As new research from The National Lottery Community Fund [1] reveals a growing enthusiasm for volunteering among UK adults, Ansvar Insurance is calling on charities and organisations across Edinburgh to prioritise the safety and management of their volunteer programmes.
The research indicates that half of UK adults (a slight increase on last year) plan to volunteer in 2024, with 14% intending to volunteer for the first time, citing food banks, animal welfare, and charity shops as the most popular initiatives to get involved with.
In Edinburgh specifically (according to the latest data from the Scottish Household Survey [2]), 19% of residents volunteered in 2022.
The benefits of volunteering, such as providing young people with new life skills and reducing loneliness among the elderly, have become increasingly recognised, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
While a growing number of volunteers is a positive development for charities, it also presents challenges in managing safety and risk.
Proper risk management is crucial not only for attracting volunteers but also for retaining them and maintaining the organisation’s reputation.
Kelly Barter, Head of Customer Service at Ansvar, an expert provider of insurance for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, commented: “Volunteers are the backbone of charitable and community organisations and play a pivotal role in sustaining vital services across Edinburgh.
“However, ensuring their safety and protection is essential. When planning events, the focus is often on activities and fundraising, but the administrative aspects, such as providing adequate supervision, organising appropriate training, completing comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring specialist insurance coverage is in place, and providing a safe environment for volunteers, can sometimes get overlooked.
“Effective risk management protects volunteers and enhances their satisfaction and retention. Volunteers are more likely to stay engaged when they feel safe and valued, leading to a positive and long-lasting experience.”
Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, the charity-owned specialist financial services organisation. The Benefact Group stands as the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, reinforcing Ansvar’s commitment to supporting the broader charitable community.
Anyone who has had surgery under anaesthetic vaguely – and in many cases vividly – remembers the friendly face that was there for them when they woke.
Most likely, that person would have been a recovery nurse, the first person who gave the reassurance that they were safe as they opened their eyes.
Recovery nurses work in the post anaesthesia care units (PACUs) and are an essential part of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals.
They assess vitals, manage pain, ensure patient comfort, and provide support during critical recovery periods.
They have a crucial role to play for all patients, but for children, their warmth and care is extra important.
One recovery nurse who embodies this is Valerie Welch who works at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. This month, Valerie celebrated her 70th birthday and remarkably 50 years of working in nursing.
Valerie qualified as a nurse down south in 1974 and moved to Scotland in 1986. In 1992, she trained in paediatrics and started her post in the RHC PACU seven years ago. She loves everything about it.
“Children are my favourite to work with. I enjoy everything about working with them,” said Valerie.
Last week, Valerie enjoyed a small celebration with her colleagues on the ward and shared some words on why she continues to do her job.
“I love the one-on-one care that is required with this job. The children are so vulnerable when they come around from surgery. We really need to be there for them, tell them they’re safe, and get their parents or carers in to be with them as soon as possible.
“There is no such thing as an average day in theatre recovery. It can be busy, but I’m never bored.
“I’m part of a fantastic team that I enjoy working with. As long as I can, I will be working here,” she said.
The Post Anaesthesia Care Unit Recovery Team shared a special comment for Valerie. They said: “Valerie has a remarkable, bubbly personality that everyone warms to, especially the children.
“You don’t achieve 50 years in nursing without having an excellent connection with patients and Valerie certainly has that with every kid that comes through our doors.
“We love that she is part of our team, and we wish her the happiest of birthdays and anniversaries.
Edinburgh’s Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of its hotly-anticipated annual summer festival, FoxFest, for 2024. Tickets are now on sale for the endless summer fun which is set to return on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August.
With ticket prices starting from £11.75, the festival has been expertly designed to bring kids and adults together for limitless fun throughout the weekend. Families can soak up the atmosphere in the Conifox Festival Field with a bumper weekend of amazing entertainment including music, circus performers, magicians, comedy and so much more.
That’s not all, ticket holders can expect an array of musical performances across the weekend with an enviable lineup of tribute acts including Ed Sheeran, Simply Ariana, Lewis Capaldi, Steptastic and Spice World the Tribute.
And for all your Swifties out there, Conifox is delighted to announce the addition of Britain’s number 1 Taylor Swift Tribute performer to this year’s roster of entertainers.
The award-winning Adventure Park is pleased to welcome Britain’s Got Talent’s Steve Hewlett and his hilarious ventriloquist act to this year’s FoxFest, alongside Conifox’s favourite local magicians – Magic Gareth and Tricky Ricky, The Giant Balloon Show and back by popular demand, Paris Bubbles – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
In between the fun, families can enjoy the popular Adventure Park included in the ticket price, or tuck into delicious food, drinks and ice creams onsite.
For those looking for something extra, Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides and face painting will be popping up at FoxFest for an additional cost.
Conifox Managing Director James Gammell said:“We’re all about family-friendly fun and FoxFest is one of the only festivals in Scotland that caters to the whole family, with a roster of entertainment for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.
“With Taylor Swift mania still rippling throughout Edinburgh, we’re delighted to bring Britain’s number 1 Taylor tribute to FoxFest alongside a dedicated lineup of some of the UK’s best tribute performers to entertain and make FoxFest an even better experience for our visitors.”
FoxFest tickets are available from £14.95 for adults, £19.95 for children ages 2 – 16 and £11.75 for ages 12 – 24 months. Babies under 12 months old go free.
Eco-Gamers challenge abrdn’s fossil fuel investments with Retro Arcade Game
A group of eco-gamers, Serious People, have created a video game, “Asset Manager Quest,” to help investment firm abrdn move away from its fossil fuel investments.
The group engaged staff outside their offices in Edinburgh with a portable arcade machine, challenging them to take on the role of CEO and save the company from disaster.
Serious People’s video game exposes abrdn’s $3.6 billion investment in fossil fuels. In “Asset Manager Quest”, players take on the role of abrdn’s CEO and decide whether to take the company further down its current disastrous path or towards a more prosperous future with a fossil fuel exclusion policy.
Asset Manager Quest has been created in response to the urgency of the climate crisis and the critical role investors play in either worsening or alleviating this global issue.
Asset Manager Quest’s gameplay consists of making decisions to try and fix plummeting staff morale. Besides exiting fossil fuel investments, most of these make things worse.
You can give yourself a massive bonus, accuse the media of bullying, or make staff pay for their own tea bags. Many of these choices take inspiration from recent disasters at abrdn, but there are also more satirical scenarios.
Players can leave investment banking to become a pastry chef at Edinburgh’s famous Lannan Bakery (which you can rebrand as Lnnn Bakery) or join a secret world order, “The League of Asset Managers”.
For its launch, Serious People went to abrdn’s headquarters in Edinburgh to engage abrdn’s staff with a portable arcade machine. The rest of the company’s staff had the game delivered to their inbox, while the general public encountered it through billboards in Edinburgh and ads on LinkedIn (featuring a retro remix of the viral TikTok song “Man in Finance”).
Jamie Inman, Founder, Serious People, commented: “We all want to breathe clean air and live in a thriving natural world. But abrdn is stuck in the past, pumping billions into fossil fuel companies while the planet heats up.
“Abrdn are toying with our future, so we thought we would play with theirs. Having tried every turnaround plan except this one, it’s time for abrdn’s Chairman and board to take a bold leap into the future and walk away from fossil fuel bonds.”
Oli Frost, Lead Game Designer, Serious People commented: “Asset Manager Quest is an immersive text-based game with hundreds of possible paths.
“You can join secret covens, fight undead horses, and enter celestial realms, but the most important thing you can do is stop investing in companies that continue to expand fossil fuels. The game’s graphical capabilities may be somewhat dated, but no more so than abrdn’s disastrous investment strategy.”
Alice Delemare Tangpuori, Coordinator of the Toxic Bonds Network, commented: “Every investment abrdn makes in toxic bonds helps fund a new oil pipeline or coal-fired power station. abrdn’s refusal to stop investments in coal, oil and gas amidst mounting public pressure and financial woes is a testament to its shortsightedness.
“If abrdn persists in financing fossil expansion, they’re steering the company straight into disaster.
The time for excuses and half-hearted gestures is over.
“Abrdn must stop all investments in fossil fuel expansionists to safeguard both its business and the planet.”
Abrdn is currently the fourth most exposed asset manager to toxic bonds and has over $3.6 billion invested in fossil fuel bonds issued by major companies such as Exxon, BP, Shell, and Total.
The asset management company also holds investments in bonds and shares issued by Ithaca Energy, co-developer of the controversial Rosebank oilfield in the North Sea. Despite telling campaigners in 2023 that it was reviewing its interests, abrdn remains one of the few European investors without a coal exclusion policy.
Since its rebrand in 2021, abrdn has faced significant challenges, including a drop from the FTSE 100 index, a major fall in share price, over 10% staff layoffs, and the loss of major shareholders like Harris Associates. The company’s previous CEO, Stephen Bird, abruptly left the firm in May, adding to the uncertainty surrounding abrdn’s future.
The public can join in and play the game by following this link:
The next Catch Up with a Cop at Stockbridge Market will be held today – Sunday 30th June, from 1100 hours.
This 3 -weekly surgery is a chance to speak to your beat officer, report crimes/issues/intel, or obtain advice. People are also welcome to bring children along to meet a police officer and ask us questions.
It’s been a useful resource so far this year for many people, and the North West Community Policing Team would like to thank Stockbridge Market for hosting them.
BUYING ALCOHOL FOR CHILDREN COULD LEAVE YOU FACING A FINE OR JAIL TIME.
That’s the stark message of a campaign running across this summer in collaboration with retailers, alcohol companies and Police Scotland.
Evaluations of the previous “It’ll Cost You!” campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with 18 detections being made during the course of last year’s campaign.
It is an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18. This is known as proxy purchase and can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.
The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.
This year’s campaign will run from 1 July to 12 August across Scotland.
Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”
Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Proxy purchasing is not an easy crime to detect and retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.
“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”
Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the “It’ll Cost You!” message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.
“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”
Siobhain Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said: “I welcome the return of a campaign that successfully illustrates the value of strong collaboration and regular engagement between partners, which help to deliver shared aims to help reduce underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Summer’s here! We’re running an exciting programme of fun activities and creative events for local children, young people, and their families throughout July and August. Come and join the fun!
Highlights include:
Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
NEA x Edinburgh Science Mini Summer Festival (All ages): Enjoy fun science activities on Tuesday 18 July, 11am-3pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
The Show for Young Men (Ages 8+): A special preview performance on Wednesday 31 July, 11am at PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus.
Fringe at… North Edinburgh Arts! (All ages): Family-friendly performances and workshops on Saturday 10 August, 10:30am-12:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Travelling Gallery – Where We Stand (All ages): An exhibition on community ownership on Thursday 15 August, 10am-4pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Play Rangers (Ages 5+): Creative outdoor play every Friday afternoon in local parks.
Family Badminton (Ages 7+): Weekly sessions on Mondays, 4:30pm-7:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Cycling Group (Ages 8+): Family-friendly cycling every Wednesday, 10am-11:30am, meeting at 67 Pennywell Road.
Join us for a summer full of creativity, outdoor fun, and community spirit!
New figures reveal 20% increase in the number of employers looking to hire veterans
New figures released by the Forces Employment Charity to coincide with Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 29 June) reveal that the number of employers actively looking to hire veterans has jumped by over 20% in the last five years, increasing from 2981 in 2018 to 3603 in 2023.[1]
The charity has also unveiled new research which shows that employers who have hired veterans report that they contributed significantly to the workforce.
Results show:
1 in 4 (24%) employers praised veterans for bringing strong leadership skills to the workforce[2]
1 in 5 (22%) employers say having a veteran in the organisation is great for building team spirit2
1 in 5 (22%) employers praise veterans for bringing unique skills to the workforce2
1 in 5 (20%) employers say hiring a veteran is good for business2
The Forces Employment Charity, which supports all members of the military community in achieving civilian employment success, has also seen a massive rise in the number of job roles it has secured for its clients. Last year, the charity secured 13,246 placements,[3] compared to 11,994 the previous year,[4] reflecting more than a 10% year-on-year increase.
Despite a significant increase in employers recognising the value of hiring veterans, less than half of UK employers (41%) say they know where and how to access talent from the military community.2
Furthermore, only 1 in 3 (35%) veterans say they feel proud of the skills they acquired during their time in the military, and whilst around 15,000 men and women leave the Armed Forces every year,[5] less than 1 in 10 (8%) working-age veterans state that they know where to go for civilian employment support.[6]
The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. The charity also delivers Op NOVA on behalf of the NHS, supporting veterans in contact with the justice system.
Edinburgh-based Leanne Bonner, Ex-Forces Programme Manager at the Forces Employment Charity, says:“As someone who works with the military community on a daily basis, helping them to take their next step on the career ladder, I am delighted to see so many more employers actively looking to hire veterans.
“Anyone who has served has a wealth of skills to offer, such as resilience, accountability, leadership and team skills, and an ability to be trained. With the help of moments such as Armed Forces Day, I look forward to seeing more employers taking steps to recruit veterans into their teams.”
Danielle Sandy, Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity’s Military Women programme to help her secure her new role, which drives veteran recruitment.
She says: “My advisor was fantastic throughout my application process for the Barclays position. She helped me not only with my CV but also put me through a number of mock interviews, which set me up perfectly on the big day.
“She is extremely knowledgeable and always on hand to provide support – no matter what time of the day. I will be forever grateful for her assistance during a daunting experience. Going from a very comfortable position into a huge corporate brand during a pandemic was a risk and a challenge.
“Still, with her support, I could make a very smooth transition. She was engaged throughout the whole process, from the first viewing of the job advert and initial application to even following up with me in weeks one and three of my new role.
“The whole experience was superb, and she gave me the confidence to take the next big step in my career. Although I have offered Service Leavers and Veterans advice for years, I often found it difficult to apply that same advice to myself and lacked confidence!
“Thankfully, my advisor was able to offer me advice and build my confidence.”
Speaking about her role as Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, she adds: “As a Royal Navy veteran, I know first-hand both the incredible skills that veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, but also the common challenges that can sometimes act as a barrier to accessing meaningful employment once you have finished your Forces career.
“I am so proud to work for an organisation that takes active steps to embrace military talent and nurture their skills and abilities.”
Shaun Harrison from Glasgow sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity, having served in the British Army. With the help of his dedicated Advisor, who provided job signposting, CV advice and helped with interview technique, Shaun secured a role as a Nursing Assistant with the NHS.
He comments:“With the help of my Advisor, I was able to secure employment without getting overly stressed. Knowing someone had my back whilst I was navigating this job minefield was good. It let me focus on other things in my life that I love.”
Staff from the Forces Employment Charity will attend a host of events all over the country in support of Armed Forces Day. They will be on hand to provide more information about how the charity can help members of the military community take their next step on the career ladder, whether that be helping with their CVs, searching for suitable jobs, or using interview techniques to help secure funding for training opportunities.
Dame Prue Leith CBE, TV personality, writer, restaurateur and cookery expert, is to step down from her position as Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (QMU).
Prue, who has been the University’s Chancellor since her installation in July 2017, will preside over her last graduation ceremonies, in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, on 1st and 2nd of July, before officially concluding her term as Chancellor of QMU at the end of this calendar year.
Best known for her appearances as a judge in the hit Channel 4 TV series, ‘The Great British Bake-off’ and BBC 2 culinary show ‘Great British Menu’, Prue Leith has become a household name in recent years, with numerous appearances on foodie programmes and other TV shows.
Her most recent TV success, ‘Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen’ on ITV, has seen her open the doors of her own kitchen where she, and husband John Playfair, celebrate food, friendship and fun with easy-to-cook recipes for every occasion.
Aside from her wealth of experience as a TV presenter and contributor, it was Prue’s impressive track record as an entrepreneur, restauranteur, cook and writer, which made her an excellent fit for Queen Margaret University.
In her position as Chancellor, she has not only taken part in graduation ceremonies and many other events, she has been a passionate supporter of QMU students.
She has always taken time to meet and talk to students, often providing them with a great insight into her career successes and challenges, and encouraging and advising them on their own career paths.
She has been particularly active in supporting the University’s entrepreneurial opportunities for students. More widely, she always takes a keen interest in QMU’s work in cultivating entrepreneurialism on campus, and in its ambitions to support businesses and economic development through the creation of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub, which is currently being constructed on land around the campus.
With a proud history in food and nutrition dating back to 1875, Queen Margaret University continues to have a strong focus on food education and commercialisation.
Prue’s wealth of experience as a food entrepreneur ensured her knowledge and experience was of great benefit to students and the University. Having successfully built a business from scratch in the 1960s which grew to become Leith’s Good Food, the party and event caterer,
Prue opened Leith’s, her famous Michelin starred restaurant, in 1969. In 1975, she founded Leith’s School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks. The group, employing 500 people, reached a turnover of £15m in 1993. She went on to sell her empire in the mid 1990’s.
She has also held numerous public appointments, and was appointed an OBE in 1989, CBE in 2010, and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2021 for her services to food, broadcasting and charity.
Prue has always spoken up for the issues that she believes in, and she doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. She is a campaigner for assisted dying, having witnessed her brother’s unnecessary suffering in hospital at the end of his life.
She believes that more work needs to be done to improve end of life care and to provide choice for those who are dying. She shone a light on this sensitive topic in 2023 when she and her son,
Conservative MP Danny Kruger, explored the issue in a Channel 4 TV programme ‘Prue and Danny’s Death Road Trip’. The investigation and conversation involved a trip across Canada, where assisted dying is legal. Both Danny, who has opposing views to his mother and is against assisted dying, and Prue spoke to doctors and others affected by the service. Once the one-hour special was aired, Prue was praised for her sensitive handling of this important and often divisive subject.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “It has been a great privilege to have Dame Prue Leith as our Chancellor.
“She had a hard act to follow, taking over the role from our Founding Chancellor, Sir Tom Farmer in 2017, and she has been a true asset to the University. She has shown incredible dedication to our students, always making herself available to meet and discuss developments with staff and students, and supporting University events.
“Prue’s career and background resonates deeply with the values and ethos of Queen Margaret University, as well as with our specialist areas in health and rehabilitation; the creative and cultural industries; education; and sustainable business.
“She has been particularly supportive of our recent and significant developments in teacher education – always keen to learn about our work in developing the next generation of teachers in home economics, primary education, religious studies and business. And her insights and experience into business development have been invaluable, and have helped support our culture of entrepreneurship.”
Sir Paul concluded: “However, it is Prue’s high energy, positive attitude and zest for life which have really inspired our students and staff.
“She sets a great example to the QMU community – bringing positivity to everything she does, making the most of every opportunity, speaking out to make a difference to people’s lives, and always developing and learning in order to be the best version of herself.
“Her boundless energy is infectious, and she has a star quality and magic about her which makes people believe that anything is possible. What more could you ask of a university chancellor?”
Dame Prue Leith will continue her role as Chancellor of the University until December 2024.
Mike Andersen, the Lib Dem candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today called for Scotland’s sewage network to be upgraded and for a blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers to be introduced.
This comes as new analysis by the Liberal Democrats revealed that Edinburgh North and Leith is one of 14 Westminster constituencies in Scotland where there is no monitoring of sewage dumping pipes.
Across Scotland in 2023 sewage was dumped 21,660 times, an increase of 10% on 2022. However, the problem is likely to be far worse because, unlike in England, hardly any dumping pipes are monitored.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have launched plans for a Clean Water Act that would see:
Scotland’s Victorian sewage network updated;
Every sewage dump monitored and published with binding targets for their reduction;
A blue flag system for Scotland’s rivers;
A complete ban on the release of sewage in protected areas such as bathing waters.
The proposals for Scotland are part of a UK-wide campaign by the Liberal Democrats to clean up waterways and get governments to take action.
Mike Andersen said: “SNP ministers have become spin doctors for the government-owned water company and outdated standards. Bosses are taking home bumper bonuses while millions of litres of sewage gets dumped into our rivers, lochs and beaches.
“Monitoring of sewage dumping is so lacking that there is no monitoring whatsoever in Edinburgh North and Leith. In England, at least there is proper monitoring in place so that we know the scale of the problem.
“On Thursday, you can use your vote to end the appalling sewage scandal. Scottish Liberal Democrats want a Clean Water Act for Scotland to update the sewage network, proper monitoring to find all the dumping, and a complete ban on this filthy practice in protected areas such as bathing waters.
“Liberal Democrats up and down the UK have led the campaign to turn the tide on the sewage scandal. If you elect a Liberal Democrat MP in Edinburgh North and Leith you will get a hardworking local champion who is focused on getting the sewage out of our rivers and winning the change our country desperately needs.”
You can find data for all Scottish Westminster constituencies here.
Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
