Edinburgh hotel ‘check in’ staff wellbeing with new initiative 

Surgeons Quarter invest in staff following post-pandemic event boom

A FLAGBEARER of Scottish hospitality has launched a new engagement initiative to improve staff wellbeing as the sector booms post-pandemic.

‘SQ Cares’ by Surgeons Quarter is a programme run by representatives across all departments focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of staff – adding to the existing schemes already in place.

Nine members have been meeting once a month since January to discuss six key areas across the business – charity, community, wellbeing, green, inclusion and social – of which three pledges have been made for each.

Current pledges devised by the initiative include wellbeing programmes and seasonal treats, while some entail giving back to the community through supporting charities such as Bowel Cancer UK and organised community clean-ups.

Sarah Williamson, Business and Talent Manager and driving force behind SQ Cares, said: “After a turbulent few years, it’s great to see the events sector back operating at full capacity again.

“Staff have stepped up during busy times so we wanted to introduce a way to engage with them across all departments to gather input and ensure we put their voices at the heart of everything we do.

“SQ Cares is having a positive impact on the business already as the pledges have been created by staff for staff and since these have been put into practice, engagement has soared.

“A business is really all about its people- making sure that they are happy and looked after is so important. We are such a busy company and always running about so sometimes it is nice to just stop and say thank you.

“Initiatives already implemented include celebrating International Employee Appreciation Day where staff were treated to lunch and we also issued thank you cards. We also reintroduced Employee of the Month which has been met with a lot of enthusiasm.”

SQ Cares adds to the number of existing employee initiatives that the event venue already offers, such as a £2,000 holiday bonus for its hard-working hospitality recruits.

The organisation has also recently relocated its office to new premises at Mission Hall in order to create an environment for staff to thrive and have all of the necessary equipment and tools to produce their best work.

An ‘open door’ policy has been introduced at the new office meaning members of the public can visit to discuss their hospitality, event or travel requirements with an experienced member of the team – without having to book an appointment.

Operations Manager, Stewart Munro joined the organisation in April and is supportive of the SQ Cares initiative focused on creating a happier workforce while boosting morale.

He said: “When I joined the team at Surgeons Quarter, I felt like my particular role was a blank canvas and one which I could run with on my own. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the team on the ground, helping them to develop and supporting them in any way I can.

“SQ Cares is a way to show our staff that we care and appreciate the amazing work displayed, especially throughout this particularly busy summer period.

“Surgeons Quarter is a fast-paced and forward-thinking company which is why I was delighted to be offered a job there – I feel its excellent employee benefit schemes really showcase this. They have allowed me to grow in my career already and I’m looking forward to seeing the pledges progress.”

For more information visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com

Truss: I am determined to deliver

Prime Minister Liz Truss’s statement on the steps of Downing Street:

Good afternoon,

I have just accepted Her Majesty The Queen’s kind invitation to form a new government. 

Let me pay tribute to my predecessor.

Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, the Covid vaccine, and stood up to Russian aggression.

History will see him as a hugely consequential Prime Minister.

I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country.

What makes the United Kingdom great is our fundamental belief in freedom, in enterprise, and in fair play.

Our people have shown grit, courage and determination time and time again.

We now face severe global headwinds caused by Russia’s appalling war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Covid.

Now is the time to tackle the issues that are holding Britain back.

We need to build roads, homes and broadband faster.

We need more investment and great jobs in every town and city across our country.

We need to reduce the burden on families and help people get on in life.

I know that we have what it takes to tackle those challenges.

Of course, it won’t be easy. But we can do it.

We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation…with high-paying jobs, safe streets and where everyone everywhere has the opportunities they deserve.

I will take action this day, and action every day, to make it happen.

United with our allies, we will stand up for freedom and democracy around the world – recognising that we can’t have security at home without having security abroad.

As Prime Minister, I will pursue three early priorities.

Firstly, I will get Britain working again.

I have a bold plan to grow the economy through tax cuts and reform.

I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment.

I will drive reform in my mission to get the United Kingdom working, building, and growing.

We will get spades in the ground to make sure people are not facing unaffordable energy bills and we will also make sure, that we are building hospitals, schools, roads, and broadband.

Secondly, I will deal hands-on with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war.

I will take action this week to deal with energy bills and to secure our future energy supply.

Thirdly, I will make sure that people can get doctors’ appointments and the NHS services they need. We will put our health service on a firm footing.

By delivering on the economy, on energy, and on the NHS, we will put our nation on the path to long-term success.

We shouldn’t be daunted by the challenges we face.

As strong as the storm may be, I know that the British people are stronger.

Our country was built by people who get things done.

We have huge reserves of talent, of energy, and determination.

I am confident that together we can:

Ride out the storm,

We can rebuild our economy,

And we can become the modern brilliant Britain that I know we can be.

This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I am determined to deliver. Thank you.

CABINET APPOINTMENTS:

  • The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP as Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union
  • The Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. She will also be Deputy Prime Minister (below).
  • The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP as Chancellor of the Exchequer
  • The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
  • The Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department
  • Wendy Morton MP as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip). She will attend Cabinet
  • The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Defence
  • The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP as Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice
  • The Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi MP as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Minister for Equalities
  • The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP as Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons
  • Lord True CBE as Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords
  • The Rt Hon Jake Berry MP as Minister without Portfolio
  • The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP has been re-appointed as COP26 President
  • The Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
  • The Rt Hon Simon Clarke MP as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
  • Kemi Badenoch MP as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade
  • Chloe Smith MP as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
  • The Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP as Secretary of State for Education
  • Ranil Jayawardena MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  • The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP as Secretary of State for Transport
  • The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
  • The Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
  • The Rt Hon Alister Jack MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland
  • The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE QC MP has been re-appointed as Secretary of State for Wales
  • Chris Philp MP as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He will attend Cabinet
  • Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP as Attorney General. He will attend Cabinet
  • Edward Argar MP as Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office. He will attend Cabinet
  • Vicky Ford MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Development) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She will attend Cabinet
  • Tom Tugendhat MBE MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Security) in the Home Department. He will attend Cabinet
  • James Heappey MP has been re-appointed as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence. He will be Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans and will attend Cabinet.
  • Graham Stuart MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Climate) in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He will attend Cabinet.

Adult Education Course: Barbering

Barbering Adult Education Course

Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 

Everyone welcome. 

An Introduction to Barbering.

This is an introductory 5 week course for people keen to learn the basics of using clippers, simple cutting techniques and handling scissor & clipper equipment safely & confidently. 

Professional Barber Tutor led live demonstration. Discussion, guidance and individual support as required in a relaxed inclusive environment. Students will have access to Clippers, scissors and a trainee model head to practice cutting on. 

Wednesdays from 10-12pm OR from 7-9pm

Great and unique opportunity to learn a really useful life skill with a friendly, professional tutor – follow up courses starting from November.

These 5 week courses start from Wednesday 28th September.

Enrolling now on www.joininedinburgh.org or ring 0131 556 7978 or 0131 469 3003

Standard fees £63.50 – Senior / student fees £41.75 – Benefits fees £17.25

Emotional support after stroke survey

Dear Editor

The Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Stroke – of which we are secretariat, is exploring the current position of emotional support available to people affected by stroke in Scotland. Our aim is to support stroke improvements in this area. 

A vital part of this is to gather the views of people affected by stroke in Scotland.   

We want to know: what support you received?  Was it the right support for you?  

Please have your say by completing out short online survey.

The survey can be found here:

https://forms.office.com/r/YwK8tfR7k1 

The deadline for responses is Monday 3rd October 2022. 

If you have any questions, or would like to be more involved, please contact Katie.macgregor@stroke.org.uk or Tel: 01315557242 

Every stroke is different, each person’s recovery is different, so to your experience matters. 

Stroke Association

EV and hybrid drivers without breakdown cover vulnerable to unqualified recovery agents with ‘a truck and tow hook’

Motorists running modern EVs and hybrids who are tempted to cut costs by not investing in roadside assistance could be in for a shock from unskilled recovery agents warns leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.

As people tighten their belts, breakdown cover is often the first thing to go. But that could end up being a false economy and particularly for those with electric cars and hybrids.

With many modern vehicles having detailed recovery procedures, specialist and up-to-date knowledge is essential and particularly with modern EVs and hybrids. Failure to recover these vehicles correctly can result in costly damage to the crucial motors, transmissions and expensive electrical components.

Start Rescue says drivers of conventionally powered vehicles could find themselves shelling out £250 or more from inflated call-out charges and extra, unforeseen costs from freelancers, but for EV and plug-in hybrid owners who fall victim to unskilled traders it could mean thousands in unnecessary repair bills.

And if the vehicle is damaged during recovery there is the added worry as to whether the operator has the appropriate insurance cover; potentially leaving the driver footing the entire repair bill.

Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett said: “It’s a false economy to skimp on breakdown cover but particularly for those running electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. These motorists are risking not just their vehicle but leaving themselves open to massive additional bills if the recovery is botched.

“When you need help, you should ideally obtain assistance from a company which has a good reputation in your community or holds an industry recognised standard, such as PAS 43*. If they are PAS 43 registered, you can be very confident they have the necessary skills and technical training to recover your particular vehicle, whether it’s a car, van, motorcycle or a bus.

“Companies operating without a recognised recovery industry standard or lacking the experience of working with varying vehicle types, frequently don’t have the skills to recover a petrol or diesel vehicle correctly. So, if you have an EV or hybrid the risks of hugely expensive damage to these vehicles – which require a specific set of skills – are potentially higher.”

Without appropriate roadside rescue knowledge, these kind of ‘have-a-go’ operators are also potentially putting themselves and drivers at risk of injury, due to a lack of knowledge in appropriately recovering the vehicle or correctly managing the scene.

‘Have-a-go’ traders also may not have DBS or background checks, leaving vulnerable drivers at risk and recovery traders lacking a recognised recovery industry standard may exceed their allocated tachometer hours, increasing the risk of an accident due to fatigue.

Start Rescue is a 2021 Which? recommended breakdown cover provider.

Breakdown cover top tips

  • Get covered! If you don’t know a local reputable company, having no breakdown cover leaves you at the mercy of rogue traders
  • Use a reputable breakdown assistance provider such as Start Rescue
  • Have the breakdown cover’s contact details stored in your phone
  • Check the recovery company’s credentials. Reputable companies should show ID
  • Read your vehicle handbook to check for any special recovery instructions
  • Obtain a written and signed vehicle condition report before and after assistance has been provided and take photos of your vehicle both before and after assistance has been provided
  • Check for vehicle damage straight after recovery; report any problems immediately

Thérapie Clinic opens New Clinic in St James Quarter

‘At Thérapie Clinic, we want to inspire you to look good, to feel good, and get the best out of life’

Thérapie Clinic announces the launch of its latest clinic at St James Quarter, Edinburgh. Set to be their second clinic in the historic capital of Scotland.

With over 65 clinics in the UK and Ireland and a team of over 200 qualified doctors on its roster, the multi award-winning Thérapie Clinic has cemented its reputation as Europe’s number one medical-grade laser and skincare specialists for face and body.

With this its new clinic opening, Thérapie Clinic is expanding its availability in the area with further plans nationwide. 

Founded over 20 years ago, Thérapie Clinic provides affordable, accessible, and up-to-date laser and aesthetic 

treatments backed by medical expertise. Across its network of clinics, Thérapie has established a loyal 

clientele throughout England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and has delivered more than ten million 

doctor-led treatments. The family-run aesthetic clinic offers a wide range of the most advanced and high tech, 

nonsurgical treatments for the skin and body, at the most competitive prices on the market. 

Specialising in laser hair removal, skin treatments, cosmetic injections and body sculpting, Thérapie Clinic provides treatments for all cosmetic needs. 

St James, Edinburgh will be the latest location offering an extensive menu of treatments including laser hair removal, anti-wrinkle injections, skin treatments, lip, and dermal filler and Profhilo. The highly advanced and rapidly expanding medical clinic brand has already attracted an array of VIPs including Pixie Lott, Vicky Pattison, Martine McCutcheon, and Dani Dyer to name but a few. 

Phillip McGlade, CEO of Thérapie Clinic, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to continue our expansion across the UK and to announce the opening of our second Thérapie Clinic in the heart of Edinburgh.

“The new state-of-the-art clinic will provide marketing leading face, body, and skin treatments for the people of Edinburgh and in surrounding areas. The destination reflects our core ethos of excellence and trust, while giving us a great foothold as we enter this area.

“Consultations with our expert team are free of charge and we look forward to welcoming residents of Edinburgh to experience our world-class aesthetic services” 

Thérapie Clinic offer Free consultations giving customers the opportunity to sit down with one of its expert team to discuss the best course of action to meet the customers’ needs through safe, trusted, and proven treatments. Prices for laser hair treatments start at £9.95, skin treatments and peels start at 

£59.95 and cosmetic injections start at £120. 

Thorntons launches Charity Wills campaign to support local children

Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has pledged its support for Cash for Kids as it announces the return of its renowned Charity Wills campaign.

Taking place across its offices in Fife, Dundee, Perth, Angus and Edinburgh, Thorntons won’t charge a fee for Wills written throughout the month of September. Instead, the firm asks clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.

More than £550,000 has been raised for Cash for Kids through this initiative since it first launched 26 years ago – with hopes that the 2022 total will set a new record for the firm.

The donations from last year’s campaign allowed Cash for Kids to support 2,982 families with basic essentials like supermarket vouchers and clothing, with the aim of making a difference to young lives, directly supporting families who often have nowhere else to go for support.

Victoria Hendry, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids Charity Manager said: “We are thrilled to yet again be partnering with Thorntons on their Charity Wills Month this September.

“To say this campaign has been a success over the years would be an understatement. Through Thorntons innovation, commitment and hard work this campaign goes from strength to strength and supports more local children year on year.

“We are so delighted to be the beneficiary of this wonderful campaign and we cannot thank Thorntons’ people and their clients enough for getting behind it. We have managed to help thousands of local children live a happier and fuller life thanks to Thorntons’ Charity Wills month.

“If you are looking for a Will or updating your current Will, look no further than contacting Thorntons and in turn, you’ll be supporting local children right on your doorstep.”

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons said: “By taking part in our Charity Wills campaign this September, you’ll not only be safeguarding your future but also supporting some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in your area.

“As the cost-of-living crisis worsens across the country, the work that Cash for Kids do to provide families with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, has never been more important and we’re proud to support them once again this year.

“Many people assume they don’t need a Will, or a fear it’s an expensive or morbid process. However, if you own a property, have savings, are responsible for children or other dependents, then you should have one in place to protect your wishes and to reduce the stress and cost for your family when dealing with your affairs.

“All appointments are being held virtually so you can make your Will from the comfort of your own home. With a set number of appointments available during September, we advise you to book early to ensure you don’t miss out.”

Anyone wishing to make a new Will or update an existing Will during Thorntons’ Charity Wills month this September, can find out more online at: https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills

El Perro Negro is set to add some Spanish flavour to the capital with tasty collaboration

This month, speciality Spanish wholesaler Brindisa are coming to Edinburgh as part of an exclusive tapas takeover with El Perro Negro at Bonnie & Wild. 

Celebrating artisan and authentic Spanish products, and of course, Iberian burgers, Bonnie & Wild in the St James Quarter, will play host to award-winning El Perro Negro and Brindisa, for an evening of delicious feasting on Wednesday 28th September..

Following on from the success of El Perro Negro’s ‘The Spaniard’ collaboration burger with Brindisa – which had Iberian beef,  marrow butter, San Simon cheese, sobrasada, confit garlic mayo and chimichurri, the award-winning burger supremos decided to take the partnership one step further with a night completely dedicated to Spanish cooking and culture. 

Foodie fans will love the tapas sharing feast with the menu offering an array of dishes with three standout Spanish burgers, including; Iberico pork cheek finished in a Pedro Ximenez glaze, pickled shallots and truffle mayo; Presa Iberico, chimichurri, confit garlic mayo and Galician beef with smoked hollandaise.  

Sharing dishes on the menu are authentic, premium and delicious. They include speciality Iberico croquetas;  smoked Nardin anchovies, Navarrico piquillo peppers on charred sourdough and olive oil drizzle; mouth-watering chorizo cooked in cider with chickpeas finished with PX vinegar and speciality Spanish charcuterie and cheeses. 

The evening will be served family-style to reflect the Spanish culture of bringing people together over great food and wine. 

Nick Watkins, co-founder of El Perro Negro, explains: “As well as being purveyors of imported Spanish fine foods like charcuterie, artisan cheeses and olive oils, Brindisa has two shops in London and five restaurants including one in foodie haven, Borough Market. 

Gayle Swan, Brindisa regional manager for Scotland, said: “This collaboration marks a new direction for Brindisa. We have an incredible base in London, and this evening gives us a chance to showcase the quality and diversity of Spanish products that we offer.” 

The El Perro Negro x Brindisa Tapas Takeover takes place at Bonnie & Wild on Wednesday 28th September with two sittings available at 5.30pm and 8.00pm. 

The event is priced at £55pp (+booking fee) and includes three Spanish sliders each and seven dishes to share between two. With carefully curated Spanish drinks pairing menu options. Guests can choose between Spanish wines or Spanish inspired non-alcoholic cocktails to compliment their meal.

Places are limited and expected to sell out very quickly. Buy tickets and secure a place online HERE.

For more information follow on social: @elperronegroburgers.

Report into Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland recommends changes to ensure patients’ voices are heard

Pioneering study heard from patients, named persons, practitioners and tribunal members

An Edinburgh Napier University-led study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, into stakeholder experiences of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (MHTS) has recommended several ways it could improve its processes and decision-making.

Addressing the influence of clinicians, encouraging participation of patients and offering more support for named persons are among the suggestions put forward in the report.

The MHTS was set up authorise and review compulsory psychiatric measures under the 2003 Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and began operating in October 2005. The legislation is underpinned by human rights-based principles which govern the way that the MHTS makes its decisions about compulsory psychiatric care and treatment.

This study is the first of its kind since the Tribunal’s formation and heard from patients, their named persons, MHTS panel members, lawyers, independent advocates and health and social care professionals.

The timing of the study’s report means that its findings will be used to help inform the Scottish Mental Health Law Review, which is due to publish its recommendations on Scottish mental health, capacity and adult support and protection law this autumn.

Jill Stavert, Professor of Mental Health and Capacity Law at Edinburgh Napier University said: “Our study revealed several areas of agreement across all participant groups on how the Mental Health Tribunal operates and evidence of considerable caring goodwill on the part of the Tribunal and health and social care practitioners.

“However, there were certain areas where the experience and perceptions of patients and Tribunal panel members was not shared, particularly surrounding patient perceptions of their ability to participate during tribunal hearings.

“An important test whether human rights principles are effective is not only whether they are given effect by state authorities, such as tribunals, but also the extent to which they are felt to be given effect by rightsholders such as patients.”

Some of the report’s recommendations include, among others, addressing perceptions of the influence of clinicians and diversity issues, supporting patient participation, and supporting named persons more.

Professor Stavert continued: “Some of these, we consider, should be addressed by the Tribunal itself while others are for other bodies to take up.

“This is very important as human rights requirements increasingly require active respect for the rights of persons with psychosocial, cognitive and intellectual disabilities.”

MHTS-Final-Report-23-8-2022Download

Granton Harvest Festival this Sunday

HARVEST FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY (11th Sep) 3-6pm at the garden (10 Wardieburn Road).

LIVE MUSIC, STORYTELLING, APPLE JUICING, FREE PIZZA, WHEAT THRESHING, STRAW WEAVING, AND MORE…

This is part of Scotland-wide Dandelion festival.

There’s also an event on Saturday (10th) at Lauriston Farm: Edinburgh Agroecology Coop..

#anythinggrows