Come along to our women’s recruitment and information event at Fettes Police Station, Edinburgh on Thursday, 4 May 2023, from 6pm to 8pm
Our Positive Action recruitment team will talk about the recruitment process, the entrance test and fitness test, as well as the assessment day. A serving female police officer will be there to discuss their experience of the recruitment process and their experiences of the role so far.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and meet potential candidates who are also thinking of applying to become a police officer.
We are committed to increasing the number of officers and staff from under-represented groups. There are well documented barriers to some people applying to join the police service.
We therefore run a number of different recruitment events to answer specific questions from people from diverse communities. This is to make sure everyone has fair access to the Police Scotland recruitment process.
These events are for groups currently under-represented in Police Scotland. The consent, support and cooperation of our fellow citizens lies at the heart of the identity and legitimacy of policing in Scotland.
To ensure that bond is as strong as possible, we must fully represent and reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is an operational necessity and morally the right thing to do.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will issue 1.5 million annual tax credits renewal packs for the 2023 to 2024 tax year to customers between 2 May and 15 June 2023.
Once customers receive their annual renewal pack they will have until 31 July 2023 to check the information is correct and notify HMRC of any changes to their circumstances which may affect their claim.
Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support, so it is important that people do not miss out on money they are entitled to.
There are two types of renewal packs:
· if it has a red line across the first page and says ‘reply now’, customers will need to confirm their circumstances to renew their tax credits
· if it has a black line across the first page and says ‘check now’, customers will need to check that their details are correct. If they are, they do not need to do anything and their tax credits will be automatically renewed
More than 500,000 tax credits customers will need to reply to HMRC by the deadline to confirm their circumstances for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, or risk having their payments stopped.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director-General for Customer Services, said:“Tax credits provide families with vital financial support, so it is important that customers look out for their renewal pack and renew by 31 July.
“For details on how to renew, search ‘manage my tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”
The renewal packs will be sent out in batches. HMRC is reminding customers who have not received theirs to wait until after 15 June before contacting HMRC about their pack.
Renewing online is quick and easy. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured that it is being processed and know when they will hear back from HMRC.
Customers choosing to use the HMRC app can:
· renew their tax credits
· update changes to their claim
· check their tax credits payments schedule, and
· find out how much they have earned for the year
If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claim, they must report the changes to HMRC. Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to:
· living arrangements
· childcare
· working hours, or
· income (increase or decrease)
By the end of 2024, tax credits will be replaced by Universal Credit. Customers who receive tax credits will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling them when to claim Universal Credit.
It is important that customers claim by the deadline shown in the letter to continue receiving financial support as their tax credits will end even if they decide not to claim Universal Credit. However, there is no need to wait for their transfer letter, and customers can apply to move to Universal Credit sooner, if it is right for them.
The UK Government is offering Help for Households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support individuals could be eligible for.
Criminals use deadlines, like the one for tax credits renewals, to trick people who might be expecting to hear from HMRC into sharing their banking or other personal details. If a phone call, text or email is unexpected, do not give out private information or reply, and do not download attachments or click on links.
It is ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests – only criminals will try to rush or panic people. HMRC is also warning people not to share their login details with anyone else.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Edinburgh City Transport Convener – the Council’s plans
Phil Noble, Strategy Manager for Active Travel and Streetspace – more detail on the policy delivery documents, including ATA, the Active Travel Action Plan
… followed by our one-hour panel QA, chaired by Dr Caroline Brown, Spokes member, Transform Scotland policy adviser, transport academic – your chance to interrogate and challenge the speakers
Time Starts 7.30, Ends 9.30. Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat
Queries & Questions Queries, or questions for the speakers, can be emailed to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority on the night
Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – details nearer the time on Spokes website. We also intend to make the recording available a few days later.
Background
Edinburgh City Council is consulting on a new Active Travel Action Plan (ATAP) and a series of other Mobility Plan ‘delivery documents’ all aimed to support Edinburgh NetZero 2030, and a 30% reduction in car-km by 2030.
Our public meeting will hear from the Council, followed by an expert critique, and then there’s a full hour panel discussion – your opportunity to challenge the speakers.
Do the delivery plans live up to the Council’s ambition to cut car-km 30% by 2030, alongside greatly increased travel by foot, bike and public transport? Will they enable more people to live car-free? Will they lead to speedy implementation? Our meeting is your opportunity to find out!
The ambition “to create a city where you don’t need to own a car to get around,” mentioned in several of the documents (e.g. Parking Action Plan, p8) is very welcome, for reasons of climate, public health, congestion and equalities. Such an ambition is also essential if the Council is to achieve its ultra-tough target to reduce car-km 30% by 2030.
A top cycling takeaway from the draft ATAP is the new focus on main road segregated routes. It says [chap 5],
“The (off road) traffic-free routes will continue to play a vital role, and we will seek to improve their comfort,safety and security. However, we now plan to develop a joined-up network of routes that feel safe to everyone at all times of day. This network will need to use segregated cycle tracks on main roads, as well as unsegregated on-street routes that have low volumes of motor traffic.”
The three highlighted phrases above [our emphases] neatly summarise important major developments, which we strongly welcome, in the Council’s approach to cycling policy, and we urge determined implementation.–
In a nod to International Guide Dogs Day (26th April) – Scotmid has surprised its soon to be retired President with a gift he’ll never forget!
With four legs, a fluffy tail and skills that help change lives, A Guide Dog puppy has been ‘named’ Harry after Harry Cairney as a parting gift. Human and hairy Harry met to shake paws and celebrate Scotmid’s ongoing Charity partnership with Guide Dogs.
PICTURED (L to R) –John Brodie (Scotmid Chief Executive), Harry, , Shelagh Davidson (Guide Dog Puppy Raiser), Kyla McVicar (Guide Dogs), Harry Cairney.
Celebrate International Dance Day this week with Dance Base
Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, is inviting everyone to celebrate this year’sInternational Dance Day on Saturdayandtake part in the fantastic summer term starting just two days later, on 1 May.
Audiences can now choose from over 50 dance classes for people of all ages and all levels of dance experience forming Dance Base’s summer term. The term will run until 24 June and feature audience favourites such as Burlesque, Bollywood, Aerial, Tap and Cuban Salsa as well as Irish dance, Musical Madness and Pilates, available as an 8-week course or drop-in classes.
As always, Dance Base provides a range of classes for the youngest (3+ yo) and mature dancers (60+ yo). It also continues its popular Dance for Parkinson’s classes suitable for people with no dance experience, aimed at developing participants’ confidence and creativity, whilst addressing Parkinson’s specific concerns such as balance, flexibility, coordination and gait.
Jim Hollington, Dance Base’s CEO said: “International Dance Day provides a fantastic excuse to celebrate all things dance, the joy it brings and the community it helps build.
“We are honoured and driven to continue to play a vital part in Scotland’s creative landscape which has been under a lot of strain over the past few years. but thanks to the high level of support from our teachers and regular dancers, who helped to make the term we’ve just finished much busier than anticipated, we’re able to open over 50 classes in the summer term.
“Our future depends on your support, so I hope you’ll celebrate the International Dance Day with us and sign up to one of our fantastic courses or drop-in classes.”
Tony Mills, Dance Base’s Artistic Director said: “We recognise that a dance class can become an incredibly meaningful experience that builds community, creativity, joy and well-being.
“At Dance Base, I consider us to be in the business of providing this kind of opportunity, so I am happy that we mark this year’s International Dance Day with a new fantastic term of over 50 classes.”
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:
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%).
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
For event details, please visit http://ow.ly/3MoV50NGW22
Booking is essential: email the team at 
