Month: February 2024

BBC Scotland to ‘reshape’ broadcast news and grow digital impact in election year

END OF THE LINE FOR THE NINE

‘The changes are designed to grow the impact of broadcast news services in Scotland whilst offering audiences more ways to watch and listen to news and current affairs output across all our services’

BBC Scotland has announced changes to its News and Current Affairs services in preparation for a busy year of major news events, including the UK general election and the summer’s Euros. 

The changes are designed to grow the impact of broadcast news services in Scotland whilst offering audiences more ways to watch and listen to news and current affairs output across all our services.

The plans will see a reshaped news service for the BBC Scotland Channel, an extension of Reporting Scotland, a new current affairs series available on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer as well as TV, and investment in our online News services.

The changes include:

  • Launching a new 30 minute news programme at 7pm on the BBC Scotland Channel. This will replace The Nine. The new programme, following Reporting Scotland at 6.30pm on BBC One Scotland, will have coverage from across Scotland, the UK and the world. This change will be subject to consultation by and approval of Ofcom*
  • Launching a new topical current affairs series which will be published as a podcast on BBC Sounds and also be available to audiences on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland channel and BBC One Scotland. We’re planning to run this four times a week in this election year.
  • Regularly extending Reporting Scotland on BBC One for a number of hour-long special editions across the year 
  • Extending the series run of Debate Night this year, increasing from 24 episodes to 30 episodes
  • Increasing the frequency of ‘live’ online reporting and explanatory articles on the News website and News App, as part of our overall strategy to strengthen our strong online news offer

The new 30-minute TV news programme, which is subject to regulatory approval, and the new topical current affairs series will launch later this year.

These plans also involve bringing The Edit (an entertainment news programme) and Seven Days (a weekly news review programme) on the BBC Scotland Channel to a close. These changes maintain our investment in news and there will be no staff job losses associated with the plans. 

BBC Scotland News will maintain the six and a half hours of weekday radio news programmes, bolstered by Martin Geissler joining the Drivetime presentation team; build on the success of The Sunday Show, setting the week’s political agenda when it’s simulcast each weekend on BBC One and Radio Scotland; and invest in the work of our award-winning Disclosure investigations team, who have recently dug into how the post office scandal has impacted Scotland, shone a light on the state of our prisons, and exposed shocking weight loss scams.

Gary Smith, Head of News & Current affairs says:  “It’s going to be a busy year for news with a UK election, an American election, and Scotland’s trip to Germany for the Euros.

“We need to make sure we keep changing our output as audience habits change, so that we provide the best possible service for our audiences in the formats and on the platforms they want.

“I’m very proud that The Nine has produced such great journalism and developed such great talent over the past five years, and I’m confident that our new offer to audiences will continue to meet those high standards.”

Steve Carson, Director BBC Scotland says: “In launching new shows and developing our digital services, these changes play to our strengths as an innovative broadcaster that delivers high quality journalism to audiences across all our platforms – from TV and Radio to online news, iPlayer and Sounds.”

The UK is calling for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out of Gaza

UK statement at the UN Security Council

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza:

Thank you President, we want to see the fighting in Gaza end as soon as possible in a way that never again allows Hamas to carry out the appalling terrorist attacks against Israel we saw on the 7th of October last year.  

Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. We are particularly worried about the situation in Rafah, where a military operation could have appalling consequences for civilians sheltering there with nowhere else to go. Ongoing negotiations are critical to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

We are calling for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a permanent, sustainable ceasefire.

That means the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’s capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza; and, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. 

President, we welcome the efforts of our Algerian colleagues on this resolution, and we regret that some of our proposals were not taken on board.

Simply calling for a ceasefire as this resolution does, will not make it happen. Indeed, as it could endanger the hostage negotiations, it could actually make a ceasefire less likely. The way to stop the fighting, and potentially stop it from restarting, is to begin with a pause to get hostages out and aid in, that is what we are calling for. It could end the fighting now. 

We will continue to work to stop fighting. A humanitarian response at scale. The release of all hostages. And the delivery of the two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine that ensures peace, security and justice for both nations.

Brown-Forman and YLEM Energy welcome Alex Cole-Hamilton

MSP visits spirits bond to mark new solar array going live

Member of the Scottish Parliament and Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has visited the global spirits and wine manufacturer Brown-Forman’s Newbridge Bond in his Edinburgh Western constituency as a new solar array goes live this year.

In the first project between YLEM Energy and Brown-Forman, the producer of brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Benriach, a 620kW solar array was developed to deliver 502,117 KWp of clean energy each year at the Newbridge Bond, Edinburgh. This is a part of Brown-Forman’s objective to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

On 29th January, Mr Cole Hamilton visited the site to meet some of the team members and to hear from YLEM Energy and Brown-Forman on the benefits of onsite energy generation for energy-intensive businesses, such as bottling and storage facilities.

Mr Cole Hamilton said: “I am delighted to see businesses taking initiative in advancing sustainability agendas and working towards tackling climate change directly by reducing their emissions.

“The boost for skilled employment and increased investment in the area has my full support and I look forward to hearing the progress that this partnership will bring.”

The 630kWp solar system is also part of YLEM Energy’s Xchange product that was launched in April 2023 and will allow Brown-Forman to export excess renewable energy generated at the Newbridge Bond to the National Grid and reduce its onsite energy costs. Brown-Forman are also exploring the potential to work with YLEM Energy to identify energy efficiency measures onsite to make its operations as sustainable as possible.

Kieran McGuire, European Environment Health and Safety Manager at Brown-Forman said: “It is encouraging to have Mr Cole Hamilton visit our site in Newbridge as the solar array enters use to generate renewable electricity.

“At Brown-Forman, we are committed to our goal of sourcing 100 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and this solar installation is a great step towards meeting that goal.”

Sophie Lamb, Head of Solar at YLEM Energy said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to relay first hand to Mr Cole Hamilton the benefits of onsite renewable energy generation, with the Newbridge Bond being a great example.

“I’m looking forward to being able to report back on the carbon reductions that our installation at Newbridge Bond will achieve.”

To find out more about YLEM Energy visit www.YLEMEnergy.com.  

To find out more about Brown-Forman’s sustainability strategy and goals visit:

 www.brown-forman.com/environmental-sustainability.

Witness appeal following Lanark Road road incident

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a crash on Lanark Road involving a van and a pedestrian.

The incident happened around 3.55pm yesterday (Monday, 19 February,) near the Water of Leith Visitor Centre.

Emergency services attended and the pedestrian, a 41-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver, a 55-year-old man, has been charged in connection and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2373 of Monday, 19 February, 2024.

Community Tree Care Day in Granton Crescent Park

🌳 Community Tree Care Day 🌳

➡️ Granton Crescent Park

📆 Wednesday 28th February 2024

⏰ Drop in from 10.00am to 12 noon

Come and join us for some tree care and learn more about the ‘Wee Forest’. Tree saplings have a greater chance of survival with some weeding and care.

We recommend sturdy footwear. No special equipment or experience necessary. We will provide you with gloves and any tools you need.

For more info email: Kate@elgt.org.uk or phone: 0131 4454025

Thursday: Circular Fashion Show at Holyrood

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT – THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY from 1 – 2pm

GRANTON Goes Greener are very excited to be involved in the SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW organised by @ELREC_C3R in front of the @scottishparliament and have some of their preloved and upcycled pieces displayed during the show.

Join us on Thursday to learn more about reusing/ recycling and upcycling.

Major new research to tackle health inequalities in Roma communities

Project to invest in training and support, building capacity and skills through co-creation

A new £1.1M research project led by Heriot-Watt University is set to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for Roma communities across the UK.

Roma populations experience some of the poorest health and wellbeing outcomes, including significantly lower life expectancy of 10 or more years below the national average as well as a higher prevalence of long-term chronic conditions and increased social exclusion.

Poorer health can result from barriers and challenges when accessing the physical, social, and cultural supports that are needed to age across the life course.

The new three-year project will work in partnership with community groups of Roma people now living in the UK, civil society organisations and public authorities across three focus areas in Luton, Peterborough and Glasgow.

Funding for the research is led by AHRC in collaboration with BBSRC, ESRC, MRC and NERC, all part of UKRI. Additional funding is from UKRI’s Building a Secure and Resilient World, and Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes strategic themes and the programme is run in partnership with the National Centre for Creative Health.

Including co-researchers from Roma communities, the research will use innovative visual and creative methods to help identify barriers faced by Roma people in accessing healthcare and other services in mid to later life.

The project will then co-design new place-based ‘Integrated Hubs’ to better connect Roma people with culturally appropriate health, wellbeing and community resources which build upon existing expertise and assets within the community.

Dr Ryan Woolrych, director of the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University, said: “This research is urgently needed as public health bodies and government reports continue to evidence the inequalities faced by Roma people living in the UK today which is severely impacting life expectancies and creating growing social exclusion.

“There is a significant evidence gap in terms of exploring what it means to age within Roma communities and the interventions needed to ensure healthy and active ageing.

“We will address this by taking an inclusive, community-centred approach to understanding barriers faced by Roma people in accessing healthcare and other services before supporting the development of services that build on their cultural assets and lived experiences. By doing so, we can positively influence a shift in health, wellbeing and place policies and practices for Roma groups.

“We will employ innovative and creative methods like storytelling, dance and photography, working alongside communities to gain deeper insight into Roma experiences to co-design interventions that will deliver impact where they are needed the most.”

The multidisciplinary team includes the Roma Support Group, Luton Roma Trust, Compas and Community Renewal Trust’s Rom Romeha (meaning for Roma by Roma) in Govanhill as well as expertise from Coventry University, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Dundee.

Crina Morteanu from the Luton Roma Trust said: “As a grassroots organisation, having worked with the Roma for more than ten years, we are delighted to be part of this project which is aimed at tackling one of the most critical issues that Roma face – access to health.

“Many Roma in Luton and the UK generally, face multiple barriers in their access to health.  This project will tackle those barriers which, in return, will result in appropriate solutions and ultimately improving their quality of life.”

Mihai Bica from the Roma Support Group said: “The Roma Support Group is thrilled to be part of this exciting and much needed research addressing some of the existing Roma health inequalities.

“We are particularly pleased that this project will draw on the knowledge and expertise of Roma from across the UK to co-develop healthcare solutions, while equipping them with the skills and capacity to play a central role in future research projects and drive policy change.”

The research builds on already established relationships with Roma communities, public authorities and health providers across the case study areas to give Roma people a voice in developing services that respect their dignity.

Leon Puska of Rom Romeha, Glasgow said: “As a Roma-led organisation, we bring first-hand understanding and passion to address the unique challenges our community face for maintaining good health throughout their lives.

“We are delighted to be part of this UK-wide partnership which will give us the opportunity to work with community researchers to better understand community situations and to co-design appropriate responses.”

UK Government cracks down on controversial ‘fire and rehire’ tactics

  • UK Government acts against controversial dismissal tactics through a new statutory Code of Practice.
  • Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the code.
  • Code protects workers’ rights whilst respecting business flexibility.

Action against unscrupulous employers to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices have been rolled out by the Westminster Government.

Dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less favourable terms.

The Government has been clear that it firmly opposes this practice being used as a negotiating tactic. Today, a new statutory Code of Practice has been published making clear how employers must behave in this area. 

This new Code of Practice shows the Government is going a step further to protect workers across the country. This will help to preserve security and opportunity for those in work, as part of our plan to grow the economy.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract.

“This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility”.

In future the courts, and employment tribunals, will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. This will include on unfair dismissal claims where the employer should have followed the Code.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1759563650212200518

Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Code.

The new Code clarifies how employers should behave when seeking to change employees’ terms and conditions, aiming to ensure employees are properly consulted and treated fairly.

Employers will now also need to explore alternatives to dismissal and re-engagement and have meaningful discussions with employees or trade unions to reach an agreed outcome.

The Code makes it clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms. They should also not raise the prospect of dismissal unreasonably early or threaten dismissal where it is not envisaged.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “Fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations. Employers should focus on maintaining good employment relations to reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

“Acas offers impartial advice on employment rights and obligations, and has expertise in helping parties to maintain good industrial relations and resolving disputes where they arise.

“The Government’s new draft Code is clear that employers should contact Acas for advice before they raise the prospect of fire and rehire with employees.”

Principal Policy Advisor at Institute of Directors, Alexandra Hall-Chen said: “The publication of this Code of Practice provides employers with welcome clarity and practical guidance.

“The Code rightly places good industrial relations at its core and represents an effective means of balancing worker protections with labour market flexibility.”

Head of Public Policy at CIPD, Ben Willmott said: “The Code promotes good practice, making clear employers should always seek to agree any changes to terms and conditions with employees and that ‘fire and rehire’ should only be used as an absolute last resort.

“It highlights the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to maximise the chances of finding alternative solutions which can lead to agreement over proposed changes.

“It also emphasises that Acas has a key role to play and should be contacted by an employer for advice before it raises the prospect of fire and rehire with the workforce.”

The Government previously asked Acas to produce guidance for employers on fire and rehire practices, which was published in 2021.

The TUC says the guidance does not go far enough: ‘Government’s code of practice on fire and rehire lacks bite.

“It will not deter bad employers like P&O from treating staff like disposable labour. We need far more robust legislation to protect people at work.

“Labour’s New Deal for Working People would be the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation and end fire and rehire.”

Dentists back Holyrood putting ‘DIY dentistry’ under the spotlight

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF ‘EXCRUITIATING NEGLECT’

The British Dental Association Scotland has welcomed the coming debate in the Scottish Parliament on the challenges facing NHS dentistry.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie MSP, who is leading Wednesday’s debate, accuses the SNP Government of “excruciating neglect”, revealing cases who have travelled to India for dental care and who have performed “DIY dentistry” with tools purchased from Amazon.

The BDA’s own recent surveys found 83% of dentist respondents in Scotland had treated patients that had performed some form of DIY dentistry since lockdown.

Some reforms to the discredited small margin/high volume system NHS dentists work to were rolled out in November 2023. This system has been in crisis for a generation but proved undeliverable during the pandemic. Facing soaring costs, some practices were left delivering some NHS treatments at a financial loss.

The BDA had been seeking a decisive break from this system, and a move to a patient-centred, prevention-focused model of care. The Scottish Government refused to break with the overall framework. The BDA stress that this must be the beginning, not the end of the road for reform, and that access, outcomes and inequalities need to be closely monitored.

Charlotte Waite, Director of British Dental Association Scotland said: “The crisis in this service has seen desperate patients take matters into their own hands, or head overseas for care that should be available in their own communities.

“The Scottish Government unveiled some reforms back in November. Time will tell if it’s enough to turn the tide, so those who want and need NHS care can secure it.”

Heriot-Watt University and Napier University join forces

Heriot-Watt University and Napier University join forces to accelerate health technology innovation and improve patient outcomes

A first-of-its-kind research collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University is bringing together engineering and nursing students to develop cutting-edge health technologies tailored to addressing real clinical needs.

The Edinburgh-based universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising a joint programme which will see Heriot-Watt engineering students visit Edinburgh Napier’s specialised clinical simulation facilities to gain first-hand understanding of real healthcare scenarios and challenges.

These learnings, together with insights from Edinburgh Napier’s nursing students into patient needs and care, will drive collaborative projects focused on co-designing novel health solutions that target clinical issues. 

“Nurses are an untapped reservoir of innovative solutions for the health and care sector,” explains Cathal Breen, Professor of Simulation and Clinical Skills at Edinburgh Napier, which is Scotland’s only university to offer pre-registration training in all four nursing specialties and midwifery.

“However, the health sector workforce is not currently incentivised to come up and come forward with solutions. In our new agreement with Heriot-Watt, our students will identify potentially suitable clinical problems and work with engineering students at Heriot-Watt to design solutions to real-life clinical problems. It is hugely exciting.”

Maïwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas is a Professor in Microfluidic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University and the lead academic for the university’s new global research institute in Health and Care Technologies. She said: “It has already proved to be a fantastic and fun learning experience for students from both the nursing and engineering programmes.

“This collaboration will ensure an excellent student experience and we are very enthusiastic about the interface between nursing and engineering. Nurses are the closest to patient needs on a daily basis, by championing this first-hand knowledge and expertise, we enable nurses to co-create and help deliver innovation.

“Alongside this, our engineering students benefit from detailed real-world feedback on their health and care engineering concepts. The professional advice of nursing practitioners and their network of patient engagement opportunities is invaluable as we continue to create the health and care technologies needed for the future.”

Professor Breen adds: “While nursing students are exposed to engineering innovation, when they are given the opportunity to contribute to development they are empowered to innovate in their future career.

“There is no doubt that technology is going to play a vital role in delivering health care solutions in the future.

“In September, Edinburgh Napier is launching a new Masters programme for clinicians trying to understand the opportunities and challenges that new technologies will bring – The MSc Clinical Healthcare Technology.

“This MoU with Heriot-Watt is another link in the chain to ensure we equip the UK’s future healthcare professionals with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to sustain a world-leading healthcare service.”

One of the Heriot-Watt engineering students involved in the pilot, Sree Choyathala, said: “Our visit to Edinburgh Napier University marked a significant milestone for our team, allowing us to conduct a successful test of our project prototype and derive essential conclusions.

“The impact of this experience resonated profoundly in the preparation of our design report, and we are sincerely grateful to Professor Kersaudy-Kerhoas for facilitating such a remarkable opportunity.”

Stacey Jenowska, Edinburgh Napier nursing student, said: “I found this activity very interesting and useful. It was great to hear about and see so many creative ideas on ways to improve the care we provide to patients.

“Going forward I feel this will help shape the support and care we can provide to patient groups of all ages.”