April 2023 – Page 6 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scottish Charities share in almost £1.2 million funding boost from ScottishPower Foundation

TWELVE Scottish charities have been awarded a funding boost from the ScottishPower Foundation.

THE charities from across the country will share in funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects tackling a range of issues, from cost-of-living support, to promoting diversity and inclusion, raising awareness of the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises and addressing skills and attainment gaps in society.

The Earth Allies programme – an exciting project from the Glasgow Science Centre – is helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds learn about climate change and become climate advocates. Supported by funding from the ScottishPower Foundation, young people aged 16-24 will build their knowledge of climate change issues by taking part in activities that help them learn new skills like public speaking, online campaigning, and filmmaking.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The young people on the Earth Allies programme are the climate ambassadors of the future, so it’s amazing to see them gain the skills they’ll need to influence decision-makers and put protecting the planet in the spotlight.

“Projects like this are prime examples of how the ScottishPower Foundation’s support is helping to create a better future for the next generation, and why it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of charities across the UK.”

Sally White, Senior Community Learning Coordinator from Glasgow Science Centre, said: “At Glasgow Science Centre, we’re determined to reduce the barriers young people face in accessing climate education – particularly if they’re from a disadvantaged background, who may be most at risk as the world around them continues to change.

“A huge thanks to the ScottishPower Foundation for supporting the life-changing work that we do. Through our Earth Allies programme, we will ensure that those we support are given the opportunities to succeed.”

Among the other 2023 projects funded by the ScottishPower Foundation is Smart Works Scotland, which, in an expansion to its services, is continuing to support Black Minority Ethnic women across Scotland to develop the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to secure sustainable employment and gain financial independence.

The grant from the ScottishPower Foundation will help with the recruitment of a full-time outreach worker for the charity’s new Glasgow hub as it provides career advice, interview coaching and mentoring support to empower under-represented women in the workforce.

The Volunteer Tutor Organisation’s Learning Hub network – a key service supporting children living in poverty and affected by the attainment gap – is also supported by the Foundation’s funding in 2023. Following Covid, the highly impactful Hubs had to be suspended. Now, with the ScottishPower Foundation’s funding, the charity is set to reinstate 9 hubs, continue to run 14 hubs and launch five more to help vulnerable children to improve their academic attainment, confidence and self-esteem.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the ScottishPower Foundation has awarded over £12 million to charitable initiatives across the UK.

Melanie Hill added: “This is an incredibly exciting year for us, with so many amazing projects benefitting from our support and making a difference within their local communities.

“The real impact these initiatives will have for so many people can’t be understated, and I can’t wait to see what amazing work these charities will continue to do throughout the year.”

The full list of Scottish 2023 ScottishPower Foundation funded projects are:

· Dance Base – Forres, Livingston, Edinburgh

· Edinburgh Science Foundation – Edinburgh (above)

· Givin’ It Laldie – Glasgow

· Glasgow Science Centre – Glasgow

· Home-Start Falkirk – Falkirk

· Magic Breakfast – Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Greenock, Edinburgh

· Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) – Glasgow and Edinburgh

· Scottish Wildlife Trust – Ayrshire

· Smart Works Scotland – Glasgow

· Stable Life – Glasgow

· Trees for Life – Inverness

· Volunteer Tutors Organisation – Scottish Borders

Scottish Household Survey 2021 results published

Scotland’s Chief Statistician has released the results of the 2021 Scottish Household Survey.

In 2021, most (96%) people rated their neighbourhood as a good place to live, and around two thirds (64%) of households were managing well financially – both the same as in 2020.

Internet access was higher in 2021 (96% of households) than in 2020 (93%), as was internet use (95% of adults in 2021 compared to 92% in 2020). There was a significant increase in internet use amongst older people.

Levels of trust in the health, education and justice systems, and in the police, the Scottish Government and local government, were lower in 2021 than in 2020. Satisfaction with local health services decreased from 88% in 2020 to 78% in 2021.

The percentage of adults who had taken part in physical activity or sport in the four weeks before they were surveyed was similar in 2021 (85%) and 2020 (86%). Frequent participation (active on more than 14 days in the past four weeks) decreased slightly (from 61% of physically active adults in 2020 to 58% in 2021).

In 2021, 70% of adults lived within a five minute walk of their nearest area of green or blue space (such as parks, woods, rivers or coasts), around the same proportion as 2020 (68%). The percentage of adults who visited the outdoors at least once a week decreased from 79% in 2020 to 71% in 2021. People in the most deprived areas saw the largest reduction.

Climate change was more likely to be viewed as an immediate and urgent problem in 2021 (83% of adults) than in 2020 (80%). This includes increases among people aged 75+ (69% in 2020 to 76% in 2021), men (77% to 82%), and people with no qualifications (59% to 69%).

In the 12 months before they were surveyed, 59% of 2021 survey respondents had attended a cultural event or place of culture, including the cinema (up from 44% in 2020), 84% had participated in a cultural activity, including reading (similar to 83% in 2020), and 27% had given unpaid help to organisations or groups (similar to 26% in 2020).

Satisfaction with Scottish Government funded Early Learning and Childcare was similar in 2021 (95% of households using it were satisfied) and 2020 (97%). Among households with a child aged under 12, the percentage who found it difficult to afford childcare was similar in 2021 (9%) and 2020 (7%).

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Scottish Household Survey 2021 – telephone survey: key findings

Edinburgh International Book Festival announces fun-filled free schools programme for 2023

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has revealed details of its free programme of events for school pupils in 2023.

Running from 21 to 29 August at the state-of-the-art studios inside Edinburgh College of Art, the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme will offer a packed programme of free, in-person events created especially for school-age audiences, from P1 to S6.

Selected events will also be available to watch, live or on-demand, from the classroom. Every child who attends will also receive a free book courtesy of event sponsors Baillie Gifford, which they can have signed by their favourite author after the events.

The programme will culminate in the return of the massively popular Baillie Gifford Schools Gala Day, an entertaining and educational day of events and workshops which this year celebrates the theme Happy Healthy You.

Rachel Fox, Children & Schools Programme Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are so excited to welcome schools to this jam-packed programme of events for pupils, and so incredibly grateful to Baillie Gifford for their support to make tickets and books free.

“Thanks too to all the wonderful authors and illustrators joining us in person to deliver their fantastic events live and giving their time to signing books after every event. From the science of the brain to the building of the Forth Bridge; Creative writing inspiration to reflections on body image and social media usage; we hope there is something for everyone in this year’s offer for schools and we can’t wait to welcome everyone on to site!”

Every weekday morning from 21 – 28 August school audiences can enjoy imaginative, inspiring events with leading writers and authors, with something available for all ages.

Young adventure-seekers (P1 -P3) can join co-author legends Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve as they introduce their story about a tiny mouse named Pedro, before he sets off into the world to meet the brave and daring Adventuremice! 

Award-winning author Barbara Henderson brings reading, drama, and engineering challenges to the stage with her riveting adventure Rivet Boy, telling the story of one boy’s vital role in the building of Scotland’s greatest man-made wonder, the Forth Rail Bridge (P4–P6).

 While bestselling author and two-time Olympian Matthew Syed, alongside inspirational writer and resilience guru Kathy Weeks, invite young audiences to find their voice, flex their social superpowers, and speak up with kindness and confidence in the event What Do YOU Think? (P4–P6).   

Secondary school pupils can also enjoy some brilliant events. Acclaimed author Alex Wheatle returns to the Festival to chat about the fifth instalment in his multi-award-winning Crongton series, each book featuring the story of a young person struggling to grow up and make their mark in the fictional South Crongton council estate (S1–S3).

Nikesh Shukla wrestles with issues of humour and viral fame in his new book Stand Up (S1–S3), while author, illustrator, and performance poet Laura Dockrill delivers a superb masterclass on how pupils can use their imaginations to find their voice and become creative writing superstars (S3–S6).

Poet and current Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho takes classes through ancient Greek myths and magic with his latest novel The Boy Lost in the Maze, before offering some tips for writing their own powerful stories (S3–S5).

Multi-award-winning writer SF Said delves into the power of imagination as he shares his own storytelling journey (S1–S3), while YA writers William Hussey and Amara Sage chat cancel culture, body confidence, mental health, and first loves as they discuss how their experiences have shaped their novels (S3–S5).

There’s also the return of the audience favourite YA Book Prize (S3–S6), which gives pupils a chance to meet some of the incredible authors shortlisted for this year’s award as they talk about and read from their books ahead of the big reveal.

This year’s programme celebrates the power of self-care under the theme Happy Healthy You, with themed events and exciting onsite activities taking place throughout the day.

Pupils from P1–P7 will have the chance to meet and learn about the power of Therapets with Canine Concern Scotland; go on an inter-planetary trip to Planet Citizen with Ryan Van Winkle; enjoy some footballing fun with Spartans Community Football Academy; enjoy mindfulness-focussed crafts and activities with Edinburgh Libraries; and ‘Dress to Express’ to showcase their best selves by wearing something bright and colourful, whether it’s a badge and bobble or a full eye-catching outfit.  

The nation’s favourite NHS doctor, and Strictly Come Dancing star, Dr Ranj Singh arrives to challenge pupils to unleash the power of their brains, with his new book Brain Power unveiling the secrets of the how to keep your mind healthy and happy. 

Edinburgh-based poet Nadine Aisha Jassat shines a light on the effects of Alzheimer’s, on both family and the patient, in her heart-warming book The Stories that Grandma Forgot, while bestselling author Phil Earle offers inspiration and reminds us that it’s never too late to find the perfect book to get your imagination racing and capture your attention.  

Space-heads can jump onboard for an awesome and exciting space adventure with authors-extraordinaire Katie and Kevin Tsang, exploring their new book Suzie and the Moonbugs, while prize-winning author Mike Nicholson introduces the intrepid Museum Mystery Squad – Nabster, Kennedy, and Laurie, along with hamster Colin – for an action-packed event with unexpected cliff-hangers and astonishing space facts.   

Celebrated writer Maisie Chan shares her love of Chinese myths, the Moon Festival, and the power of creativity in a special interactive event based on her Tiger Warrior series. Author and illustrator Nadia Shireen will discuss the fabulous third instalment in her hilarious Grimwood series featuring fox siblings Nancy and Ted and a whole host of animal friends and foes.

And children are invited to put on their helmets, grab their swords and step back in time to the Viking Age in an hilarious historic event with award-winning writer Chae Strathie who gives a kid’s-eye view of what life as a Viking was really like.

Michelle McLeod, Sponsorship Manager at Baillie Gifford, said: “The Schools Programme is full of inspiration, imagination and fun activities for pupils of all ages, and the festival is an excellent way to take young people on an adventure through books.

“We remain committed to removing barriers for schools and pupils so they can fully enjoy the magic of the festival and the joy of books. As well as the fantastic line-up of in-person events, there will be opportunities for schools to take part from the classroom”

The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Baillie Gifford Schools Programme runs from Monday 21 August – Tuesday 29 August. All events will take place in person, with a selection also made available online, both live and on catch up.

Support towards travel costs for schools attending in person continues to be available through the Baillie Gifford Transport Fund. All events are free for schools and are available to book online from Tuesday 25 April.  

Full details of the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme, and guidance for registration and booking for teachers can be found online now at learning.edbookfest.com

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The United Kingdom condemns military clashes across Sudan

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at yesterday’s UN Security Council meeting on Sudan:

Thank you, President. And may I start by thanking SRSG Volker Perthes, ASG Joyce Msuya, Her Excellency Fatima Mohamed and Special Envoy, Ismael Wais.

SRSG, can I begin by paying tribute to your tireless work, to the work of the UNITAMS team, to the UN agencies and NGO implementing partners on the ground. We are very relieved that the operation to evacuate and relocate international and UN workers was successful and we thank you and your teams for your commitment and dedication to Sudan, and extend our condolences to those colleagues who have lost their lives.

For the UK, we carried out our own operation to evacuate British embassy personnel on 23 April and today we have begun flying out British Nationals.

We would like to thank our international partners for their co-operation in these efforts. Our priority continues to be the safety of all British nationals in Sudan and support to those in need.

The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the military clashes that continue to take place across Sudan. We echo the Secretary General’s calls for peace and especially for an end to attacks on civilians, and humanitarian workers.

Hundreds have died, thousands are injured. Adding to acute humanitarian needs across the country.

We welcome the 72-hour ceasefire brokered yesterday by the United States, but we are concerned by reports that once again the parties have failed to uphold their commitments.

We call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces immediately to establish a lasting ceasefire across the country and we are in direct contact with the SAF and RSF leadership to end the violence and de-escalate tensions.

We call on both sides to allow humanitarian access, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian and medical workers.

We welcome and encourage continued regional and diplomatic initiatives including those set out today. We will continue to work with all Council members and the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the Council supports efforts towards an end to fighting, a permanent ceasefire and a political resolution.

In closing, we stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their demands for a peaceful and democratic future.

Scottish Government call to provide safe routes for people in need of protection

Holyrood’s External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has written to the Foreign Secretary to express the Scottish Government’s deep concern over the current conflict in Sudan.

In the letter, Mr Robertson said a number of Scots and family members had been in touch with the Scottish Government and he thanked all those in the Armed Forces and UK Government currently working on evacuation efforts.

Mr Robertson also called for eligibility criteria to be eased to enable Sudanese citizens to be reunited with family members already in the UK, and for consideration to be given to the evacuation of non-British nationals who have worked for UK interests in Sudan.

The letter reads:

Dear James,

The Scottish Government stands with the UK Government and international community in deep concern over the spiralling violence in Sudan. While the current, fragile ceasefire is welcome, the situation appears bleak for Sudan, and the wider region, and we fully echo the UK Government’s call for a genuine and lasting ceasefire.

The safety of British Nationals in Sudan is of significant concern to the Scottish Government and a number of Scots and family members have been in touch with the Scottish Government. We fully support the UK Government’s evacuation of all British passport holders and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to those in the Armed Forces and across the UK Government who are working on this.

The Scottish Government also wanted to put on record our deep concern for Sudanese people at risk in this crisis who will be looking for safe passage out of Sudan. In particular:

We would call for consideration by the UK Government of evacuating non-British nationals who have worked for UK interests in Sudan.
Secondly we would ask for eased eligibility criteria for family reunion to enable Sudanese citizens to be reunited with family members already in the UK.
We seek your assurance that the Home Office asylum caseworker guidance on Sudan has been updated. While I understand that each asylum application must be considered on its individual merits, asylum applications from Sudanese nationals in the UK should be considered quickly and compassionately. I also expect the Home Office to urgently review any cases which are in the asylum appeals process or where people have previously been refused asylum on the basis that any part of Sudan is safe.
And finally we would be grateful to know what the UK Government is doing, in partnership with the international community, to provide safe routes for people in Sudan in need of protection.

Within Sudan the humanitarian situation is now critical. Indeed, as the Minister of State for Development and Africa updated the House of Commons yesterday, approximately 16 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. This is deeply concerning, particularly given a global context where humanitarian needs are severe in a number of regions around the world.

The UK Government and the wider international community must do everything possible to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in need. Like you, I am shocked and saddened that 5 aid workers have been killed during the current violence in Sudan, and we condemn any and all attacks against humanitarian workers.

The situation in Sudan is incredibly grave. I urge the UK Government to do everything possible to work with international partners to address the humanitarian situation and to offer protection for those fleeing the violence.

I look forward to your response.

Angus Robertson

Aldi’s Gorgie Store in Edinburgh named the Happiest in Scotland

The research has been conducted by the discount retailer in partnership with The Happiness Guy

Aldi’s Gorgie Edinburgh store has been revealed as the happiest in Scotland, following research by The UK’s Cheapest Supermarket.

The popular discount retailer worked with distinguished wellbeing expert, The Happiness Guy, to investigate the happiness levels of staff across its Scottish stores.

The survey looked at factors such as proximity to the outdoors, relationships with colleagues, tendencies to feeling joy and excitement, as well as sleeping habits to determine the happiest store in Scotland.

Aldi has 104 stores in Scotland located in all corners of the country, from Aberdeen to Hawick. The retailer, which prides itself on creating positive and supportive places to work, is set to be the highest paying supermarket in the UK following its second pay increase of 2023.

Its Gorgie store is situated on Gorgie Park Road in the west of Edinburgh. It first opened in 2009, and employs 18 staff who work hard to help shoppers pick up great deals at Aldi’s famously low prices.

Richard Holloway, Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “At Aldi, creating a positive working environment where our employees feel supported and appreciated is as important to us as our commitment to bringing customers amazingly low deals on quality food and drink.

“We saw strong levels of job satisfaction across all our stores, and lots of indications that our colleagues have formed real, deep friendships with one another.

“Our Gorgie Edinburgh store is located in a bustling part of Edinburgh. A stone’s throw from the Capital City and surrounded by vibrant restaurants, cafes and bars, there is always something happening here, making it a popular area for people to live.

“Gorgie has a really solid community and our Aldi store has become an integral part of the neighborhood. We welcome a lot of the same faces on a daily basis and our staff have a really good rapport with our regular customers. While I’m sure it’s our incredibly low prices that first attract people through our doors, I am confident that it’s the high levels of customer service that sees customers coming back again and again.”

Gordon McCrorie, The Happiness Guy said: “Each of us has our own unique formula for happiness which will include things like feeling grateful, spending time with loved ones, doing things that matter to us and looking after ourselves.

“Taking responsibility for influencing our own happiness might just be the thing that improves the world we live in the most.”

The discount retailer, named UK’s cheapest supermarket for 2021 and 2022 by consumer experts, Which?, currently works with over 90 Scottish suppliers, stocking 450 Scottish products. In 2022, Aldi was awarded Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards.

ELREC: Thursday evening cycle to Cramond beach

Join us for a cycle ride to Cramond Beach!

Departing from ELREC Office on Thursday 27th April 2023 at 5.30pm

Enjoy a relaxing ride to one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful beaches. Take in the stunning scenery along the way! Bring snacks if you want!

The cycling route will take us from ELREC to Cramond Island, passing through Lauriston Farm and returning back to our starting point.

We will be riding on cycle paths and the ride is relatively flat. We will be going at a reasonable pace and the ride will be led by cycle ride leaders, so everybody can join! Children are welcome under adult supervision.

We can lend a limited number of bikes at ELREC. Please get in touch by emailing cfc@elrec.org.uk if you need a bike and we’ll see if it can be provided.

Please bring:

• A road-worthy bike

• Helmet

• Water

• Your own packed lunch

• Sunscreen

• Waterproofs

We hope you’ll come and join our guided ride, meet new people from across Edinburgh, and explore new cycle routes. Book your space at cfc@elrec.org.uk. Looking forward to welcoming you!

The Stamping Ground: River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse come to Edinburgh for Scottish tour

River City stars Juliet Cadzow and Jenny Hulse are set to go on tour in The Stamping Ground, including dates in Edinburgh.

Juliet Cadzow is one of Scotland’s best loved actors, known for starring as Suzie Frazer in River City, Edie McCredie in Balamory, Coronation Street, The Bill and more.

Juliet Cadzow

Jenny Hulse is best known for playing Amber Murdoch in River City, out of this she appeared as Mary McLaughlan in ITV’s ‘In Plain Sight’, as Doris in Morag Fullerton’s ‘Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas’ and as Aine Macdonald in David McKenzie’s ‘Outlaw King’ for Netflix.

Jenny Hulse

Joining them is Ali Watt, a regular performer with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, earning rave reviews for his performances during their 70th anniversary season in 2021, Naomi Stirrat, Grid Iron’s Muster Station at EIF 2022, and Robin Campbell, Magnetic North’s Lost in Music.

They will join returning cast members Caitlin Forbes, Annie Grace, Robert Grose, Barrie Hunter, and Brian James O’Sullivan.

The Stamping Ground is the must-see new stage musical featuring the hits of Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved and iconic bands, is set to hit the road on a Scotland-wide tour later this year.

An exciting co-production between Raw Material and Eden Court Highlands, the show first premiered in Inverness in July 2022, earning glowing reviews and audience acclaim.

The heart of their community, the local pub, is for sale and tensions are rising about the future of this place they call home. As relationships ignite and smoulder, Euan and Annie find themselves swept into a battle to save the heart of the community. But can they save each other?

Featuring exciting new arrangements of some of Runrig’s most iconic hit songs, including The Greatest Flame, All Things Must Change, and of course The Stamping Ground, the musical shares the soaring power and beating heart of some of the band’s most celebrated music.

All of the songs in the show are written by Runrig’s founding members Calum and Rory MacDonald, with 2023 also marking 50 years since the brothers formed the band on the Isle of Skye in 1973.

Margaret-Anne O’Donnell and Gillian Garrity, Raw Material, said: “Scottish based independent production company, Raw Material are delighted to be touring their hit, feel-good musical, The Stamping Ground, across Scotland in 2023.

“Audiences in the highlands, both those new to Runrig and lifelong fans of the band united in their appreciation with standing ovations when the show premiered at Eden Court in Summer 2022. If you are a fan of musicals, a fan of live theatre or just looking for a great night out then this is definitely one not to miss!”

Calum MacDonald and Rory MacDonald of Runrig said: “It is so good to see that The Stamping Ground is not only returning to Eden Court but going on a Nationwide Tour.

“There has been such a positive reaction from fans and public alike, with still so many that have not had the opportunity to see it first time around.”

The Stamping Ground will now tour to some of Scotland’s biggest stages from May to June 2023. Including a run from 23 – 27 May at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. Tickets on sale now.

Holyrood to nominate new Children’s Commissioner tomorrow

The Scottish Parliament will be invited to nominate Nicola Killean to His Majesty the King for appointment as the new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland.

The Commissioner’s general duty is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people in Scotland.

Ms Killean is set to succeed Bruce Adamson who leaves the position next month following the completion of his six-year term of office.

A motion to agree Ms Killean’s appointment will be considered by the Parliament on Wednesday 26 April.

The appointment follows an open recruitment process. The position attracts a starting salary of £77,260 and is for a single term of six years.

Nicola Killean OBE was the very first employee of the charity Sistema Scotland in 2007 and worked with the Board to create and grow the organisation to a charity of national significance.

It supports children and young people to gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, team work, pride, creativity, and aspiration, and aims to strengthen community cohesion and tackle inequalities in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas.

The charity delivers a social change programme called Big Noise in 5 cities in Scotland, using music and nurturing relationships to support over 3,500 children and young in Scotland.

She graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with a degree in music education and has had a particular focus throughout her career in creating opportunities for children and young people from more disadvantaged communities.

She previously worked as a nursery teacher, as one of the first cultural coordinators in Scotland focusing on designing arts projects as social development and intervention models, the Scottish Officer for the charity Youth Music, as well as music leader and freelance project manager.

Ms Killean is a Saltire Foundation Fellow, and has also previously held voluntary roles within the Children’s Panel in Scotland and on the Board of Horsecross Arts.

She was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for 2020, for services to ‘Music, children and community cohesion’. She believes passionately in the potential of all children and young people.

Find out more about the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland

Does the Civil Service need reforming? MPs launch new inquiry

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has launched a new inquiry into the relationship between ministers and officials and whether Government’s engine room still functions as intended.

Several high-profile dismissals of senior civil servants by ministers as well as criticisms of Civil Service impartiality and competence during the Brexit process and Covid-19 pandemic indicate a fundamental tension in relations between the Government and the Civil Service.

MPs are seeking evidence on whether civil servants feel confident in giving honest advice to ministers, the role of ministers and Civil Service leadership in creating an environment where officials can “speak truth to power” and if not, the consequences this has on good policymaking.

In a recent evidence session, Cabinet Secretary Simon Case highlighted how officials face a challenge managing the “juxtaposition” in the Civil Service Code between the “duty to support the Government of the day to the best of your ability and upholding the values” of an independent and impartial Civil Service.

MPs will examine whether the role of Cabinet Secretary is sufficiently empowered to effectively lead the Civil Service, where accountability lies in policymaking, and whether Ministers’ role in the hiring, firing, and promotion of Civil Service leaders is appropriate and conducive to effective government.

William Wragg MP, Chair of PACAC, said: “It is a fundamental principle that the Civil Service serves the government of the day, yet growing tensions between ministers and their officials and public criticisms of Civil Service impartiality and competence have called into question the efficacy of the Westminster model.

“Events such as the Covid-19 pandemic response and Brexit, as well as high-profile dismissals of Civil Service leaders, have raised questions about where accountability lies in Government, but also the integrity of our public administration machine.

“Our inquiry aims to understand how the Civil Service leadership operates today, how the Government’s interaction with officials may have deviated from established practice, and, ultimately, whether our public administration still serves its intended purpose or whether it is in need of reform.”

Terms of reference

The Committee welcomes submissions by 5pm on Friday 16 June addressing any or all of the following questions on:

The status and constitutional position of the Civil Service, including:

The extent to which the established values of the Civil Service, enshrined in the Civil Service Code, continue to determine the conduct of Officials and are respected by the governments they serve.
Whether the Civil Service feels sufficiently confident or empowered to give honest advice to Ministers and ‘speak truth to power’, and if not, what the consequences are for policy making and governance. To what extent does the Civil Service leadership have responsibility for ensuring that an environment exists where officials do feel empowered to give candid advice?
What responsibility does the Civil Service have for ensuring constitutional propriety in the conduct of government?

Civil Service Leadership

What constitutes good leadership in the Civil Service?
As the Head of the Civil Service, is the Cabinet Secretary sufficiently empowered to lead the Civil Service and how far is the Civil Service Board equipped to provide effective leadership?
The extent to which the Civil Service has an obligation to enhance its capability and, if so, whether that can be exercised unless such an obligation also applies to governments. Should any such stewardship obligation be formalised?
Whether Ministers’ current role in the hiring, firing, and promotion of Civil Service leaders is appropriate and conducive to effective government.

Policymaking

Is the respective accountability of Ministers and Officials for policy formulation and delivery sufficiently clear and, if not, how might it be made more so?
Is the current system of Ministerial Directions effective and sufficient?
In all of these areas, are there lessons from other countries that the UK can useful adopt?

CCTV appeal following thefts in Gorgie Road and Lanark Road

DO YOU KNOW THESE WOMEN?

POLICE in Edinburgh have released CCTV images of two women they wish to speak to in connection with thefts in the city.

The incidents happened between Thursday, 9 February, 2023 and Saturday, 11 February, 2023, in Gorgie Road and Lanark Road.

The first woman is described as aged 30 to 40, has long dark hair with blonde highlights, a tanned complexion, and was wearing a knee length coat and jeans.

The second women is described as late teens to early 20s, with a tanned complexion, long dark hair, and of slim build. She was wearing a black puffer style jacket, skinny jeans and trainers.

Police Constable Gillian Trevis, from Wester Hailes Police Station, said: “I would appeal to anyone who recognises the women in the images to please get in touch as it is important that we speak to them as part of our investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting incident number 2783 of Thursday, 9 February, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”