Alongside The Young Women’s Movement we are looking for six young women aged 16–18 from across Scotland to be part of a National Champions group to support the design and delivery of the national Young Women Know campaign.
This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and make a difference to the lives of young women and girls in Scotland.
The Young Women Know project is a partnership project being run by NSPCC Scotland and The Young Women’s Movement. It was set up following an investigation into sexual harassment in Scottish schools carried out by the YWCA’s Young Women Lead committee in 2018.
It found that in Scotland in 2018, one of the things girls can experience in school is sexual harassment and the impact of this on young women is significant and can be long-lasting. It can negatively impact everything from their mental health to their relationships and career choices.
The investigation also found that young people were most likely to turn to the internet or their friends for advice on sex and relationships and almost half of students and teaching staff surveyed said the current curriculum did not adequately cover the issue of consent.
The national Young Women Know campaign aims to tackle unhealthy relationships and peer sexual abuse, with young women leading the change.
Humanitarian emergency funding for displaced people in South Sudan and Ethiopia
International Development Minister Kaukab Stewart has pledged £250,000 in Scottish Government funding for charities responding to the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the impact on refugees in neighbouring countries.
Oxfam and Christian Aid will receive funds from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) to assist displaced people and their host communities in South Sudan and Ethiopia with food and essentials.
Since the onset of the war in neighbouring Sudan last year, South Sudan has witnessed an influx of over half a million people.
There are more than 930,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia, over 385,000 are South Sudanese living in the Gambella region and facing challenges in meeting basic needs, leading to increasing cases of malnutrition and diarrhoea.
Ms Stewart said: “Our thoughts are with the thousands of refugees in South Sudan struggling to survive and facing a bleak and uncertain future.
“This funding will play a crucial role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by conflict and the climate crisis, including access to shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare. It is imperative that we work with the international community to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their lives.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates our commitment to providing essential assistance to people in need.”
Head of Christian Aid Scotland Val Brown said: “South Sudan is dealing with multiple shocks including acute food insecurity and one of the world’s largest displacement crises. In addition, many people have arrived in the country from neighbouring Sudan, fleeing the conflict that started last April.
“We’re grateful for funding from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund which will enable to us to reach 4000 people in the Wedweil Refugee Camp, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, so people can purchase food and essentials. There will also be additional cash assistance for 400 vulnerable women and girls to support their recovery and empowerment.”
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland said: “The Scottish Government deserves significant credit for allocating its small, but vital humanitarian funding not just to high-profile emergencies like Gaza or Ukraine, but also to those crises that unfold well away from the world’s attention – and the refugee crisis resulting from the situation in South Sudan is a stark example.
“Importantly, Oxfam is not only ensuring that water and sanitation facilities in Gambella are safer and more accessible to women and girls, and people with disabilities, but also supporting local actors to take ownership over their ongoing maintenance.
“This twin approach of inclusive and locally-led humanitarian response, underpinned by safe programming, is critical to ensuring refugees get the critical support they need.”
The important role apprentices play in driving innovation in British shipbuilding was recognised during a ministerial visit to key defence sites in Scotland this week.
Visiting Govan and Rosyth, Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, met apprentices and workers, witnessing first-hand the construction of several new Royal Navy ships, including HMS Cardiff, HMS Glasgow, HMS Venturer and HMS Active.
The Minister received a full briefing regarding the progress on the build of the Type 26s currently happening in Govan and Scotstoun, and met with Babcock CEO, David Lockwood for a look at the Type 31s being built in Rosyth. Over the course of the build, Babcock will take on more than 500 apprentices.
Through the National Shipbuilding Office, the Government is committed to working closely with British industry to help the shipbuilding sector maximise its potential, creating more skilled jobs and levelling up communities in Scotland.
Touring the sites of BAE Systems and Babcock, the Minister spoke with workers and 180 apprentices and thanked them for their crucial role in building the future fleet of the Royal Navy.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “It was great to meet and chat with the skilled workers and apprentices who are working hard to design, manufacture and build the future fleet for our Royal Navy.
“I’m pleased that a career in the defence sector can provide these unique opportunities and skilled technical training for young people, whilst making a huge contribution to the Scottish economy.”
Babcock currently have more than 180 apprentices and 3,500 people employed in Scotland, with these numbers only set to grow in the coming years. In addition to this, Babcock have 1030 apprentices and more than 360 graduates across the UK.
Babcock has invested £35 million in a new digitally enabled build hall at its Rosyth facility, with the Venturer Building capable of housing two Type 31s frigates side by side for parallel build and assembly, supporting increased productivity gains through improved access to the platforms and digital connectivity.
BAE systems in Glasgow currently have 3,750 employees and around 600 apprentices and graduates in Glasgow. In 2024, they are set to recruit almost 2,700 apprentices and graduates across the UK, with 300 based in Glasgow.
In addition, construction has begun on a new £12m Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard, which will develop the existing workforce and attract new talent to the historic profession of shipbuilding.
Additionally, construction of a modern shipbuilding hall in Govan is underway and, together with a range of additional investments in technologies and equipment, it forms part of an overall £300m investment in the two sites in Glasgow over the next five years.
David Lockwood CEO, Babcock said: “We were delighted to host the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP, at our Rosyth site ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship week.
“Apprenticeships play a really important role in workforces across the UK, ensuring we can sustain the technical skills needed to continue to deliver critical national defence programmes, while offering exciting opportunities with direct benefits to local communities.”
Simon Lister, Managing Director of Naval Ships at BAE Systems said: “We have a proud tradition of equipping our apprentices with the skills and training needed to develop long and rewarding careers.
“They are the next generation of shipbuilders that will design and build ships for the Royal Navy for decades to come.
“Training a world-class workforce requires world-class facilities. That’s why, as well as our new Ship Build Hall, we are building our new Applied Shipbuilding Academy here in Glasgow, working closely with our regional partners to build sector skills.”
Scottish businesses championing sustainability are in the spotlight as entries open for the 2024 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
Now in their 25th year, the VIBES awards encourage businesses to show vision and leadership in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges. They also aim to enhance environmental performance and showcase those supporting the wider social and economic benefits of sustainability.
The opening of the competition was marked at the Scottish Parliament last night (Wednesday 28th February 2024), where the outstanding achievements of last year’s winners were applauded by attendees including industry leaders and MSPs. An address was also given by Mairi McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero, and Energy.
Previous winners showcased included ReBlade, a Glasgow and Dumfries based company demonstrating how turbine blades can be dealt with responsibly. Through research and evidence, ReBlade prove that wind energy generation waste can be repurposed, confirming economic viability in decommissioning windfarms sustainably.
Fiona Lindsay, Managing Director at ReBlade said: “Businesses and organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate positive environmental impact, and rightly so.
“The way we do business has a huge impact on the world around us, and it makes good business sense to interrogate processes and operations to minimise environmental and climate impacts. For ReBlade taking part in the VIBES awards has been a wholly positive experience and I’d definitely encourage other businesses to consider applying.”
The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between multiple organisations including the SEPA, the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, and Zero Waste Scotland. VIBES is also supported by CBI Scotland, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Businesses, Scotch Whisky Association, Bright Green Business and Prosper.
Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of SEPA, added: “As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, we innovate, collaborate and drive collective action to help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable nation.
“It is truly inspiring to see the achievements of these businesses towards a sustainable future. Their commitment is not only commendable but serves as a beacon for others in the business community to embrace environmentally responsible and innovative practices.
“We know there are many more businesses on the frontline of the net zero transition, continually demonstrating their unwavering commitment. The VIBES awards prove their efforts matter, and I would strongly urge as many of them as possible to enter this year and receive the recognition they deserve.”
Categories open for entries this year include the Vision in Business Scotland Award for companies that clearly set out their strategy, policies, and systems that enable continuous sustainability improvements and contribute to Scotland’s net zero carbon ambition.
Judging will take place over the summer, with a shortlist confirmed in September and the winners revealed at a ceremony in November.
An 11-year-old boy has died following a collision on Whitehouse Loan in Cramond.The Cramond P7 pupil who died after being struck by a bin lorry on Friday (1st March) has been named as Thomas Wong.
His family has asked for privacy. Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances.
The incident happened around 8.20am on Friday, 1 March near to the junction with Braehead Road.
The boy was riding a bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a bin lorry.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.
The driver of the bin lorry was uninjured.
Inspector Andrew Thomson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the boy’s family and friends at this time.
“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information which has not yet been passed to Police to get in touch.
“I would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage from the area.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident 0578 of 1 March, 2024.”
A Bill which aims to support those affected by faulty cladding has today been welcomed. However, more clarity is needed on the proposed legislation which aims to address the cladding issues raised following the Grenfell tragedy.
Holyrood’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee has been examining the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill. In its stage 1 report on the Bill published today, the Committee has called for a clearer picture of how it will help secure remedial action for affected properties.
Measures within the Bill would give Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate buildings with unsafe cladding, including where consent of the owners cannot be provided.
The proposals also include the creation and maintenance of a Cladding Assurance Register to give residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.
However, the Committee’s report has called for more detail on how the measures within it will be delivered and the report noting repeated evidence of the skills shortages in the sectors that are essential to deliver the Bill’s ambition.
The report also stresses the importance of improving communication for those people affected both from the Scottish Government and developers.
Committee Convener Ariane Burgess MSP said:“These proposals are a positive step in the right direction. But what has also been clear from the evidence is there is still more clarity needed to ensure that the remedial action needed will be completed. The progress of which has been concerningly slow.
“People have been deeply affected by these issues, and there must also be an improvement in the communication to those living in affected buildings. This includes clearer timescales for the work to take place and more detail of the remedial action being done.
“Our Committee also wants to thank the residents affected, many of whom took the time to tell us how these issues have affected every aspect of their lives.”
Hundreds of people are being moved out of their council homes in Aberdeen after the houses were found to contain potentially dangerous concrete panels.
Thousands of council homes in the city were checked for the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). It was found to be in about 500 homes in the Balnagask area of Torry, including 364 council properties.
Report shows impact of Scotland’s first fast-track cancer diagnostic services
More than one in ten patients seen by new cancer diagnostic services have been referred for cancer treatment, helping to speed up treatment and improve outcomes. Patients waited an average of 14 days from referral, to having cancer ruled in or out.
An evaluation report into Scotland’s first Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDS), published by the University of Strathclyde and the Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), found 11.9% of patients seen over the two year period were diagnosed with cancer. Around 6% were given a pre-cancer diagnosis, meaning they require further monitoring in case a cancer develops, and the remainder were either given the all clear and referred back to primary care or diagnosed with other non-cancer conditions (41.1% and 40.7% respectively).
The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services, currently in place across five Health Board areas, were established to help speed up cancer diagnoses for patients with non-specific symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent nausea or fatigue, where the GP has a concern of a malignancy. Over the two-year evaluation period the services saw 2,489 patients, with more than 96% of them giving the service a positive satisfaction rating of eight out of 10 or more.
The report highlighted that the model delivers a quality service at speed, is cost effective, compared to previous pathways, and highly valued by patients and staff. Positive patient experience is attributed to the speed of referral, reduction in waiting times for diagnostic tests, having a single point of contact and enhanced information and communication throughout the RCDS pathway.
Visiting NHS Lanarkshire’s RCDS at University Hospital Wishaw, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving cancer services is a priority for the Scottish Government, as set out in our 10-year strategy published last year.
“This positive evaluation of Scotland’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service provides valuable insight into their role in achieving vital earlier cancer diagnoses and improving patient care.
“RCDSs reflect our commitment to enhancing equitable cancer services across NHS Scotland – this report has shown the pivotal role they can play in early cancer detection while delivering quality patient-centred care. As Scotland’s cancer care continues to evolve, RCDSs stand as an essential component in improving outcomes.”
Professor Robert van der Meer, Co-Lead Author of the RCDS Evaluation, University of Strathclyde: “Scotland’s Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDS) are working well. They’re achieving what they set out to do – find cancer – while delivering a high standard of quality care at speed.
“RCDS patients are complex and the specialist input that the RCDS can offer them, and concerned primary care clinicians, marks a gear-change in how we diagnose cancer in Scotland. RCDSs should be used as an exemplar for cancer care with learning embedded across all pathways.”
Mr Martin Downey, NHS Lanarkshire Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service Clinical Lead and Associate Medical Director for Access, said: “The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service offers a timely, often one-stop, environment for clinically complex patients with potentially serious non-specific symptoms suspicious of cancer, such as weight loss, fatigue, nausea and abdominal pain.
“These patients typically did not meet the criteria for existing cancer pathways and the service makes a positive difference to these patients, providing rapid patient centred assessment, diagnosis and coordination of ongoing care.”
Scotland’s leading electrical bodies say the industry is leading the way with skills and training to help power the technology of tomorrow – and are urging others to follow in its footsteps to ensure Scotland makes a successful transition to net zero.
But the bodies also insist that the government, homeowners and wider construction sector must also embrace the opportunities offered by renewables and work together to ensure that the transition to net zero becomes a reality.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “This video aims not only to inspire young learners to become electrical apprentices but also to show that the electrical industry is at the heart of the move to the electrification of society.
“However, we also need to persuade those outwith our industry to be equally committed to the adoption and uptake of green technology to ensure that this training is not in vain and that the electricians of tomorrow emerge into a country that is willing to embrace renewables.”
Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT and TheSecretary of the SJIB, added: “To ensure that there is a sustainable and healthy pipeline of work for this next generation of electricians, we need the government, the Scottish people and the construction industry to use renewable technology and join us on the transition to net zero.
“Such a transition needs to happen now and we all need to face the reality that we must do it sooner rather than later if we are to secure an energy-efficient future for our children and our children’s children.
“More incentives for the adoption and installation of green technology and clearer advice and information on funding and grants would be a big help in encouraging take-up and ensuring the renewables skills currently being taught are successfully utilised by electrical professionals in the years to come.”
Running from March 4 to 8, this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week will again celebrate the value and importance of apprenticeships, with this year’s event focusing on skills generation.
Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “The electrical sector in Scotland is taking the lead in skills generation, with 2,500 young people currently receiving the training necessary to cultivate complex skill sets and lay strong foundations for a long and rewarding career.
“However, the vast depth of knowledge needed to become an electrician can only be obtained by completing the Modern Apprenticeship, and there are no short cuts to equipping electrical professionals with the skills they need to power our country for decades to come.
“If we are to make the transition to net zero safely and securely, it is of the utmost importance that the electricians of tomorrow spend a minimum of four years learning their trade properly and completing a dedicated, tailor-made apprenticeship.”
Delivering more social homes is the only way to end Edinburgh’s housing emergency according to a leading housing charity.
Speaking at a housing summit hosted by the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Shelter Scotland Director Alison Watson said investing in social homes would be vital in fixing the city’s broken housing system.
The summit comes just a day after new figures revealed that 1,525 children in Edinburgh are living in temporary accommodation, the highest number on record and more than any other local authority in Scotland.
The same figures also showed an increase in the number of households in temporary accommodation, the number of open homeless applications, and the number of breaches of the unsuitable accommodation order in Edinburgh.
Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, said:“Record numbers of children in Edinburgh have nowhere to call home, rents are out of control, resource starved local services can’t cope and so people’s housing rights are being breached, the law is being broken, with alarming regularity.
“Undoubtedly the root cause of Edinburgh’s housing emergency is a chronic shortage of social housing. Addressing that shortfall is the only way to fix the capital’s utterly broken housing system.
“Only yesterday the Scottish Government has pressed ahead with brutal cuts to the housing budget – a choice which is set to make the situation much worse.
“Our politicians need to understand that you can’t slash funding for social housing then expect those who live in the capital to take you seriously when you say you’re committed to tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency.”
