rail, road, sea and air links. 

The measures were announced following the interim report of Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review, published today. In June, Sir Peter Hendy CBE was tasked by the Prime Minister with exploring ways in which transport can better connect all parts of the United Kingdom.

Sir Peter Hendy’s report sets out how a UK Strategic Transport Network would help deliver this ambition.

Such a network would significantly expand and upgrade direct transport connections in the UK across road, rail, sea and air, helping to reduce delays and bottlenecks and stimulate economic growth.

Improving rail links helps cut carbon emissions, and so as well as considering how transport links can better connect the UK, the Prime Minister will consider their environmental and social impact – taking into account how they will improve the quality of life of the people that use them.

The potential network will now form the main focus of Sir Peter’s continuing investigations, with his final report in the summer looking to identify specific transport upgrades that could form the backbone of the network’s ambitions. 

To jump-start some of the projects identified by Sir Peter, the Government has today committed £20m towards exploring the development of projects, such as: 

  • Improved rail connectivity between the North coast of Wales and England
  • Upgrading the A75 between Gretna, Dumfries and Stranraer, a key route for south-west Scotland and Northern Ireland but almost entirely single-carriageway. 
  • Significantly faster rail links from England to Scotland, including looking at options to enhance the West Coast Mainline
  • Rail improvements in South-East Wales building on ideas from the Welsh Government’s Burns Commission

The Government is also announcing that the consultation on aviation tax reform, announced at Budget 2020, will be published in Spring 2021.

The consultation will include options to change the APD treatment for domestic flights, such as reintroducing a return leg exemption or creation of a new lower domestic rate.

In addition to looking at the case for increasing the number of international distance bands, the UK will continue to decarbonise domestic aviation as part of their ambition to reach net zero, including through mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuels. All domestic aviation emissions are captured in carbon budgets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: “It’s now time to build back better in a way which brings every corner of the UK closer together. We will harness the incredible power of infrastructure to level up parts of our country that have too long been left off the transport map.

“This pioneering review by Sir Peter Hendy gives us the tools we need to deliver on our ambitions for a UK-wide transport network that encompasses sea, rail, and road – and I also want to cut passenger duty on domestic flights so we can support connectivity across the country.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As we build back better from Covid it is more important than ever that we level-up every corner of our great country.  

“Quality transport infrastructure is key to achieving that, which is why we are committed to boosting connectivity and bringing communities across the UK even closer together.” 

The UK Government will work closely with relevant devolved administrations on development studies. For example, the UK government will work closely with the Scottish Government on any feasibility study on the A75.

Sir Peter has spoken with over a hundred organisations and received nearly 150 submissions to his call for evidence. As a result, he has been able to identify some of the most pressing issues for connecting all parts of the UK. 

Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “Devolution has been good for transport but it has also led to a lack of attention to connectivity between the four nations, due to competing priorities and complex funding.

“A UK Strategic Transport Network could resolve this, with its core objective centred around levelling up across the whole of the UK.”

The Government will receive the final UCR recommendations ahead of the Spending Review, where it will consider and confirm funding plans for delivering improved connectivity across the UK.

The review into boosting the transport options connecting the UK sits squarely at the centre of the Government’s levelling up agenda, with focus on providing high-quality transport infrastructure to communities that have been passed over for investment in previous decades a key pillar of the plans. 

While the review looks to the future, the UK Government continues to support current Union connectivity measures and recently provided a further £4.3 million to fund a two-year extension to the vital flight route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted, beginning on 1 April, which will boost local economies on both sides. 

The Scotish Government has accused the UK Government of undermining devolution as transport falls under Holyrood’s remit.

Union-Connectivity-Review-Interim-ReportDownload

Online school launches package of support to help young people recover lost learning

An online school, established by Wey Education more than 16 years ago, has launched an ‘essential’ programme of English, Maths and Science support, delivered live by expert teachers, to help students across the UK recover the learning they have missed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

These efforts align with the Government’s recovery support package which includes tutoring programmes, summer provision and recovery premiums for state schools, so that children and young people can catch up on missed learning and development opportunities.

The “InterHigh Essentials” package was developed as a way to alleviate the “pain” of families who were struggling with home schooling and remote learning. It offers young people in the local area the opportunity to enrol on its online platform and access lessons for three core subjects English, maths and science, plus tutorial, in an interactive and effective, yet easy-to-use format. The virtual lessons will be delivered live by experienced teachers who are qualified to teach online.

Developed by a team with over 16 years of experience with online teaching, students will be given opportunities to fully engage with their learning, in a virtual environment that is characteristic of how we will learn, work, and interact in the future.

For the equivalent of £12 a day, families can benefit from supplementary learning in a virtual environment while their child continues to be enrolled in their current school.  

Emma Beer, an InterHigh parent who enrolled her son during Covid-19, said: “He’s more settled into a routine and is far more engaged in learning at home. During the first two weeks of schools closing, it was difficult to home educate my son and I struggled to find material online which engaged him, meaning I had to constantly sit next to him to keep an eye on what he was doing.

“The crisis has unveiled an amazing opportunity for my son to try a different approach to education.”

The programme is open to students in Key Stage 2, 3, and 4, and registration can be done individually by students, or by schools on their behalf. The team at InterHigh believe in transformative education which provides a community for students to learn wherever they feel most comfortable, supported, and engaged.

Jacqueline Danielle, CEO of Wey Education, said: “Our aim is to provide all young people with the opportunity to access an education that will inspire a lifelong love of learning – both pure and applied, and I believe we have achieved something truly remarkable over the past 17 years at Wey Education.

“Events this year have opened the eyes of many to the power and possibilities of online learning. We are excited to provide more families with the opportunity to study with us and experience our innovative and pioneering approach to teaching and learning in a virtual environment.”

Dr Sara de Freitas, Executive Director of Education at Wey Education, said: “During the pandemic, many students have missed out on parts of their education which can have long term negative impacts upon employment and mental health.

“Our new programme is designed to plug these gaps in young people’s education and provide the important learning they may have missed during the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this package to students as a supplementary offer and recommend it for all students that have been affected by school closures during this year and last year.”

For more information, including how to enrol, please visit: 

http://www.interhigh.co.uk/apply

First Minister announces cautious easing of Level 4 restrictions

More people will be able to socialise outdoors following good progress in suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), the First Minister has announced.

Up to four adults from two households will be able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational purposes as well as exercise from Friday 12 March. People should only go indoors if it is essential in order to reach a back garden, or to go to the toilet.

Outdoor non-contact sports and group exercise will also resume for adults in groups of up to to 15 people from this date.

Young people aged 12 to 17 will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to four people from four different households, participate in outdoor non-contact sports, and other organised activities in groups of up to 15 and travel across local authority boundaries to participate in such activities.

Should progress suppressing the virus continue, the Scottish Government intends to reopen places of worship with attendance limits increased from 20 to 50 where there is space for social distancing on Friday 26 March.

A final decision will be taken on Tuesday 23 March ahead of Passover, Easter, Ramadan and Vaisakhi.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In recent weeks, we have seen a significant fall in new cases, deaths and hospital admissions, and the vaccination programme is progressing beyond our initial expectations. All of this is excellent news, and provides strong grounds for hope, but that hope must also be balanced by caution.

“The changes announced today, while modest, are important, and are designed to help people’s health and well-being by enabling group exercise and allowing more social interaction. They will also let children see more of their friends, and exercise and play more normally.

“With continued progress, we believe the reopening of places of worship can be achieved relatively safely, and will hopefully enable more people to draw strength, comfort and inspiration from acts of collective worship.

“I expect that further, more substantial changes will be possible in the weeks ahead, and I will set out as much detail as I can about that in Parliament next week. If the data allows us to relax more restrictions more quickly than we have previously indicated, we will not hesitate to do so.

“We all have a part to play in keeping case numbers down while the vaccinators do their work, children get back to school and we all take tentative but firm steps back to life as we once knew it, so please continue to stay within the rules and follow the FACTS advice.”

The easing has been welcomed by council leaders. Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This latest announcement is a clear sign that positive progress is being made in the fight against Covid.

“More people will be able to mix outdoors from Friday including young people meeting their friends, outdoor non-contact sport and organised group exercise, which will be allowed for 15 people, and up to 50 will be allowed to take part in communal worship.

“The First Minister announced that further easing of restrictions to help Scotland’s economy sector will be made public next week. It’s essential that our businesses are able to safely open again to resume a more normal version of trading and we very much hope that circumstances allow that to happen. We will of course make sure that we continue to support our local traders, as we have done since the start of this pandemic.

“It is critical that we all continue to follow the national guidance to keep our communities safe. There’s no doubt that by sticking to the rules we have all played our part in driving down infections with the numbers for Edinburgh at one of the lowest levels since Spring last year.

“We can’t afford to let our guard slip and start ignoring all the precautions we’ve been following so carefully in the past few months. It’s important to continue observing the restrictions that are still in place and all work together to follow this path out of lockdown safely.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Today’s update for the latest lifting of restrictions is another positive step forward as we look to move out of lockdown towards some semblance of normality.

“Increasing the number of people who can meet up outdoors allows us to spend more time with loved ones and friends. It’s really good news that groups of four young people from different households will be able to meet as their wellbeing is so important. All our primary school pupils will be back next week and our high schools are preparing to welcome back pupils for face-to-face teaching as well.

“It’s essential that we observe this gradual, phased approach if we are to protect people’s health and safety while working towards the city’s successful recovery from the pandemic. We all want to keep the virus under control and everyone safe. The successful roll out of the vaccine programme and the fall in positive cases in Edinburgh is really welcome. However, right now our advice remains the same – stay at home and help to protect lives.”

The First Minister also announced a national silence on 23 March to mark the first anniversary of lockdown to remember all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Further plans for easing restrictions on the economy and tourism industry will be announced next week.

Automatic Vending Association members prioritise Legislation, Lobbying and Learning

The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has released the results from its annual member satisfaction survey this month, highlighting widespread industry support for continued remote collaboration to deliver positive change.

The survey, which gained 68 company responses from the AVA’s 180-strong member base, also showcased an influx in internal sentiment, in that the trade body has seen a 36% increase over four years for those who would recommend AVA membership – just over 90% of respondents.

AVA members also used the annual survey to highlight the services they value most in their membership, with 57.5% of members surveyed stating ongoing lobbying on key legislation is crucial in the industry’s post-pandemic recovery.

In response to this feedback, the AVA has bolstered its external communication and lobbying activity by enlisting reputation management agency, Definition. 

The topics and issues covered include the ongoing lobbying for support from the government’s Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG), Additional Restriction Grants (ARGs), an extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for hospitality businesses.

AVA members also utilised this survey to highlight the need for ongoing technical advice and knowledge updates, both during the end of lockdown and when restrictions ease.

The AVA has seen a 50% increase in technical and knowledge advice since the pandemic began and has pledged to continue this with a busy webinar and internal committee schedule into 2021 and beyond.

David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA said: “The Automatic Vending Association is dedicated to upholding the needs of our members in what is still an immensely difficult time for their respective businesses.

“However, members should also be encouraged to join the effort to lobby for support, as we are more likely to be successful in our fight if more members show enthusiasm across the United Kingdom.

“Ways of doing this range from sharing the AVA’s social content and sharing content of your own online, all the way to reaching out to your local MP with our press releases to engage support on a local and national level.

“With the support of our members, local members of parliament and communications team, we can look to rebuild from the damage the pandemic has done to business in the wider foodservice industry, including AVA members.”

To keep up to date with the Automatic Vending Association’s lobbying activity, visit: https://www.the-ava.com/news.

For further information on the Automatic Vending Association visit: https://www.the-ava.com/