20/08/2021 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

University College London is the best Uni for creative students

Analysis has shown that University College London is the best university for those seeking creative careers.
Glasgow and Edinburgh have the highest number of creative businesses in each city.
University of Glasgow is the second best university for creative students, with University of Oxford being third.

With A-Level results recently released and students heading to university in the next few months, research has found that University College London (UCL) is the best university for creative students in the UK.

Creative resource DesignBundles.net collated university rankings and data from Companies House and ONS to establish an index score which would reveal the best university to attend for students who are studying creative degrees such as Art and Design at university in the UK.

University College London (UCL) tops Design Bundles rankings as the UK’s best university for creative students as it places second overall on The Complete University Guide (CUG) for artistic and creative courses and has a high number of 293 creative companies registered close to its campus in Westminster.

In addition, the average salary in the Westminster borough is £36,348 according to ONS data; the highest amongst the regions studied in the analysis.

Famous creative alumni from University College London include Christopher Nolan, who directed the Dark Knight trilogy, sculptor Anthony Gormley and illustrator Raymond Briggs.

The University of Glasgow was revealed as the second-best university for creative students, ranking 19th on the full CUG. Despite this lower score, the city hosts a massive 996 creative businesses, offering graduates that choose to stay in the area a large number of prospects within the creative industry.

The University of Oxford obtained the third highest index score due to its high placement on the CUG ranking, coupled with its location amongst 238 registered creative business in the arts and culture sector and an average salary of £27,012 per annum – one of the highest wages outside of London.

Overall, Edinburgh was revealed as the best city for creative students in the UK, hosting two of the top ten creative universities – University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

The city is home to a total of 685 business that are in the creative sector, with a number of annual cultural events such as Edinburgh Festival contributing to the city’s status as one of the UK’s top creative hubs.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for DesignBundles said: “A-Level results are at an all-time high so it is an exciting time for students heading to University. For creative students, it’s essential to be surrounded by a creative environment which any of these top ten universities appear to provide.”

The study was conducted by Design Bundles, which offers high quality premium design resources and a marketplace which allows graphic designers to register and sell their products.

Top 10 universities for creative students in the UK
Rank	University	Ranking on Complete University Guide	Number of registered creative businesses in the area	Average salary per area	Index Score
1	University College London (UCL)	2	293	£35,496	12
2	University of Glasgow	5	996	£23,292	17
3	University of Oxford	1	238	£27,012	18
4	University of Reading	6	292	£27,804	20
5	University of Leeds	7	598	£23,304	22
6	University of Edinburgh	14	684	£25,584	23
7	Newcastle University	3	307	£22,236	23
8	Heriot-Watt University	15	684	£25,584	26
9	Kingston University	10	105	£29,856	27
10	Goldsmiths, University of London	9	96	£30,504	30

Free bus travel praised by MSP

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised the Scottish Government’s announcement that all residents in Scotland, under the age of 22, will be eligible for free bus travel from January 2022.

This new scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22, builds on the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland which starts this month.

The scheme which is set benefit thousands across Edinburgh, will be delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “This is fantastic news for young people in the city, and right across Scotland, that I am certain will be welcomed across the board.

“I am delighted that in addition to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland from August this year, the SNP Scottish Government is going one step further and extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22 and under in Scotland.

“From Comiston to Currie, this will be of immense benefit to young people – especially those further outside the city centre like many in areas across Edinburgh Pentlands.

“It will ensure that young people do not have to face financial travel barriers to get to their education or work, as well as giving them more money in their pocket.

“It is decisive action like this that will also help encourage more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age, helping us in our journey to achieving the world-leading climate action targets which the Scottish Government have ambitiously set for us.”

Further information, including details on how to apply for the scheme, here.

Coalition of Chaos? SNP and Greens sign Holyrood deal

Shared programme agreed to ‘build a greener, fairer, independent Scotland’

The Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group have agreed to work together over the next five years to build a green economic recovery from COVID, respond to the climate emergency and create a fairer country.

A shared draft policy programme – the Bute House Agreement – has been agreed. It focuses on areas of mutual interest to improve the way Scotland is governed and create a stable platform to meet the challenges Scotland faces.

It details collaboration on the climate emergency, economic recovery, child poverty, the natural environment, energy and the constitution. It includes commitments to:

hold a referendum on Scottish independence after the COVID pandemic has passed, within the current parliamentary session
increase investment in active travel and public transport, including a Fair Fares review to provide a realistic and affordable alternative to car use
a strengthened framework of support for the marine renewables and offshore wind sectors
take forward a ten-year £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray
significantly increase the level of the Scottish Child Payment, in order to maximise the impact on child poverty, with the full £20 payment being achieved within the lifetime of the Parliament
designate at least one new National Park by the end of this parliamentary session
enhance marine environmental protection
implement an effective national system of rent controls, enhance tenants’ rights and deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032
invest at least £1.8 billion over this parliamentary session in energy efficiency and renewable heating
establish two new Scottish Government overseas offices in Warsaw and Copenhagen to promote Scotland’s interests in central Europe and the Nordic countries

Alongside the draft policy programme, the draft co-operation agreement sets out the way in which the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party will work together. This will include the nomination of two Green MSPs to be Scottish Government Ministers.

The cooperation agreement also lists a number of areas that are outwith the scope of the agreement, where both sides have agreed to differ.

The draft agreements will now be considered by the respective political parties involved and Ministers will provide an update to Parliament following recess.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has reached a ground-breaking agreement with the Scottish Green Party that meets the challenges and opportunities of our time.

“The challenges we face have rarely been greater – the climate emergency, recovery from a global pandemic and an assault by the UK government on the powers of our Parliament.

“Today’s politics can too often feel small – polarised, divided and incapable of meeting the moment – and this agreement is intended to change that in Scotland. It is about doing politics and governance better to find the solutions needed to solve the problems confronting the world today.

“The spirit of co-operation and consensus-building is very much in keeping with the founding principles of our Scottish Parliament. We do not agree on everything but we are coming out of our comfort zones to focus on what we do agree on.

“The agreement delivers bold policy action on pressing issues. A commitment to more affordable housing, a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality. Steps to accelerate our transition to net zero – more support for active travel, transformation of home energy and a ten year transition fund for the North East of Scotland. A focus on green jobs and fair work – and a sustainable recovery from COVID.

“We also reaffirm in this Agreement our shared commitment to securing independence for Scotland, and to giving people the right to choose our country’s future through a referendum.

“It recognises that business as usual is not good enough – we need boldness, courage and a will to do things differently. That is what we offer.”

Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “This is a historic moment, which could not come at a more important time.

“We must build a fairer and compassionate country and we must do everything in our power to tackle the escalating climate and nature emergencies to deliver a just transition for all. That is what this deal will do.

“Fundamentally this is a new approach to politics. We agree on some things and disagree on others – those distinctive voices can and will remain.”

Green Party co-leader Lorna Slater said: “The stakes could not be higher – with the COP26 climate conference coming to Glasgow, Scotland is in a position show real leadership on climate. But this deal is about people as well as the planet.

“Together, we would deliver a new deal for tenants, giving tenants more rights and introducing rent controls to help tackle Scotland’s housing crisis, create a new National Park, and much more.

“That’s why we are pledging to work together to build a greener, fairer and independent Scotland.”

The announcement has not been met with universal joy, oddly enough …

Largest opposition party the Scottish Conservatives say the deal is a ‘declaration of war on working Scots.’

“The SNP and Green coalition is anti-jobs and anti-business. They will push for indyref2 while starting a war on working Scotland. The @ScotTories will stand up for workers against this nationalist coalition of chaos.”

The STUC was quick to respond:

Responding to the power-sharing partnership announcement, GMB General Secretary Gary Smith said: “In the election the Greens said they wanted carers to be paid a £15 minimum, and with the consultation under way on the National Care Service, tens of thousands of staff undervalued on £9.50 an hour will expect Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie to deliver on their promises.

“They also campaigned on a platform to deliver a 12.5 per cent pay rise for nurses, the 4 per cent increase implemented didn’t come close to closing the massive pay restoration” gap after years of cuts, and in 2022 our NHS staff will expect better.

“And workers across our energy sector will be looking on with real concern, they will be seeking assurances that this deal will not be a one-way ticket to the dole queue – it’s as simple as that.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “This shouldn’t come as a surprise. It confirms a long-held suspicion that the Scottish Greens are just a branch office of the SNP.”

DOCUMENTS:

Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party: draft shared policy programme – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group: draft Cooperation Agreement – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Record number bid to become UK’s next City of Culture

Bids received from every nation in the UK as regions and groups of towns were encouraged to apply
The new winner will be announced next year and will be at the centre of the UK’s cultural spotlight in 2025

A record 20 places from across the UK have submitted an expression of interest to become the UK City of Culture 2025 – an all time high of entries for this prestigious competition.

Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway (part of a joint Borderlands coalition bid), Tay Cities (Dundee and Perth) and the city of Stirling fly the flag for Scotland.

The competition, delivered by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in collaboration with the devolved administrations, uses culture as a catalyst for levelling up areas outside London and putting new parts of the UK on the cultural map internationally.

Entrants have been tasked with proving that they can put culture at the heart of their plans to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Regions and groups of towns have been encouraged to apply in this competition, with a number stepping forward from across the UK.

Bidding for the title in its own right has been shown to have a hugely positive impact on a place, for example previous longlisted bids have used the bidding process to bring together lasting local, national and international partners, share a vision for their area and attract investment.

To ensure as many places as possible across the country can take up this opportunity, DCMS are awarding grants of £40,000 to successful longlisted places for the first time to support their long applications.

The winner, which will be announced next year, will take on the baton from Coventry as the 2021 UK City of Culture and be at the centre of the UK’s cultural spotlight in 2025.

The benefits to the winner of the title are huge, attracting millions of visitors and investment and bringing communities together to showcase the place where they live to the country and the world.

Throughout the history of this competition the winning cities have always benefited from financial support to ensure the programme’s success and lasting legacy. Coventry has received over £15.5 million from the Government to directly support its year as UK City of Culture.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This record number of applications from all four corners of the country is testament to the huge success of City of Culture in generating investment, creating jobs and boosting local pride.

“This prestigious prize creates a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to build back better from the pandemic and I wish all bidders the very best of luck.”

Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the City of Culture Expert Advisory Panel, said: “From Derry-Londonderry to Hull and Coventry it has been a difficult and rewarding challenge to select the next UK City of Culture, and the list of potential candidates for 2025 indicates that life in the immediate future is going to be even more challenging!

“The three previous title holders have demonstrated the transformative and catalytic effect culture can bring about, even within places that have been ultimately unsuccessful but have gone on to develop collaborative and sustainable partnerships.

“The list for 2025 also demonstrates the breadth of ambition, aspiration and innovation that exists from coast to coast and nation to nation across the UK and I am looking forward to that challenge of immersing myself once again in the UK’s rich seam of creativity.”

Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 is providing a blueprint for how culture can be at the heart of social and economic recovery.

The city has already attracted over £100 million so far in capital investment to support cultural projects, such as Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry Cathedral and Belgrade Theatre, among many others.

City of Culture status also had a huge impact on Hull and Derry-Londonderry.

Hull saw more than 5.3 million visits to over 2,800 events, cultural activities, installations and exhibitions.

75% of those who visited Hull in 2017 stated that it changed their perception of the city for the better and 9 out of 10 people in Hull thought that UK City of Culture had a positive impact on the city and more than nine-in-ten residents took part in at least one cultural activity.

The twenty bidders will be reduced to an initial long list of bidders in the coming weeks and then cut down further to a final shortlist in early 2022. The winner will be announced in May 2022.

Full list of bidders:

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
The City of Bangor and Northwest Wales
The Borderlands region, comprising Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City
Bradford
Conwy County
Cornwall
Derby
County Durham
Lancashire
Medway
City of Newport
Powys
Southampton
Stirling
The Tay Cities region
Torbay and Exeter
Wakefield District
City of Wolverhampton
Wrexham County Borough
Great Yarmouth & East Suffolk

Dentists given 24 hours notice to prepare for free dental policy

The British Dental Association Scotland has warned the Scottish Government it must improve communication, and carefully manage patient expectations, as it issued instructions today to Health Boards on delivering free NHS dental care to 18 – 25 year olds, JUST ONE FULL WORKING DAY before the policy takes effect on Tuesday.

The instructions are unlikely to reach practices until next week.

The policy was a centrepiece of the SNP’s May election bid, and plans to abolish dental charges for this age group were introduced over two months ago. Howeever today’s communication is the first formal instruction on how practices should implement the policy.

Many practices will simply be unable to introduce the required changes at such short notice. The eleventh-hour timing has all but ruled out the possibility of delivering necessary staff training for the new arrangements, and the opportunity and introduce appropriate practice management systems.

BDA Scotland has also expressed deep concern over the absence of clear messaging to manage patient expectations. Practices are continuing to operate at low capacity owing to ongoing COVID restrictions, with no capacity to cater for an anticipated spike in demand.

Analysis of Freedom of Information requests made by the BDA indicate over 4 million appointments have been lost since the first lockdown in Scotland, when compared to pre COVID levels, with just 25% of the usual volumes of dentistry delivered. As of April 2021 the service was delivering less than half the courses of treatment it offered in a given month before the pandemic. [1]

Scotland already operates free NHS dental check-ups. Official data from before the pandemic indicated Scotland had 25% higher adult participation rates compared to England, which hints at the scale of demand suppression effects of charges, which the BDA believe are the wrong way to fund NHS dentistry.

The Business Assessment Document for the new policy states that additional costs may arise due to increased Item of Service treatments, but this is “not quantifiable”.

While BDA representatives discussed the change briefly with the Cabinet Secretary in June, at which it stressed the need for clear public messaging, the Scottish Government has acknowledged that no formal public or business consultation on this policy has been undertaken.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “It beggars belief that practices have been given a single working day to prepare for seismic change in how dentistry is delivered in Scotland.

“The rollout of free dentistry will inevitably increase patient expectations and heap more pressure on dental teams who are already struggling to address a colossal backlog.

“Ministers risk creating demand for care that simply cannot be met, and must communicate clearly what is and isn’t available. Failure to do so will only leave hard-pressed colleagues bearing the brunt of patients’ frustrations.

“The Scottish Government hasn’t fully understood the operation of dental practice throughout this pandemic.

“We need better communication and appropriate investment. This is not the way to implement a landmark policy.”

People in Edinburgh set to be more spontaneous!

Capital’s citizens plan to make up for lost time

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people in Edinburgh promise to be more spontaneous now that restrictions have eased, as they say they’re more likely to live life in the moment, and over two thirds (68 per cent) want to make lots of plans while they can.

New research by Fort Kinnaird reveals that people in Edinburgh are planning to make the most of the rest of the summer, having missed out on what is estimated to be almost a month of non-stop quality time with family and friends since the pandemic began last year.

While many admit they took the simple things for granted before lockdown, such as the freedom to go out when they wanted (44 per cent) and spending time with friends (34 per cent), people in Edinburgh are ready to start enjoying some of their favourite things again.

Over half (51 per cent) put spending time with friends at the top of the list of things they’re going to enjoy the most now that restrictions have eased and over a third (39 per cent) said enjoying more days out.

Meanwhile, for over a third (35 per cent) going to the beach or on a staycation is high on the list of priorities, along with going to the pub (28%), eating indoors with friends (24%), going on a shopping spree (19%) and going to the cinema (17%).

Surprisingly, throwing a party (12 per cent) and seeing an unlimited group of people (16 per cent) are lower on the priority list even after restrictions have eased, suggesting people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them.

The research also revealed what those in Edinburgh missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed. The top three things most missed about shopping in real life were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for an online order to arrive (34 per cent), the joy of window shopping (28 per cent) and having a big shopping day out with friends (27 per cent).

Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (43 per cent), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (33 per cent) and having someone serve your meal to your table (26 per cent) were the things respondents missed the most.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our research shows that people are gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones.

“We’ve seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to ease and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.”

Fort Kinnaird continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. It remains mandatory for visitors to wear a face covering in all indoor settings if they can, and hand sanitising stations remain throughout the centre along with enhanced cleaning regimes.

Edinburgh Leisure supports families to ‘Get Into Summer’

Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure were able to bring back a summer of fun safely to their venues across this city and supported 126 children and families living on low incomes to get active and enjoy their summer.

The Scottish Government released funding to local authorities across Scotland to help address the negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland.

The priority for this funding was to provide opportunities that allowed children and young people to socialise and reconnect with peers, get active and most importantly have fun, during the summer.

Edinburgh Leisure offered parents or guardians, living on a low income and wanted their child to have the opportunity to take part in fun, engaging and exciting sports this summer to apply for funded places.

Spaces were available on Edinburgh Leisure’s swimming, gymnastics, dance, and tennis programmes, with no cost to the family applying. The coaching programmes took place in a variety of venues across the city, at various dates, with some one-day sessions and some full-week activity programmes.

Edinburgh Leisure also offered 320 spaces for families to attend their AquaDash Extreme and Clip n Climb sessions.

Families who were eligible for the programme included children who receive school uniform and meal grants, care experienced children, young carers, children whose families are in receipt of Universal Credit and children supported by a child’s plan.

Tommy George, Community Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “For many families, finances are really tight and getting involved in activities during the holidays can be prohibitive due to cost.

“Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council, however, we were able to support families living on low incomes to ‘Get Into Summer’ by getting active, learn key skills, build confidence and esteem, as well as having fun, in a safe environment.”

Edinburgh Leisure also provided a free football programme for young people from S1 to S6 to take part in and a weekly free ‘Sport on the Beach’ session at Portobello for primary school-aged children.

Scottish Building Society announced as Edinburgh Rugby’s Main Club Partner

Four-year deal biggest for both organisations

Scottish Building Society, the world’s oldest building society, has today been announced as Edinburgh Rugby’s Main Club Partner in a deal that will last for the next four seasons.

The partnership is the biggest agreement of its kind in the history of both organisations and follows a successful back of shirt deal which has been in place since 2020.

The partnership will see Scottish Building Society feature on the front of the capital side’s home and away match jerseys, and training shirts, as well as having prominent branding within Edinburgh Rugby’s brand-new purpose-built stadium, located in the grounds of BT Murrayfield.

As part of the agreement, Scottish Building Society will also be increasing its work in local communities with involvement in Edinburgh Rugby’s community programmes, including disability inclusive rugby and homeless rugby programmes.

The partnership will also see the two organisations working together to develop a family zone to enhance the match-day experience at the new 7,800 capacity stadium.

This substantial investment in Edinburgh Rugby continues Scottish Building Society’s ongoing commitment to Scottish sport which has included sponsorship of the Scottish Women’s Premier League as well as support for both Heriot’s Rugby and the Southern Knights.

Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer for Scottish Building Society, said: “Scottish Building Society is the world’s oldest building society so we wanted to work alongside a partner with a proud heritage that shared our values.

“As a mutual building society, Edinburgh Rugby’s core principles of honesty, discipline and togetherness were the perfect fit.

“The club’s focus on supporting and integrating with its local community was central in our decision to support them and dovetails perfectly with our own approach of giving back and we are excited to start supporting Edinburgh Rugby’s fantastic initiatives in order to further enhance the impact.

“With Edinburgh Rugby set to move into its new home and celebrate its 150th year during the course of this sponsorship, it is certainly going to be a really exciting time and we’re incredibly proud that we will be part of that journey.”

Douglas Struth, Managing Director at Edinburgh Rugby, said: “We’re thrilled to announce Scottish Building Society as our new Main Club Partner. They are a recognisable brand and leader within their industry, who have a clear and historic association with the city of Edinburgh.

“Having already been part of the club’s sponsor family for a number of seasons, Scottish Building Society have played an integral role in the club’s journey to date – they now back us ahead of what is set to be a momentous, inaugural year in the club’s new home.

“With record-breaking Season Ticket numbers and the hugely exciting United Rugby Championship launching this September, today’s partnership announcement provides us with further momentum heading in to the 2021/22 campaign.

“This is going to be a hugely exciting partnership for all connected to Edinburgh Rugby and it’s an association that we’re immensely proud of too.

“We can’t wait to kick-off the new season in our brand-new home, and represent the Scottish Building Society brand around the world as we compete in both the United Rugby Championship and European Challenge Cup.”

Competition to put girls at core of new generation of investors

Future Asset aims to boost number of women in investment management

An educational initiative encouraging schoolgirls to become the next generation of investment experts gets out of the starting blocks next month.

This year’s Growing Future Assets Competition, which aims to introduce senior girls to the world of investment, its impact and range of careers, begins on 6 September when teenagers from all over Scotland will vie to spot the next big investment opportunity.

Financial educators Future Asset are challenging teams of 14-18-year-olds to research, analyse and pitch a company they think will be a great long-term investment.

They will be paired with a mentor from an investment management company who will provide advice, inspiration and career insights, and have the chance to attend online masterclasses as they develop an understanding that good investing focuses on a company’s long-term prospects, profits and sustainability.

They will also be advised by Executive and Voice Coach Susan Room, to help them feel, look and sound more confident and hear from author, broadcaster and financial journalist Iona Bain on how the younger generation can invest their way to a better future.

At the same time they’ll hone transferable skills including research, analysis, communication, numeracy, working with others and presentation skills.

Now in its second year, the competition is divided into a senior contest for years S5 and S6 and a junior challenge for S3 and S4.

The teams of three to six girls will present their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch by 30 November. The top teams will then deliver an extended pitch to judges at the final in March next year.

At stake is: £1,000 for the winning senior team and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior team and £150-worth of vouchers each. Senior and junior runners-up will also receive prizes for the school and team members.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “Winning is wonderful but the real bonus of this sort of initiative is the wealth of additional skills and experience that it gives these young women and the window it opens onto a career they may never have considered.

“Earlier this year an investment research firm reported that more UK investment funds were run by men called Dave or David than by female managers! Future Asset is aiming to change that and this competition is a tremendous opportunity to open up a new era in female-led investment.

“We’re also very much aware that face-to-face work experience has been off the agenda for the last 18 months so we see this as a valuable chance to bring the world of work into school in a novel way.”

Future Asset believes that being female should never be seen as a barrier to progressing in a chosen career. Their goal is to enable girls in the senior phase of high school to learn how investment can change the world for the better, gain valuable, transferable skills and consider the benefits of possible future careers. They organise conferences and workshops for girls across Scotland.

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

Future Asset is sponsored by Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors and Walter Scott and Partners. They are also backed by Member firms who provide volunteers and mentors, supporting the programme to engage and enthuse girls and increase gender diversity in investment management.

Scottish Government launches Women’s Health Plan

Plans to improve health and reduce inequalities for women in Scotland have been published today by the Scottish Government. Women’s Health minister Maree Todd said the plans are an ‘ambitious vision’.

Scotland is the first country in the UK to have a Women’s Health Plan, which outlines ambitious improvement and change in areas including menopause, heart health, menstrual health including endometriosis, and sexual health.

The Women’s Health Plan sets out 66 actions to ensure all women enjoy the best possible healthcare throughout their lives. It takes on board the real life experiences of women who have given their feedback on what is important to them.

Key actions include:

appointing a national Women’s Health Champion and a Women’s Health Lead in every NHS board
establishing a Women’s Health Research Fund to close gaps in scientific and medical knowledge
providing a central platform for women’s health information on NHS Inform
setting up a Women’s Health Community Pharmacy service
commissioning endometriosis research to develop better treatment and management, and a cure
developing a menopause and menstrual health workplace policy, and promoting it across the public, private and Third Sector
improving information and public awareness of heart disease symptoms and risks for women

Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd said: “Our vision for women’s health is an ambitious one – and rightly so. It is clear that wider change must happen to ensure all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women, everywhere.

“Women’s health is not just a women’s issue. When women and girls are supported to lead healthy lives and fulfil their potential, the whole of society benefits.

“Together, we are working to address inequalities in all aspects of health that women are facing. The Women’s Health Plan signals our ambition and determination to see change for women in Scotland, for their health and for their role in society. We want Scotland to be a world leader when it comes to women’s health.”

Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland James Jopling said: “Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women in Scotland and kills nearly three times as many as women as breast cancer.

“At every stage – from the moment they experience symptoms through to their cardiac rehabilitation – women with heart disease can face disadvantages. We need to improve understanding of the risks for women and increase their awareness of the symptoms of a heart attack.

“We must also promote equality of treatment for women with heart disease within the healthcare system, at every point in their journey. The publication of the Women’s Health Plan, with heart health as a priority, is a welcome step to tackle these inequalities and we look forward to working together to help save and improve lives.”

Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr Pat O’Brien said: “We welcome Scotland’s commitment to this ambitious and detailed plan as a key marker to making improvements to healthcare services for all women from different backgrounds.

“We are pleased to see the Women’s Health Plan adopts an approach to prioritise the health and wellbeing of women throughout every stage of their lives, and ensure they can access care when they need it – something we called for in our Better for Women report.

“It is important that all women are included and consulted about how health services can fit their needs. This Plan has been developed with extensive consultation with a diverse group of women, ensuring that the health service is inclusive and respectful, and can work to focus on closing inequalities in women’s health experience and outcomes.”

Read the Women’s Health Plan here.