Ditching vague language essential to resolving workplace conflicts

Replacing vague phrases with clearer language is essential to informally resolving workplace conflicts, according to new research.

The research, carried out by The Social Agency for Acas, found that some language used in workplaces was misleading.

Phrases like “nipping it in the bud” were vague and confusing, while phrases like “open and honest conversation’” and “facilitated discussion” avoided the language of conflict and described resolution neutrally.

Using clear language helped to create a trusting environment, enable constructive dialogue by helping people express their feelings, and avoided unnecessary escalation of issues.

Acas Director of Dispute Resolution Kevin Rowan said: “Language matters when it comes to informal and early resolution. Some words like “dispute” and “grievance” provoke defensiveness and make people think the conversation is about conflict and sanction rather than support or problem-solving.

“Conversations for informal resolution should be different from formal processes. Whereas formal investigations are about ascertaining facts, informal conversations should be about identifying concerns and differing points of view.”

The research aimed to define informal resolution, examine the processes that underpin it, explore the views of those involved, and identify how Acas can support people effectively to use informal resolution.

The study highlighted the value of using informal resolution where appropriate as a potentially less stressful, more efficient way of managing conflict, preserving relationships and maintaining a positive working environment.

It showed that:

  • Lack of skill and confidence among managers remains a barrier to informal resolution. Employers can help by giving managers time, support, and access to practical training and resources.
  • Informal resolution is more likely to succeed in organisations that visibly support it. For example, by encouraging early dialogue and referencing informal routes in disciplinary and grievance policies.
  • Outcomes are shaped by how the process is approached, whether there’s early intervention, mutual trust, recognition of power dynamics, and willingness to stop if informal resolution isn’t working.
  • Clear, direct language helps set expectations and supports constructive communication. Vague phrases like “nipping it in the bud” can downplay the seriousness of an issue or create confusion. While descriptions like “an open and honest conversation” were felt to be more constructive.

Kevin Rowan continued: “When the annual cost of workplace conflict to UK employers is estimated to stand at £28.5 billion, there is a strong argument for managing workplace disagreements better.

“When workplace issues escalate and become formal disciplinary or grievance processes, costs escalate significantly.

“Early resolution may not always work, but where it does, there are huge financial savings as well as emotional gains to be made.”

One of Scotland’s largest private sports memorabilia collections to be auctioned for charity

John Horne marks 30 Years of business with landmark gesture

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

In a powerful gesture of generosity, one of Scotland’s most passionate and prolific sports memorabilia collectors, is preparing to part with almost all of his decades-in-the-making collection in support of two charities close to his heart.

John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold (Part of the JR Group), a leading construction and scaffolding firm celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, began collecting in 1995, the same year he launched his business.

What started as a few signed football shirts bought at charity auctions has evolved into one of the most extensive private collections of its kind in Scotland, featuring legendary names from across the globe.

To mark the company’s milestone year, John is auctioning more than 130 treasured items to raise vital funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland, causes with deeply personal meaning.

Among the highlights going under the hammer are signed shirts from Graeme Souness, Ronaldo, Jimmy Johnstone, Brian Laudrup, and Lionel Messi; iconic framed photos autographed by Diego Maradona, Peter Shilton, and George Best; and an array of rare boxing and golf memorabilia, including items signed by Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and Masters champions.

The auction, organised by event specialists Blue Parrot Events Group through their Event PAL fundraising platform, will be hosted online and live for two weeks from Monday 30th June, giving fans and collectors the opportunity to own pieces of sporting history while supporting meaningful causes.

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold, said: “This journey started with Old Firm memorabilia and a desire to support good causes. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to acquire pieces from some of the biggest names in sport.

“Every item holds a story, a moment, a memory, and while it’s emotional to part with them, this feels like the right time. Giving back has always been part of our company’s DNA, and this is my way of doing something personal to honour that as we hit 30 years.

“The auction will raise funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation, a tribute to a wonderful young girl taken far too soon. Her dad, Andy Smillie, helped us start our company and our families remain close friends.

“We’re also supporting MND Scotland, in memory of Aaron Souttar, another young life lost too early. His parents, Jack and Heather, are dear friends also.”

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

With something for every sports enthusiast, John hopes the collection will find passionate new owners and raise a significant sum for two very special charities.

To view the lots and place a bid, visit https://weareeventpal.com/jrgroup.

The auction launched on Monday 30th June.

You can also donate to the charity via the link:

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The JR Group was founded in Govan in 1995 as a scaffolding business and has grown to become one of Scotland’s largest building and construction firms – employing around 200 staff.

The JR Group has a proven track record of delivering outstanding projects for leading UK housebuilders, registered social landlords and private clients across Scotland and the North of England.

For more information visit www.thejrgroup.co.uk or call 0141 849 6711. 

Holyrood Committee calls for views on new Bill which would make it a criminal offence to pay for sex

The Criminal Justice Committee is seeking views on the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill, introduced by Ash Regan MSP, targets those who buy sexual services by creating a new criminal offence of paying for a sexual act.

The Bill would also repeal the existing offence, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, of loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place for the purposes of prostitution. People who have been convicted of this offence in the past would have their convictions quashed by the new Bill.

The Member’s Bill would also give rights to ensure a person who is, or has been, in prostitution is provided with help and support. This could include accommodation, financial assistance, healthcare or legal advice and representation, depending on what is required.

As the call for views launched, Criminal Justice Committee Convener Audrey Nicoll MSP said: “This Bill raises important questions on prostitution in Scotland and how it is considered by our laws.

“It proposes changes on criminalisation, the quashing of previous convictions and the support given to those who work in this environment and we want to hear from a range of voices on whether they welcome these provisions.

“We are particularly keen to hear the views of people with lived experience, on whether they support the proposals or not, and whether the changes this Bill proposes will help achieve its ambitions.”

Let the Committee know your views 

The call for views closes on Friday 5 September 2025.

Get Fit This Festival Season with Edinburgh Leisure’s Summer Pass

Edinburgh Leisure launches new campaign to keep the capital moving this summer

As Edinburgh bursts into life with festivals, fun, and sunshine, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting locals and visitors alike to make this their healthiest summer yet with the launch of its new Summer Pass.

Available from Tuesday, 1 July 2025 – 31st August, the four-week pass offers unlimited access to over 50 venues across the city for just £49 for adults and £35 for young adults (16–24 years).  Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership

Whether you’re a festivalgoer looking to stay energised, a student home for the holidays, or a worker wanting to stay active during the summer months, the Summer Pass gives you access to:

  • 17 state-of-the-art gyms
  • 12 swimming pools
  • 750+ fitness classes and 250+ gym-based classes weekly
  • Evolve at Meadowbank – their cutting-edge hybrid gym
  • Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena at Ratho
www.chriswatt.com

Why choose Edinburgh Leisure this summer?

Here are five standout reasons to grab your Summer Pass:

  1. Climb High at Ratho
    Experience the thrill of Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, with a 28m high main wall, the latest state of the art bouldering facilities, auto-belays, and expert coaching for all levels.
  2. Swim in Style
    Dive into history with five beautifully restored Victorian pools at Glenogle, Portobello, Dalry, Leith Victoria, and Warrender – where natural light meets timeless charm.
  3. Get Social with Sport
    From Pickleball to Walking Netball, their Adult Social Sport sessions are perfect for making friends and staying active, no matter your skill level.
  4. Train Like a Pro at Evolve Meadowbank
    Access their Hybrid Gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club with specialised equipment and classes – all included in your pass.
  5. Low-Intensity Classes
    Prefer a gentler pace? Choose from seated cardio, yoga, strength, and active dance classes at 11 venues across the city.

Ready to make this your fittest summer yet?

Visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/membership/summer-pass to find out more and sign up.

People across Scotland encouraged to support major health research campaign

People across Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to a free UK-wide health research registry, which is aimed at helping to improve health and care and ultimately save lives.

NHS Research Scotland (NRS) believes that research participation is the single most important contribution we can make to help improve health and develop the best means to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions — representing an essential cornerstone of an effective, modern health service.

It is therefore supporting the push to sign up to 1.5 million people to Be Part of Research — a UK-wide partnership between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the UK’s devolved administrations including Scotland, and the NHS.

The UK-wide volunteer registry helps people find suitable health research studies based on their interests, where they live, as well as their age, sex, and ethnicity.

More than 90,000 people have already been matched to over 100 studies, including the UK’s first norovirus vaccine trial.

Those signing up online can choose the health conditions that are of interest to them. They are then sent clear information about suitable study opportunities, making it easier than ever to find and take part in vital health and care research.

A key aim is to help people make informed choices about taking part in health and care research and make sure everyone has the chance to get involved if they want to.

Scotland’s Chief Scientist (Health) Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak said: “We welcome this launch as part of a unified UK approach to heightening research participation.

“I encourage people across Scotland to get involved. Stepping forward and volunteering to take part in research helps develop and provide access to new treatments, helps to improve NHS Scotland, enhances patient outcomes, and saves lives.

“However, people can only take part in research if they know that it’s happening. Online services like Be Part of Research provide an opportunity to help members of the public discover what research is currently happening and make informed choices about taking part.”

She added: “The difference which patients and the public can make through their participation in research is immeasurable, and nothing can be achieved without a diverse group of volunteers.” 

People in Scotland can also register with SHARE, Scotland’s Health Research Register and Biobank, to be informed of future opportunities to participate in research studies that they could be suitable for.

One participant who volunteered for an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) study at the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF) called it “such a positive experience”.

They added: “I took part because I think it is vital that more work is done in the treatment of an illness that is largely misunderstood and an illness that can strip away your very existence.

“I was nervous going into the trial, but I can’t speak more highly of all the medical staff that I have worked with. They have created an environment where you feel very safe and fully supported.

“I would encourage anyone to take part in a trial like this if they are considering it.”

A stroke study participant, Jennifer Hanlin, said: “I found taking part in a research programme very helpful in my rehabilitation and would encourage others to participate in research programmes if given the chance.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “Tomorrow’s treatments are today’s research.

“We are calling on the British public to sign up to Be Part of Research, our world-leading register, to find studies that they can take part in. Whether you are a healthy volunteer, or have a particular condition, you can be part of research that makes a difference.

“It is vital that health and care research represents society, reflecting the diversity within it to produce the best treatments. Research that includes people from all backgrounds and from across the country will produce findings that benefit and serve everybody.

“Being a part of research is a great way to get involved and give back in a way that can change lives, accelerate knowledge and benefit us all. Members of the public will be able to be matched to vital trials through the Be Part of Research service.”

Follow activity at #BePartofResearch and at @NHSResearchScot.

People across Scotland can sign up to be contacted about opportunities to take part in studies that are right for them by creating a free Be Part of Research account at bepartofresearch.uk.

#BePartofResearch

@NIHRresearch

Edinburgh College achieves ‘Platinum Study Centre’ Status from CIPD

Edinburgh College has been awarded ‘Platinum Study Centre’ status by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in recognition of its consistent delivery of high-quality HR qualifications.

The accolade represents the highest level of recognition granted by CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. The Platinum status acknowledges the college’s excellence in assessment and marking standards, robust administrative operations, and consistently high levels of learner satisfaction.

Carole Paterson, Head of School and Programme Director for CIPD, CMI, ILM and CIM qualifications at Edinburgh College said: “We are honoured to receive the highest recognition from CIPD.

“This Platinum status is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teaching team, who have been delivering exceptional professional education for over two decades.

“Our CIPD programmes not only provide accredited qualifications but also equip our learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace.

“We are proud to support HR professionals at every stage of their career and look forward to continuing this work with the added distinction of Platinum status.”

 Jenny Churchill, CIPD and CMI lecturer at Edinburgh College also commented: “Our college offers a flexible, fully online delivery model that includes weekly tutor-led sessions, and peer learning through a virtual platform.

“Learners engage and draw on relevant case studies, HRM literature, theories, and statistics, to inform their professional practice. Guest speakers, an alumni mentor scheme and a Mock Employment Tribunal are an integral part of our course programmes. 

“For Level 7, we provide a face-to-face induction and two on-campus workshops, all of which are streamed for virtual participation, ensuring an accessible and inclusive learning experience.”

With over 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights and learning – the CIPD gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership.

It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone.

Edinburgh College also offers a range of business, leadership and management training courses to support those looking to progress their career.

For more information or to apply for a course starting this September, visit:

www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk. 

Labour government launches landmark review of parental leave

Westminster Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay, to better support working families and help children get the best start in life

  • Government launches a full review of parental leave and pay to better support working families and help children get the best start in life
  • Review will look at all types of leave – including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave – to make the system fairer and easier to use
  • Part of the Plan to Make Work Pay – boosting growth, improving living standards for working families and ensuring working parents feel supported during this life-changing time

Millions of families could benefit from a better start for their children as the government launches a major review of the parental leave and pay system – the first of its kind in Britain.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, this review will look at how to modernise parental leave to support today’s families and help grow the economy.

The review will look at the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.

Right now, the system is complicated and doesn’t always give families the support they need. One in three dads don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to, and take-up of shared parental leave remains very low.

This is a unique moment in family life – the arrival of a child is joyful, but also physically and emotionally demanding. It’s a time when new mothers need rest and recovery, and when both parents need space to bond with their baby and adjust to a new way of life.

That’s why it’s so important that fathers and partners are able to be present – not just to support their partner’s recovery, but to play an active role in caring for their child from day one.

Research shows that better parental leave can help close the gender pay gap and boost the economy by billions of pounds.

The review will gather views from parents, employers and experts across the country and will end with a roadmap for possible reforms.

This delivers on a key pledge in the Plan to Make Work Pay and supports two of the government’s core missions – growing the economy and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: ““Those early years are the most special time for families, but too many struggle to balance their work and home lives. Supporting working parents isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s vital for our economy.

“Through our Plan to Make Work Pay, we’re already improving the parental leave system with new day 1 rights. This ambitious review will leave no stone unturned as we deliver for working families.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The arrival of a child, whether through birth or adoption, is a life-changing moment. We want to make sure parents get the support they need to balance work and family life.

“Campaigners have long called for change, and this Government has listened. This review is our chance to reset the system and build something that works for modern families and businesses.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Every parent should have the chance to spend time with their children during those precious early years.

“This review delivers on our Plan for Change to support families and give children the best start in life.

“By listening to parents and employers across the country, we’ll build a system that works for today’s working families.”

Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families: “We’re pleased to see the Government take this important step forward and welcome the Terms of Reference set out in the parental leave review.

“It’s encouraging that several of the key asks in our open letter, signed by 22 leading organisations and 16 academics, have been taken on board, particularly the commitment to deliver a comprehensive review, which considers statutory pay levels and will consult the public.

“Backing up the Government’s findings, our own research shows the current system is falling short, with one in five fathers having no access to parental leave at all, and many others unable to take what they’re entitled to due to financial pressures.

“This review is a vital opportunity to build a parental leave system that supports the needs of families today.”

George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift: ““The Government’s review of parental leave is the best chance in a generation to improve the system and make sure it actually works for working families.

“When the last Labour government introduced paternity leave it was groundbreaking. But that offer, unchanged since, is now the least generous in Europe. Our broken parental leave has been overlooked for years, and finally sorting it out would be good not only for parents and children but for businesses too.

“The tens of thousands of mums, dads and future parents that make up our campaign are delighted the Government is delivering its promised review, and ambitious for the change to come.”

Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant then Screwed: “It is great to see this long overdue review of the parental leave system. It’s time for the voices of mums, dads, parents and carers everywhere to be heard.

“After 6 weeks mothers are forced to survive maternity leave on 44% less than the National Minimum Wage, and dads are forced to suck up the same benefits for their 2 weeks.

“Yet we know improving parental leave helps children get the best start in life, as well as being better for parents’ heath and equality at home, and closing gender pay and participation gaps in the workplace too. 

“Investing in parental leave will pay back above and beyond, to the bottom line and to society: it really is a no-brainer.”

Former teacher jailed for child sexual abuse offences

A 72-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to several non-recent sexual abuse offences at the High Court in Glasgow.
​
William Bain from Crieff offended over a 21-year-period between 1978 to 1999.

An investigation was launched in 2021 following evidence heard at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
​
As part of the investigation, 11 victims were identified, aged between 11 and 14. The offences occurred at various locations including Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dumbarton.
​
In October 2022, Bain was arrested by officers.

Detective Sergeant Alan Macdougall said: “Bain is a prolific sexual predator. He used his position of power to inflict pain and harm on his young victims. The scale of his offending is horrendous.
​
“I would like to commend those involved in the investigation for speaking to us. The impact of such crimes is deeply felt and long lasting and I understand how difficult it is to relive such horror.
​
“We remain committed to tackling all forms of sexual crimes, regardless of when they occurred. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward, knowing we will fully investigate and you will be supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “The men in this case who Bain targeted as young boys have shown incredible bravery in coming forward to give evidence and help bring him to justice. after living with the impact of his abuse for many years.

“As a teacher Bain held a position of trust, which he grossly exploited for more than two decades to sexually abuse boys in his care. 

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound and long-lasting impact on victims, and it is vital they feel able to speak out and can receive the specialist support they need to help them move forwards with their lives.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for help and advice or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can contact Childline for help and support on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

  • FREE Little Seedlings Holiday Club
  • Kids Eat for £1
  • Soft play, bookings start from £2 for members and £2.50 for non-members
  • Great deals on outdoor toys

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

Little Seedlings Holiday Club is back by popular demand to entertain children over the school break with a sensory workshop, and families can enjoy low prices on the soft play experience and Kids Eat for £1.

Families can also get 20% off all outdoor toys and play equipment on top of existing promotions for a limited time at the Edinburgh store, giving the kids plenty to keep busy with right through summer. From hippo sandpits, flower pools and toddler swings, to slides, activity towers and trampolines, there is something for all ages. Deals include

  • Plum 10ft fun springsafe trampoline, now £95.99 (was £149.99)
  • Set of 2 flower pool, now £7.99 (was £19.99)
  • Hedstrom folding toddler swing, now £35.99 (was £54.99)
  • Hedstrom wavy pool, now £71.99 (was £99.99)

Little Seedlings Holiday Club

Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Holiday Club returns to the Edinburgh store this summer with an exciting workshop, Summer Scents. This session takes place on various days across July and August, and is perfect for children aged 4-10 years old. 

Attendees will become scent explorers and learn all about the sweet smells of summer in gardens, homes and parks. Children will discover how and why flowers have scents, the happy herbs with the most fragrance, and the long history of perfume making, before getting the chance to mix their own petal perfume to take home. 

It’s a hands-on workshop that celebrates beautiful summer scents and is perfect for keeping the little ones busy over the school holidays. 

Dates vary, visit www.dobbies.com/events for more information. 

Kids Eat for £1

Dobbies offers Kids Eat For £1, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for less with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. Children can pick from the kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or pick ‘n’ mix meal, including a drink.  

Restaurants are open Monday-Sunday from 9am, location times may vary and customers are advised to visit dobbies.com to check the restaurant opening hours for the Edinburgh store.

Soft play 

Families are invited to come and join in the fun at Dobbies’ Little Seedlings soft play at the Edinburgh store, where children of all ages, from babies and toddlers to young kids, can let off some steam and play in a safe environment. 

The soft play area is in Dobbies’ restaurant, where families can enjoy tasty meals and snacks, plus kids eat for £1 with every adult main meal.

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, but there may be walk-in spaces available on the day, prices and age ranges vary for each store, starting at £2 for members and at £2.50 for non-members. 

For more information on the Little Seedlings Holiday Club at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and activities for families this summer, visit www.dobbies.com/events.

Scottish Parliament seeks views on what should be included in the forthcoming Climate Change Plan

What should be included in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan? Members of the public, experts and stakeholders are being asked just that, as the Scottish Parliament launches a call for views to support its scrutiny of the Plan.

The draft CCP, which is expected to be published later this year, will set out how the Scottish Government intends to meet emission reduction targets across all portfolio areas and sectors of the economy. It must also set out the costs and benefits of policies, whilst taking into consideration the principles of a Just Transition – that the switch to net zero should reduce not increase social injustice.

This CCP will cover the period 2026-2040, as Scotland looks to be “net zero” in carbon emissions by 2045. In doing so, it will seek to meet reduction targets for this period, based, on advice from the independent Climate Change Committee.

Questions included in the call for views cover a wide range of sectors including electricity and energy; buildings; transport; industry; waste and circular economy; agriculture and land use; and negative emissions technologies, but participants are free to answer only those they are most interested in.

The Parliament is also seeking views on other aspects of the draft Plan, including how the proposed policies should be funded and how to overcome challenges in delivering them.

The findings will be shared across Parliament to support parliamentary committees scrutinising the draft CCP later in the year.

Launching the call for views, Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain MSP, said; “The last time the Scottish Parliament considered a full Climate Change Plan was in 2018.

“Since then, the pandemic made changes, some of them long-lasting, to how we work and live our lives. There have been new technological developments, bringing both challenges and opportunities for climate change policy. And global uncertainty has raised new questions about our energy security.

“In Scotland, some progress towards net zero has been made, but not enough. The Climate Change Committee’s warning last year that delays and slippages had put Scotland off-target in reaching net zero were a wake-up call for the Scottish Government to find credible policies that will deliver positive change in areas like agriculture, public transport and car use and domestic heating.

“Now, the Scottish Parliament can play its part by ensuring there is a robust, workable and costed delivery plan for net zero. But expert and public buy-in and participation must be at the heart of a credible plan.

“What do you think should be included in the Plan and what else do you think is needed to deliver a just transition to net zero by 2045?

“To help form our thinking, please share your views so that when the draft Plan arrives, we will be in a strong position to start detailed scrutiny.”

Once the draft CCP is laid, the Scottish Parliament will have 120 days to scrutinise it.

The call for views will be open until 19 September 2025.

Read the questions and submit your views on Citizen Space