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Local schools sign up for ParkSmart

Pupils and teachers across Edinburgh have joined a campaign to discourage inconsiderate parking at school gates. Granton, Flora Stevenson (above), Wardie and Ferryhill are among the local primary schools to sign up for the initiative.

Continue reading Local schools sign up for ParkSmart

Tech Industry ‘least sexist’ in UK employment market

A surprising number of job ads still use gender-biased language in the quest for perfect candidates, but some industries are bucking the trend. The technology industry was amongst the least biased of all UK sectors, new research by job search engine Adzuna has found.

The finance and travel sectors also proved themselves more immune to sexist language than many others.

The research was conducted last month and analysed a selection of traditionally masculine and feminine words* across more than one million live job ads on Adzuna, observing the number of adverts in which each word appeared. The search covered 28 sectors and all 12 regions of the UK, to identify the industries most likely to appeal to applicants of each gender.

The research found a high proportion of ‘male-dominated’ words* in adverts for sales and consultancy positions, with words identified as masculine by the study, like ‘superior’ and ‘challenge’ appearing more often than the likes of ‘considerate’ and ‘understanding’.

Adverts for roles in teaching, social work and nursing, on the other hand, were found to be worded in a way that may appeal more to female candidates, with an emphasis on ‘compassion’, ‘warmth’ and soft skills.

Traits that pay

Ironically, greedy candidates are indeed first in line to make top dollar, with average salaries citing this trait topping the salary charts with average pay of over £60,000. Employees with principles, on the other had, command far less, with advertised salaries of £38,000.

The most popular of the ‘masculine’ words included ‘lead’ (410,748), ‘active’ (219,468) and ‘competitive’ (202,188); but ‘outspoken’ (42) and ‘stubborn’ (37) employees were less in demand.

Of the feminine words, ‘support’ (519,187 mentions), ‘responsive’ (483,428) and ‘understand’(241,741) occurred most frequently in job descriptions on the Adzuna website. Conversely, 241 employers sought gentle staff, 132 felt being affectionate would boost chances of job success and just 6 prized modesty in applicants.

Female candidates should cast their eyes East

Northern Ireland and London saw the largest concentration of job adverts geared towards male candidates.

Recruiters in the east of the country, on the other hand (including the North East, East and South Eastern regions) were more likely to appeal to female candidates, based on the language used in job ads in these areas.

Gender divide reopens at the top

Even for the sectors that appeal equally to both men and women, the research highlighted a growing gender divide as the roles became more senior and the salaries rise. In the tech industry, senior data scientists and data architect roles both proved exceptions to the neutral language used elsewhere in the sector.

Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, commented: “While the tech industry once again seems to be making great strides and disrupting traditional recruitment methods, some exceptions still exist. In the emerging world of data science. Our research showed both data scientist and data architect roles remain more appealing for the male of the species.

”Unconscious bias may lead to accidental discrimination, but there is no excuse in 2017.  It’s time for employers to head back to the drawing board and redesign their recruitment basics in order to keep up with the times!

”Recent data from the ONS showed a 19% pay gap persists between male employees and their female counterparts. Despite improvements, it is predicted this gap will not close for at least another 70 years. We need to do better.”

Data tables:

Table 1: Top 5 most masculine job ad sectors

Sector

Average UK Salary

Currently available roles

% of masculine words

1. Sales

£29,687

54,018

58.8%

2. Consultancy

£37,596

19.825

56.9%

3. PR, Advertising, and Marketing

£34,230

25,525

56.5%

4. Property

£33,465

11,135

55.3%

5. Retail

£25,361

38,643

53.8%

Table 2: Top 5 most feminine job ad sectors

Sector

Average UK Salary

Currently available roles

% of feminine words

1. Teaching

£26,594

51,055

64.7%

2. Social Work

£27,741

18,750

61.9%

3. Charity and Voluntary

£27,197

9,302

61.2%

4. Healthcare and Nursing

£33,623

107,423

59.3%

5. Admin

£21,513

46,936

57.8%

Table 3: Masculine words – average salaries and frequency

Masculine word

Average Advertised Salary

Current Vacancies

Greedy

£62,814

12

Heirachy

£42,060

368

Intellect

£46.266

581

Analyse

£47,002

4,865

Hostile

£46,381

151

Dominant

£42,500

1

Analysis

£41,339

74,320

Headstrong

£41,283

15

Principle

£38,430

30,537

Objective

£37,829

67,433

Self-sufficient/sufficiency

£37,533

1,711

Decision

£36,588

65,090

Superior

£36,494

6,570

Lead

£36,491

410,748

Impulsive

£36,098

155

Self-reliance

£35,736

200

Opinion

£34,395

7,049

Logic

£34,807

12,157

Athlete

£34,395

429

Challenge/Challenging

£34,072

146,138

Independent/Independence

£33,768

14

Persist

£33,756

2,400

Active

£33,506

219,468

Boast

£33,487

11,606

Force

£33,350

13,458

Decide

£33,294

5,832

Ambitious

£33,292

70,039

Compete

£32,592

61,419

Determine

£32,186

38,229

Reckless

£32,123

75

Assert

£32,105

4,395

Ambition

£31,721

28,302

Competitiv

£31,534

202,188

Individual

£30,749

226,917

Masculine

£30,270

32

Confident

£30,233

150,185

Courage

£30,240

1,497

Self-confiden

£29,864

6,642

Outspoken

£29,660

37

Stubborn

£28,147

42

Adventurous

£27,142

3,152

Table 4: Feminine words – average salaries and frequency

Feminine word

Average Advertised Salary

Current Vacancies

Tender

£44,013

18,938

Submissive

£40,506

14,041

Flatterable

£38,715

108

Connect

£36,822

33,393

Understand

£35,673

241,741

Considerate

£35,664

35,258

Cooperate

£35,310

6.699

Trust

£35,151

49,600

Yield

£34,564

1,949

Responsive

£33,833

483,428

Interpersonal

£33,648

58,938

Together

£32,897

50,295

Affectionate

£32,733

132

Support

£32,130

519,187

Dependable

£31,350

5.051

Sensitive

£31,254

181,228

Nuture/nuturing

£30,578

20,417

Commit

£30,286

5,727

Continue reading Tech Industry ‘least sexist’ in UK employment market

Top marks for Home Instead Senior Care

An Edinburgh based homecare provider which specialises in care for older people in their own homes has received the highest grade possible, a 6 or ‘Excellent’, for the quality of care and support it provides to their elderly clients. The company also received a grade 5 (Very Good) for quality of management and leadership.

The grades were awarded to Home Instead Senior Care following an unannounced inspection by the Care Inspectorate who regulate and inspect care services in Scotland to make sure that they meet the right standards.

The company was set up in Edinburgh in 2011 by local couple Andrew and Joanna Senew and today they provide their special blend of homecare to over 100 people. Home Instead works with clients and their families to deliver care which is highly personalised. The companionship-based care focuses on putting clients’ social and physical wellbeing at front of mind at all times.

The couple were inspired to become involved in homecare by Andrew’s mother who lived independently into her old age. Andrew and Joanna knew how important it was for her to be able to remain in familiar surroundings and, when the opportunity arose for them to offer a solution to others through their own locally run business, they took it.

Commenting on the Care Inspectorate’s report, Andrew said, “Joanna and I are absolutely thrilled to have received such a fantastic report. We are always keen for our care to pass the ‘mum test’ – the standard of care that would be good enough for our own mums.

“The fact that we have received the top grade from our regulator for the quality of care and support we provide tells us that it is.”

The Care Inspectorate’s report, published this week, states that ‘The service excelled at making sure people’s care was personal to them, flexible and reliable. Clients and their families were very involved in developing their care plan and in reviewing their support.’

The report continues, ‘People experienced warm and compassionate care from caregivers they had confidence in’, and that ‘The service was making a positive difference to clients’ quality of life.’

Home Instead’s pioneering approach was also highlighted with inspectors stating that ‘People benefitted from an innovative service provider and passionate and experienced managers.’

Speaking about the many lovely comments in the report, Joanna added, “We ensure that our service looks after our clients’ social and emotional as well as their physical needs.

“The report makes lovely reading for the team and our focus on clients and delivering a truly personalised service shines through.

“We take great care to match clients and caregivers based on shared interests and care visits are never rushed. By doing all of this we make a huge difference to people’s lives.”

During an inspection the inspectors speak to clients and their families who were enthusiastic about the service they receive. One client told the inspectors, “This is a very client focused service. The management team is outstanding and caregivers are trained and clearly have a strong sense of high esteem and loyalty for Home Instead. Caregivers are very professional in all matters concerning care and are very kind and caring in their work.”

Another said, “Nothing is ever too much trouble.”

Clients’ relatives were equally pleased. One said “The best thing for me is the peace of mind the service provides.” Another commented, “I can’t praise them enough. They listen to what you are saying. They go out of their way for you.”

For more information, call 0131 300 0599 or visit http://www.homeinstead.co.uk/edinburgh.

Read the full report here: http://www.careinspectorate.com/

Photo caption: (Left to right): Andrew and Joanna Senew (Owners of Home Instead) with Care Manager Jacqui Donachie

 

City Council Elections: candidates announced

Details have been announced of the 120 candidates standing across Edinburgh’s 17 wards in the Local Government Elections on 4 May. Nominations for candidates closed yesterday.

The nominated candidates for each ward are listed in full below and on the Council website:

1: Almond (4 councillors to be elected)

FRASER, Daniel – Scottish Libertarian Party
HUTCHISON, Graham – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
INGLIS, Otto – UKIP
LANG, Kevin – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LONGSTAFF, John – Independent
MCKINNON-WADDELL, Iain – Scottish Green Party
MITCHELL, Pamela – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WHITEHEAD, Bruce – Scottish Labour Party
WORK, Norman – Scottish National Party (SNP)
YOUNG, Louise – Scottish Liberal Democrats

2: Pentland Hills (4 councillors to be elected)

BRUCE, Graeme – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
FARTHING, Emma – Scottisih Liberal Democrats
GARDINER, Neil – Scottish National Party (SNP)
HENDERSON, Ricky – Scottish Labour Party
NOREIKIENEk, Ernesta – Scottish National Party (SNP)
WEBBER, Susan – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WESTON, Evelyn – Scottish Green Party

3: Drum Brae/Gyle (3 councillors to be elected)

ALDRIDGE, Robert Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
BRIDGMAN, Claire – Scottish National Party (SNP)
BROWN, Mark – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
KEIL, Karen Ann – Scottish Labour Party
MEYER, Phyl – Scottish Green Party

4: Forth (4 councillors to be elected)

BIRD, Eleanor – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Jim – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
DAY, Cammy – Scottish Labour Party
GORDON, George – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MACKAY, Gillian – Scottish Green Party
PUGH, Heather – Scottish Labour Party
ROSS, Nicola – Independent
WIGHT, Tim – Scottish Liberal Democrats

5: Inverleith   (4 councillors to be elected)

BAGSHAW, Nigel – Scottish Green Party
BARRIE, Gavin – Scottish National Party (SNP)
DALGLEISH, James – Scottish Labour Party
LAIRD, Tom – Scottish Libertarian Party
MITCHELL, Max – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
OSLER, Hal – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WHYTE, Iain – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WOOLNOUGH, Tina – Independent

6: Corstorphine/Murrayfield (3 councillors to be elected)

DOUGLAS, Scott – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
GLOYER, Gillian – Scottish Liberal Democrats
NEVENS, Kate – Scottish Green Party
NISBET, James – UKIP
ROSS, Frank – Scottish National Party (SNP)
SCOTT, John Ferguson – Independent
WHITELAW, June – Scottish Labour Party

7: Sighthill/Gorgie (4 councillors to be elected)

DIXON, Denis – Scottish National Party (SNP)
FULLERTON, Catherine – Scottish National Party (SNP)
GRACZYK, Ashley – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
HAYTER, Simon – Scottish National Party (SNP)
HEAP, Dan – Scottish Green Party
SCOBIE, Devin Scott – Scottish Liberal Democrats
SMITH, Carmel – Scottish Labour Party
STRANGE, Calum – Scottish Libertarian Party
WILSON, Donald – Scottish Labour Party

8: Colinton/Fairmilehead (3 councillors to be elected)

ARTHUR, Scott – Scottish Labour Party
DOGGART, Phil – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
LEWIS, Richard John – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MARSDEN, Sara – Scottish Green Party
RUST, Jason – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
WALKER, David Richard – Scottish Liberal Democrats

9: Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart (3 councillors to be elected)

CORBETT, Gavin – Scottish Green Party
JOHNSTON, Andrew – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
KEY, David – Scottish National Party (SNP)
LANG, Jenni – Scottish Liberal Democrats
SUBRAMANI, Rojan – Independent
WIMBERLEY, Anne – Scottish Labour Party

10: Morningside (4 councillors to be elected)

COOK, Nick – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
HOWAT, Sandy – Scottish National Party (SNP)
LAND, Chris – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
MAIN, Melanie – Scottish Green Party
ROSS, Neil – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WATT, Mandy – Scottish Labour Party

11: City Centre (4 councillors to be elected)

DORAN, Karen – Scottish Labour Party
MILLER, Claire – Scottish Green Party
MOWAT, Jo – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
RANKIN, Alasdair – Scottish National Party (SNP)
SIDOR, Peter – Scottish Libertarian Party
STEVENS, David – Scottish Liberal Democrats

12: Leith Walk (4 councillors to be elected)

DONALDSON, Marion – Scottish Labour Party
GARDNER, Nick – Scottish Labour Party
JACOBSEN, David Don – Socialist Labour Party
MARGA, Cristina – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
McNEESE-MECHAN, Amy – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MELVILLE, Alan Gordon – Independent
RAE, Susan – Scottish Green Party
RITCHIE, Lewis – Scottish National Party (SNP)
TOBERMANN, Harald – Independent
ZAPOROZCENKO, Vita – Scottish Liberal Democrats

13: Leith (3 councillors to be elected)

BOOTH, Chas – Scottish Green Party
DIJKSTRA-DOWNIE, Sanne – Scottish Liberal Democrats
McVEY, Adam – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MUNRO, Gordon John – Labour and Co-operative Party
PENMAN, Paul – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

14: Craigentinny/Duddingston (4 councillors to be elected)

CAMPBELL, Ian – Scottish National Party (SNP)
GRIFFITHS, Joan – Labour and Co-operative Party
HADFIELD, Patrick – Scottish Liberal Democrats
LUNN, Alex – Scottish National Party (SNP)
MARTIN, Lyndsay – Labour and Co-operative Party
MCLELLAN, John – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
STANIFORTH, Alex – Scottish Green Party
WADHWA, Mridul – Scottish National Party (SNP)

15:  Southside/Newington (4 councillors to be elected)

BURGESS, Steve – Scottish Green Party
DICKIE, Alison – Scottish National Party (SNP)
FARTHING, Dan – Scottish Liberal Democrats
PERRY, Ian – Scottish Labour Party
ROSE, Cameron – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

16: Liberton/Gilmerton (4 councillors to be elected)

CAMERON, Lezley Marion – Scottish Labour Party
HOWIE, Derek – Scottish National Party (SNP)
KNOX, John Christopher – Scottish Liberal Democrats
MACINNES, Lesley – Scottish National Party (SNP)
NICHOL, John – Scottish Green Party
POGSON, Tim – Scottish Labour Party
SMITH, Stephanie – Scottish Conservative and Unionist

17: Portobello/Craigmillar (4 councillors to be elected)

BRIDGMAN, Mike – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Kate – Scottish National Party (SNP)
CAMPBELL, Mary – Scottish Green Party
CHILD, Maureen – Scottish Labour Party
LAIDLAW, Callum – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
LESLIE, Callum – Scottish Liberal Democrats
WALKER, David – Scottish Labour Party Continue reading City Council Elections: candidates announced