Day: January 27, 2024

 Amazon recognised as a Top Employer in the UK for 2024

Amazon, which has a fulfilment centre in Dunfermline, has been named as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK by the Top Employer Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the field of human resources management. It recognises Amazon’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of its employees.

In addition to the UK accolade, awarded for the first time, Amazon has been certified as one of the Top Employers in Europe for a second consecutive year.

The Top Employer acknowledges companies’ commitment to a range of different areas of HR, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and more.

Amazon’s certification in both the UK and Europe is confirmation that the company’s dedication to a better world of work extends internationally, acknowledging the hard work that colleagues are doing at all of its operations sites, including the site in Dunfermline, corporate offices, and research and development centres in across the region.

Amazon Dunfermline General Manager, Jamie Strain, said: “It’s an honour that Amazon has been certified as a Top Employer 2024 in the UK for our ongoing commitment to the development and wellbeing of our employees.

“Across our business, we strive to be Earth’s best employer and are committed to creating an innovative and engaging workplace where our teams across the UK, who come from all backgrounds, are proud to work.”

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024.

“These employers have always shown that they care for the development and wellbeing of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this year’s group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.”

Amazon is dedicated to continual improvement in the workplace, offering some of the most advanced workplaces of its kind in the world, with competitive pay, and processes and systems to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all employees.

Whether in its corporate offices, research and development centres or its operations network, Amazon has created all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people.

From those starting work with no formal qualifications to people with doctorate-level qualifications, from graduates and apprentices to people with decades of experience in the workplace, Amazon has created roles across its business where people can develop their careers and positively impact the lives of Amazon customers.

Amazon is proud to have a diverse workforce in the UK, where employees are encouraged to chart their own path, with programmes such as Career Choice and apprenticeships opening opportunities for education and growth.

Amazon also offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. These comprehensive benefits begin on day one and include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, employee discount and commuter benefits.

This new recognition comes as Amazon was listed second on LinkedIn’s Top Companies 2023 list in the UK, as well as being certified a Level 3 Disability Confident ‘Leader’ in the UK, the highest level.

About the Top Employers Institute

Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices and has certified more than 2,300 organisations in 122 countries. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.

“Scotland must address the devastating effects of colonialism”-Foysol Choudhury

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, raised concerns about maintaining pressure in this area following an event at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow earlier this week, which marked the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations made in the report by the Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums Steering Group.

The Scottish Government accepted the six recommendations from the group, which include amongst others that ‘Museums should ensure anti-racism is embedded in their workplaces and public spaces’ and that the ‘Scottish Government should demonstrate their support for restitution and repatriation of looted or unethically acquired items in Scottish collections’.

Mr Choudhury said the move is most welcome, but added that the acceptance of the recommendations should only be the beginning and that the hard work to implement the recommendations is still to come.

Following the event, which was held on Monday (22nd January ), Mr Choudhury said: “I am glad that the Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations and I congratulate the Steering Group and Sir Geoff Palmer for leading the important work.

“However, the Scottish Government should act on their words and, to facilitate these recommendations, they must ensure sustained funding and a focus on anti-racist education and culture.”

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, who Chaired the Steering Group which provided the recommendations, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government initiated this project and has accepted the recommendations.

“Museums and education go together and the recommendations are based on the education and actions required to improve inclusion and equality in our diverse society.”

After the event, Mr Choudhury visited Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, facilitated by Museums Galleries Scotland, to see a brand-new exhibit from Curator Nelson Cummins entitled Glasgow: City of Empire.

Mr Choudhury, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Culture, said that this exhibition is a great example of how museums could, in practice, implement the recommendations of the Steering Group.

Mr Choudhury said: “One of the recommendations of the Steering Group, which the Scottish Government accepted earlier that day, was to ‘research, interpret, and share the histories of Scotland’s links to empire, colonialism, and historic slavery’, with another recommendation being to ‘involve the people of Scotland in shaping their work through co-production, to promote cultural democracy and participation for all’.

“This exhibition at Kelvingrove is an excellent example of how this can work in practice-it has been developed alongside local communities and youth to tell the stories of empire, and uses interactive education as a way to address the effects of this past, such as racism in Scotland today.

“This should be used as an example of what Museums across Scotland could achieve, highlighting the importance of sustained funding from the Scottish Government so that the Steering Group’s recommendations could be put into practice.”

Mr Choudhury said that he will continue to work alongside the cultural groups and campaigners who work towards implementing these recommendations, to share their work at Holyrood and hopefully help to facilitate partnerships which Mr Choudhury hopes will see more Museums around Scotland adopt exhibitions in line with the recommendations.

Will is Scran Academy’s new CEO

ANNOUNCEMENT📣

We’re THRILLED to announce a milestone in the Scran Academy journey – congratulations to Will Bain, our new CEO!  ✨

Since 2019, Will’s compassionate leadership as our first Catering Manager has elevated our operations, scaling up our Covid response and forming strong partnerships in Edinburgh. He has demonstrated dedication, strategic thinking, and a profound commitment to our mission.

Will’s appointment to CEO with his wealth of experience and passion marks an exciting new chapter for Scran Academy.

Join the team in congratulating Will on this remarkable achievement!  😀

Ensuring Adult Disability Payments meet people’s needs

Edel Harris appointed to chair independent review

Edel Harris OBE, former chief executive of the charity Mencap, has been appointed to chair the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment.

The Independent Review – a Programme For Government commitment – will consider people’s experiences of the Scottish benefit to ensure it continues to meet the needs of disabled people.

Adult Disability Payment is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition. It is currently supporting 137,490 disabled people in Scotland and has provided £461.8 million in payments since it was launched in August 2022.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Edel Harris brings a wealth of experience to this important position, both from her leading roles in third sector organisations and her personal experience as a family carer.

“A year on from the national launch of Adult Disability Payment, we are fulfilling our pledge to have an independent review to ensure it is meeting the needs of disabled people both now and in the future. Ms Harris will ensure the views of disabled people and groups that represent them are heard throughout the review.

“I am committed to continuing to improve the experience of people receiving this benefit – to ensure they are supported in line with the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect at the heart of our social security system.”

Adult Disability Payment was introduced in August 2022 as a replacement for the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment. It is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition.

Edinburgh College ready to welcome prospective students at Open Days

Edinburgh College is ready to welcome those considering starting a course in August 2024 to its four open days this January and February.

At the open days, prospective students will be able to find out about the various courses they can apply for, meet lecturers, explore the College’s facilities, as well as experience first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.

Midlothian Campus will be open from 4.30pm-7pm on Tuesday 30 January, Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 3 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4.30pm -7pm on Tuesday 6 February, and Sighthill Campus will be open from 4.30pm-7pm on Thursday 8 February.

Prospective students, parents, guardians, business owners and those in employment are invited to attend the open days to not only find out about course options, but also find out more about applications, funding options and accommodation.

The College offers a wide range of subjects within Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

With beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses and continuous development courses, learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out about their possible next steps at these events.

Guided tours of campus facilities will also take place, with staff and representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association on hand to answer any questions.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to soon be welcoming prospective students onto our campuses.

“Open days are such an excellent opportunity to find out more about the fantastic range of courses we offer, as well as the different paths an Edinburgh College education can take you down.

“Plus, you get the crucial experience of finding out what life is like with us here in the capital. So, I really encourage anyone who’s thinking about studying with us to come along.”

For more information and to book a place at one of the open days, visit the Edinburgh College website.

Applications for courses starting in August 2024 are now open.

Deidre Brock MP calls for discussion on future of Leith’s Old Town Hall if Police decide to leave

The Old Town Hall in Leith should be considered for community use if Police Scotland vacate the building, according to Deidre Brock MP. 

The station is one of those up for possible closure as part of Police Scotland’s estate review. 

Built in 1828, the Category A listed building still contains the original Leith Burgh Council debating chamber. 

The Edinburgh North & Leith MP said: “If Police Scotland decide that the old Leith Town Hall is no longer appropriate for modern policing, there should be a discussion about how it can be utilised for the community. 

“It is a wonderful building that holds a unique place in Leith’s history, and I hope the Council will consider how it can best be used for the benefit of current and future generations of Leithers.”

Scottish grassroots sports projects to receive £6 million in funding

As part of the continued drive to get more people active, the UK Government and the Scottish FA have kicked off the year by announcing 40 projects across Scotland are benefitting from a share of £6 million.

  • 40 projects in Scotland receiving a share of £6 million this year towards new and upgraded pitches, goalposts and floodlights
  • Forms latest part of major UK Government investment in grassroots facilities worth over £400 million, which includes multisport pitches, tennis courts and swimming pools
  • Investment supports UK Government ambition to get 3.5 million more adults and children active by 2030

Exercising more is the most common New Year’s resolution*, and the UK Government is giving hundreds of thousands more people across the UK the ability to keep their resolution and get active by delivering high-quality grassroots sport facilities.

From Ayrshire to Aberdeenshire, 40 projects are to receive funding that will go towards facilities such as changing rooms and pavilions, state of the art 3G artificial grass pitches and brand new floodlights. Work is already underway on 30 of these projects, with the remaining 10 to commence shortly.

The projects being announced today will benefit from £6 million from the UK Government in 2023/24, with £5.4 million also already allocated from next year’s overall budget. 

Since 2021, the UK Government has already delivered 40 projects across Scotland through £4 million of funding, with at least 50 per cent of investment to be spent in the most deprived  and inactive local authorities.

UK Government Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Sport and physical activity is vital to our mental health and wellbeing, and each year thousands of people make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more.

“We know that one of the major barriers in getting active is access to high-quality sports facilities, which is why we are delivering 40 new projects in Scotland. 

“The UK Government and Scottish FA have already delivered another 40 projects backed by £4 million to give local communities the high quality facilities they need.” 

To mark the announcement, UK Government Minister for Scotland and Exports Malcolm Offord visited Glasgow Girls and Women FC at their base in Springboig in the East End of Glasgow.

Formed in 2008, the club has gone from just 13 under-13s girls, to six youth sides from under-eights to under-18s and a senior women’s team who play in the 2nd league of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

The club is receiving £620,000 from this latest round of UK Government funding to support their new state of the art 3G artificial grass pitch.  

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said: “It was amazing to see the work done by the coaches, the SFA and the charity trustees at Glasgow Girls and Women FC. We are so proud to support facilities like these. 

“The achievements of Scotland’s men’s and women’s football teams are in no small part down to the dedication of those at grassroots level. Providing high-quality facilities the length and breadth of Scotland that are accessible to all is vital. 

“These 40 projects will nurture the talent of the future, encouraging everyone in the community to have fun, be active and embrace all the benefits that brings for physical and mental health.”

Scottish FA President Mike Mulraney said: “One of the priorities for the Scottish FA is ensuring that local communities across the nation have access to facilities, so it is wonderful to see the UK Government’s commitment to investing in our national game through the Scottish FA’s Grassroots Pitch & Facilities Fund.

“This investment will provide opportunities for a number of fantastic community clubs across the country such as Glasgow Girls and Women FC and will play an important role in further developing the vitally important role that these clubs offer within their local areas.

“It is vitally important for the nation that we continue to make our national game accessible to all and we are extremely grateful to the UK Government for helping us to do so through this investment.

This funding in Scotland will deliver 20 artificial grass pitch projects, four grass pitch projects and nine changing facility projects, as well as floodlights and goalposts. Some of these projects have been awarded funding over a two year period. 

Some of the facilities in Scotland to benefit from this year’s round of investment include:

  • Lochend Football Academy in Edinburgh has received £28,000 for an upgrade to changing pavilion.
  • Glasgow Girls FC in Scotland has received over £620,000 for a brand new artificial grass pitch.
  • East Kilbride United has also received £400,000 for a brand new artificial grass pitch.
  • Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Trust has received £510,000 for a new changing pavilion.
  • Newtongrange Star Football and Social Club in Dalkeith has received over £25,000 for solar panels.
  • Glasgow City Council has received £45,000 for new floodlights at Knightswood Secondary School.

A full list of the facilities to benefit in Scotland was published (live 27/01) today.

2023-24_projects_-_ScotlandDownload

Since 2021, the UK Government has delivered new facilities or improvements at almost 2,400 sites across the UK, aiming to get 120,000 more people active, through its £325 million programme. This investment is supporting grassroots clubs up and down the country, including women’s and girls teams.

The UK Government’s multi-sport grassroots facilities programme is investing in areas that are most in need of new or renovated facilities. Through the programme more high quality facilities are being made available for people to play football, rugby and other grassroots sports.

The UK Government recently published its new sport strategy to get 2.5 million more adults and one million more young people meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance of 150 minutes per week for adults, and 60 minutes per day for young people by 2030. 

To help reach this target, the projects being confirmed today are part of the Government’s unprecedented investment of over £400 million in grassroots facilities, including park tennis courts and swimming pools.

2023-24_projects_-_Scotland-1Download

West Pilton Park: Update Plans and Drop-in sessions

Details of the West Pilton Park proposal updates

West Pilton Park is undergoing an exciting, new development after receiving a significant amount of charitable funding.

The Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council would like to share with you the latest design proposals, to raise awareness of the development and build enthusiasm for the new park plan.

The aim is to make West Pilton Park the beautiful, bustling centre of a thriving neighbourhood community.

http://www.elgt.org.uk/projects/greenspace-improvements/wppdevelopment/

Dates for your diary

Join us at a community drop-in session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre to see more detailed plans and ask questions:

Monday 5th February 2024 10:30 – 14:00

Tuesday 6th February 2024 14:30 – 18:00

For more information and to share your thoughts you can join us at a community drop-in session (as above) or send us an email to info@elgt.org.uk

Lord Provost statement on Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important reminder for us all of the millions of people who were murdered or were impacted by the Holocaust.

“We can also use this as an opportunity to remember all victims of genocide around the world. This remains a key chapter in our collective global history that we must learn from and together work towards a more tolerant and peaceful future.

“This year’s theme, ‘the Fragility of Freedom’ highlights how we can never become complacent about erosions of freedoms and the dark path that this leads down.

“This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda, this had been preceded by years of tension, violence and curtailing of freedoms.  

“On behalf of the city of Edinburgh I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Holocaust and all genocides, to the survivors who bravely shared their stories with the world, and those who are still impacted now.”

Missing: Have you seen Kevin?

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for assistance in tracing Kevin Sweeney (33yrs) who has been reported missing from the Leith area of the City.

Kevin was last seen on 7th January 2024 in Pilrig Street, Edinburgh. His current whereabouts are unknown and we are becoming increasingly concerned for him.

Kevin is described as being male, white, 5ft 9 tall, average build with an auburn beard and short fair hair.

If you believe you have seen Kevin or have any information please contact 101 quoting incident no. 1669 of the 19/01/24.