Tag: charities

Kids Operating Room and Smile Train roll out solar surgery system to improve care of children in Nigerian hospitals

  • Kids Operating Room and Smile Train successfully install solar surgery systems in 23 hospitals across Nigeria
  • The Solar Surgery system ensures reliable power for medical equipment during surgeries, addressing frequent power cuts
  • Initiative boosts patient safety and surgical outcomes, and reduces carbon emissions
  • Partnership aims to upgrade more than 30 paediatric theatres across Africa by 2025

Kids Operating Room (KidsOR), the Scottish charity dedicated to ensuring every child has access to safe surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused charity, announce the successful implementation of the Solar Surgery system in 23 hospitals across Nigeria.

In their groundbreaking partnership, the two organisations are taking significant strides to enhance surgical care in Nigeria through the creation of new surgical facilities, training of local surgical teams, and now the deployment of solar powered operating theatres to ensure every child has access to a safe operation, free from the risks of power outages.

Solar panels have been installed on the roofs of the operating facilities in Nigeria, charging smart battery units that power vital medical equipment in an operating room. This innovative approach combats the frequent power cuts experienced in many African hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted care and better outcomes for patients.

The system monitors what power is needed by the surgical team and provides that directly from the panels, meaning children across Nigeria are now having operations powered entirely by the sun. However, the system can seamlessly switch to a blend of solar and battery power on cloudy days and can go on to provide 8-hours of continuous use into the night. Only when there is no sunlight, and the reserve is being depleted will the system start to pull power from the local grid. 

The partnership between KidsOR and Smile Train promises to deliver reliable power to Nigerian hospitals, improving patient safety and improving surgical results while also reducing the carbon emissions of the facilities – setting a sustainable standard for medical treatment across Africa.

Globally, one in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Sadly, many of these children miss out on the vital reconstructive surgery they need, which can lead to challenges in eating, breathing, and speaking. Smile Train is the world’s leading charity focused on transforming the lives of these children and recently announced supporting their 2 millionth cleft surgery.

Nkeiruka OBI, Vice-President and Regional Director, Africa of Smile Train, commented: “Erratic power supply is a norm in Nigeria, like most developing countries. Interruption of power during a surgical procedure could jeopardise the life of the patient. It is not a desirable experience.  

“By harnessing clean and renewable solar energy, which by the way we have in abundance in this part of the world, surgical teams can confidently operate critical medical equipment and ensure that children with clefts can receive safe, timely surgeries regardless of power outages.  

“The solar-powered theatre is a game changer, in transforming healthcare delivery across Africa, especially in areas where unreliable power limits access to safe surgical care. 

“With each solar-powered theatre, we take a step closer to universal access to safe surgery, amplifying the impact on children, families, and entire communities. Smile Train and KidsOR’s partnership truly serves as a model on how meaningful collaboration and innovation can overcome healthcare challenges and drive sustainable change across the continent.”

David Cunningham, CEO of KidsOR, commented: “Our partnership with Smile Train is making a life changing difference to children in developing countries across the globe. In Nigeria, and across Africa, we are working with Smile Train to pave the way for a future where no child has to fear a power outage as a significant risk to their life during an operation.

“In Nigeria, we will shortly have moved 30 operating rooms onto the exciting Solar Surgery system, which means surgical facilities across the country will be able to operate at full capacity and are no longer restricted by frequent power outages.”

Voluntary sector fears over National Insurance hike in Budget

Following reports of the UK Gov’s #Budget24 plans for increases to employer National Insurance contributions, SCVO wrote a joint letter with @NCVO @NICVA & @WCVAcymru to @RachelReevesMP about the potential impact this could have on the voluntary sector:

SCVO, NCVO, NICVA, and WcVA letter to Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer: Autumn Budget 2024 – employers’ National Insurance contributions

Dear Chancellor 

Autumn Budget 2024 – employers’ National Insurance contributions

We are writing to you on behalf of charities and community organisations across the UK, in relation to recent reports of plans to increases to employer National Insurance contributions and the potential impact this could have on the voluntary sector.   

If reports in the media are correct, National Insurance contributions are to be increased in the private sector. Public sector employers will be reimbursed for any such increase, to protect public services. But there has been no mention of the voluntary sector. This comes as a disappointment, given that our sector provides essential public services to people and communities up and down the country, delivering significant savings to the public purse.  

With costs climbing, funding falling, and demand for services increasing, our sector already faces a crisis. The additional costs placed on the sector by increasing employers’ National Insurance contributions will only compound this.  

As you navigate the significant financial challenges the country faces, we are confident that it would not be your intention to place them at the door of charities and community organisations. We are not asking for special treatment, just parity with the public sector.  

In the spirit of partnership – as outlined in the UK Government’s Covenant document which published last week – we are assuming this is an oversight or over-simplification by the media and we are therefore calling on you to urgently clarify this matter, confirming that no additional financial burden will be placed on our sector.

We look forward to receiving a response as a matter of urgency.

Yours sincerely

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO

Celine McStravick, Chief Executive, NICVA

Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, WCVA

Sarah Elliott, NCVO

https://buff.ly/4e9XWyu

Time to “stop the witch-hunt” against flexible working, says coalition

Unions and equality campaigners have today condemned escalating attacks on flexible working.

A joint statement released yesterday – signed by organisations and campaigners including the TUC, Age UK, the Fawcett Society, Anna Whitehouse (founder of Flex Appeal) and Pregnant Then Screwed – warns of a “witch-hunt” against workers being able to work more flexibly.

The intervention comes as the government prepares to publish its Employment Rights Bill which is expected to enhance existing rights to flexible working.

Highlighting the ongoing briefing against flexible working, the organisations say:

“It’s time to stop the witch-hunt against flexible working. In recent weeks, we have seen relentless scaremongering about how new legislation on flexible working will harm UK businesses and productivity.    

“These warnings couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Pointing to the recruitment and retention problems facing employers the organisations say:

“There are 800,000 fewer people in the workforce than before the pandemic, and one of the biggest issues facing employers is recruiting and retaining skilled staff.    

“Look at our public services. In the midst of a staffing crisis, health, education and social care workers are leaving due to a lack of flexibility.    

“This is not an isolated example. Research published by the Charter Institute of Professional Development last year found that an estimated four million people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.  

“Flexible working can bring more people back into the labour market and keep them there.”  

Criticising the bad faith nature of the attacks on flexible working, the organisations say:

“Some have tried to claim flexible working is just about working from home.  

“But there are there are many different forms of flexible working.    

“For some people it means stable and predictable shift patterns so they can do the school run. For others it means compressed hours to allow for an extra day at home to care for loved ones.  And for some it’s a job share to allow time for study alongside work.    

“This is about developing patterns of work needed for a modern economy and a modern workforce.  

“Flexible working is good for workers, good for employers and good for growth.”  

Commenting on the joint statement, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Flexible working – and in particular working from home – is being misrepresented to attack the government’s wider plan to Make Work Pay. It’s time we called it out.  

“Improving access to flexible working will benefit workers and businesses, whether it’s through increasing staff productivity or higher retention. And the same is true of improving workers’ rights across the piece.

“When people feel secure and respected at work, they have happier, healthier lives and perform better in their jobs.”

Jemima Olchawski, Fawcett Society Chief Executive, said: “We have to ask who benefits from parroting the fallacy that flexible working and flexible workers are bad for business – it’s just nonsense.

“What really holds growth back is rigid, outdated work practices that exclude women, older workers, and those managing health conditions.

“Offering flexible working options increases the talent pool and enables more people to work.

“While that may threaten those who are happy to maintain the status quo, it can only be good for our economy. We need to see all jobs advertised as flexible by default.”

Victoria Benson, Chief Executive of Gingerbread, said: “Too many single parents are locked out of the workforce or stuck in jobs beneath their skill level because of old fashioned, inflexible working patterns.

“Employers who don’t offer flexible working are missing out on an untapped pool of talent and single parents are missing out on jobs.

“We need to see single parents supported to thrive at work – not just because it’s good for them and their children but because it’s good for employers and our economy, too.” 

The full statement reads:

It’s time to stop the witch-hunt against flexible working.

In recent weeks, we have seen relentless scare-mongering about how new legislation on flexible working will harm UK businesses and productivity.    

These warnings couldn’t be further from the truth.  

There are 800,000 fewer people in the workforce than before the pandemic, and one of the biggest issues facing employers is recruiting and retaining skilled staff.    

Look at our public services. In the midst of a staffing crisis, health, education and social care workers are leaving due to a lack of flexibility.    

This is not an isolated example. Research published by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development last year found that an estimated four million people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.  

Flexible working can bring more people back into the labour market and keep them there.  

Many businesses already recognise the benefits flexible working can bring to their workforces and companies, whether it’s through increasing staff productivity or higher retention.    

There are clear mutual benefits from allowing people to balance their professional and personal commitments – let’s not lose sight of them.  

Some have tried to claim flexible working is just about working from home.  

But there are there are many different forms of flexible working.    

For some people it means stable and predictable shift patterns so they can do the school run. For others it means compressed hours to allow for an extra day at home to care for loved ones.  And for some it’s a job share to allow time for study alongside work.    

This is about developing patterns of work needed for a modern economy and a modern workforce.  

Flexible working is good for workers, good for employers and good for growth.    

The government should embrace it, and we support the government’s ambition to make flexible working the default from day one for all workers.    

  • Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC
  • Anna Whitehouse, Founder, Flex Appeal
  • Jemima Olchawski, Chief Executive, the Fawcett Society
  • Caroline Abraham, Charity Director, Age UK
  • Lauren Fabianski, Head of Campaigns and Communications, Pregnant Then Screwed
  • Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director, Women’s Budget Group
  • Elliott Rae, Founder, Parenting Out Loud & Music Football Fatherhood
  • Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Gingerbread
  • Claire Campbell, CEO, Timewise
  • Claire Reindorp, CEO, Young Women’s Trust  
  • Kathy Jones, CEO, Fatherhood Institute
  • Judith Dennis, Head of Policy, Maternity Action
  • Jo Dainow, Trustee, Long Covid Support
  • Simon Kelleher, Head of Policy and Influencing, Working Families

Give Us A Chance!

TORY MSP MILES BRIGGS SUPPORTS SCOTTISH DISABILITY CHARITY’S CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT DISABLED PEOPLE FROM FUNDING CUTS

Miles Briggs is offering his full support to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland’s ‘Give us a chance’ campaign. The charity’s campaign comes as the Scottish Government announced £500m of cuts to public services and warned of further “difficult decisions” ahead in next year’s Scottish Budget.

Miles met with SBH Scotland CEO Lawrence Cowan, Chair Dr Margo Whiteford CBE and Amjid Majeed, who has spina bifida and receives support from SBH Scotland, to learn more about the charity’s campaign.

The ‘Give us a chance’ campaign calls on people to sign a letter to the First Minister, demanding that he protect disabled people from future cuts. The campaign also calls on the Scottish Government to release funding to protect the work of disability charities and to make the needs of disabled people across Scotland a priority.

SBH Scotland, which supports people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus across Scotland, is facing a 22% cut to support from Scottish Government this year – a total cut of 42% since 2018.

Half of all people in poverty live in a household where at least one member is disabled. Scottish Government figures show that disabled people are over twice as likely to experience loneliness compared to non-disabled people. They are also less likely to meet socially than non-disabled people.

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, said: “I give my full support to SBH Scotland’s ‘Give us a chance’ campaign.

“The needs of disabled people in Scotland should be a priority for the Scottish Government and it is crucial that they protect disabled people from future cuts.

“It is important that the vital services that the most vulnerable in our society rely on are protected at all costs.

“I call on the First Minister John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison to properly invest in services to enable disabled people to thrive and lead full lives.”

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland CEO, Lawrence Cowan said: “The Scottish Government’s talk of further ‘difficult decisions’ ahead is incredibly concerning. 

“We did not receive a commitment this week to protect people with disabilities from budget cuts. We will be seeking that commitment as we head into the Budget. 

“People we work with say that they already have to constantly fight for basic support. 

“If those services are worn away even further, we will see greater inequality and more injustices experienced by disabled people. We cannot let that happen. 

“We also urgently need clarity on the future of funding for charities like ours. We’re facing a 22% cut in Scottish Government funding this year – a total cut of 42% since 2018. If that money doesn’t come through, we won’t be able to reach people who desperately need help right now. 

“We are delighted to have the support of Miles Briggs as we ask the Scottish Government, on behalf of families across the country, to ‘give us a chance’.

“Give disabled kids a chance to fulfil their potential and follow their dreams and give our disabled adults a chance to live life to the full.”

 Amjid Majeed said: “It is a sad day when we have to campaign to make sure those who need the most help are given the care and support they desperately need!

“SBH Scotland is a lifeline for so many people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

“I personally can feel very lonely and isolated and rely on the groups provided by the charity as a chance to socialise, going out and meeting with the good friends I’ve made there.

“Charities can’t survive without funding, and I’d be devastated to think that the services SBH Scotland provides could be reduced or taken away because of these cuts.”

Sign SBH Scotland’s open letter: www.sbhscotland.org.uk/give-us-a-chance

THE LETTER READS:

Dear First Minister,

We are urging you to make sure that disabled people are protected from future cuts.

We and our loved ones are more reliant on good quality public services to live. Many of these services are already feeling the strain and further cuts could be devastating. 

Half of all households living in poverty have at least one member with a disability. Disabled people are over twice as likely to experience loneliness compared to non-disabled people.

Charities like SBH Scotland give us a place to belong, to meet people who are going through the same things and for kids with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to have fun and just be kids. They are facing a 22% cut in funding from your government this year unless further funds are confirmed. We need the work of this charity more than ever.

We cannot let these inequalities become further entrenched. Please, protect disabled people from cuts and release funding for vital charities like SBH Scotland.

We all have so much to give our society and our economy. Give us a chance.  With your support we can be unstoppable.

Yours Sincerely,

Lawrence Cowan, CEO SBH Scotland

Elenor Leckie, Parent

Programme for Government: SCVO repeats call for Fair Funding

VOLUNTARY SECTOR FACING ‘UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES’

Tomorrow’s Programme for Government from the Scottish Government must include urgent action to deliver multi-year funding and progress Fair Funding to support voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers, and the people and communities our sector works with, says SCVO.

Read SCVO’s full briefing: https://buff.ly/478TpKI

SCVO and colleagues across the voluntary sector welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals.

Despite this renewed focus, 18 months on from the policy prospectus, there has been little progress.

Our sector continues to face unprecedented challenges.

In the Programme for Government (PfG) action is urgently needed to deliver multi-year funding and progress Fair Funding to support of voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers, and the people and communities our sector works with.

Background

For over a decade, the Scottish Government has recognised the need for multi-year funding, committing to longer-term funding for the voluntary sector across multiple government strategies, including within several Scottish Budgets and Programmes for Government, and the Economic Strategy.

In April 2023, the Scottish Government’s policy prospectus, New leadership – A fresh start, renewed these ambitions, committing to delivering Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals. This was followed in May 2023 by a commitment in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy to adopt multi-year spending plans.

Despite this renewed focus, 18 months on from the policy prospectus, there has been little progress. The most recent Scottish Budget made no further commitments, deferring action on any multi-year funding to the upcoming Medium-Term Financial Strategy, and making no reference to voluntary sector funding.

The problem

It is widely understood that our sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Years of underfunding and poor funding practices, and crises such as the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have put the sector under increasing pressure, exacerbating financial and operational challenges.

The running costs and cost-of-living crises continue to put pressure on voluntary organisations – with demand for services increasing, costs rising, and financial uncertainty ongoing.

The Third Sector Tracker found:

The most recent Third Sector Tracker results were published earlier this month and cover the three months to April 2024.

By April 2024, the Third Sector Tracker found:

  • 62% of organisations believed that rising costs had affected the ability to deliver core services or activities since December 2023.
  • 47% of organisations reported cost increases in their top three challenges.
  • 33% of respondents had not been able to deliver all their planned services in the preceding 3 months.
  • Only one third (32%) of respondents have been able to meet all of the increased demand for their services in the preceding 3 months. For the organisations who had been unable to meet increased demand, the main difficulties included: staff capacity (54%); raising funds to meet the demand (50%); and volunteer capacity (41%.).

As local councils fund far more voluntary organisations than Scottish government, the fallout from the local government settlement will also have a significant impact on voluntary organisations, further exacerbating these pressures. Similarly, any reduction in local services will result in further increased demand for some voluntary organisations.

The Emergency Budget Response has also left organisations awaiting confirmation of Scottish Government funding vulnerable.

The solution

SCVO and colleagues across the sector welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering Fairer Funding for the sector by 2026, including exploring options to implement multi-year funding deals. Without action in the Programme for Government (PfG), achieving this target becomes increasingly unlikely.

To make progress, the  PfG should commit to aligning the Scottish Government’s “Fairer Funding” principles with SCVO’s definition of Fair Funding– which was developed through significant research and engagement with Scotland’s voluntary sector. This includes commitments to:

  • A longer-term funding model for the voluntary sector across all Scottish Government departments.
  • Define multi-year funding for voluntary organisations as a three-year minimum commitment.
  • Record progress by collecting and publishing what proportion of grants and contracts are delivered on a multi-year basis and accommodate other essential Fair Funding elements.

To be meaningful and support a sustainable sector, multi-year funding must also recognise and incorporate other essential Fair Funding elements including:

  • Flexible, unrestricted core funding
  • Inflation-based uplifts
  • Accommodate at least the Real Living Wage and uplifts on par with those offered to public sector staff.
  • Full costs recovery, which includes core operating costs.

Long term funding should also be provided to local authorities, to allow them to enter into multi-year agreements with voluntary organisations. Between one quarter and one third of voluntary organisations receive funding from local authorities.

Without these commitments, achieving “Fairer Funding” by 2026 becomes increasingly unlikely.

To make and monitor progress, it is also essential that the PfG takes action on transparent funding, including developing timelines, goals, and actions to both monitor progress, and ensure progress can be scrutinised by the voluntary sector and Parliament.

Testimonials

“Like all voluntary organisations, we have very short-term funding, so while our contracts are on paper secure, everyone knows their job is only as secure as the current piece of short-term funding” – Registered charity

“Everything we do is dependent on funding, and amounts are often not confirmed until very late in the financial year” – Registered charity

“Due to annual funding from Scottish Government, which doesn’t cover our core costs, recruitment is often on short-term contracts or is subject to ongoing funding, of which there is no guarantee” – Voluntary sector intermediary

Conclusion

Scotland’s voluntary sector is an employer, a partner, and a vital social and economic actor central to delivering on the Scottish Government’s three missions of equality, opportunity, and community.

The Programme for Government is an opportunity for the First Minister and the cabinet team to recognise and support the many contributions of voluntary organisations, their staff and their volunteers across Scotland by making progress towards the Fair Funding our sector desperately needs.

To achieve this the Scottish Government must commit to progressing multi-year funding, develop timelines and goals, and make plans to monitor progress. To support a sustainable sector, multi-year funding must also recognise and incorporate essential Fair Funding elements.

Additional information

SCVO’s full proposals for the 2024/2025 Programme for Government cover two areas and can be found here:

  1. Delivering Fair Funding by 2026
  2. Transparent funding

Charity regulator praises ‘constructive campaigning’ during General Election

The Charity Commission has published a report of its casework during the 2024 General Election, revealing a significant decline in serious concerns about a charity’s campaigning activity compared with previous elections.

The regulator praises the sector for its conduct during the UK General Election, with its Chair, Orlando Fraser KC, restating the sector’s right to campaign and reminding all that this right is enshrined in charity law.   

The report found a rise in proactive efforts by charities to seek advice from the Commission and a 60% decline in high-risk cases compared to the 2019 election. It features illustrative case studies relating to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Big Help Out run by The Together Initiative, the Trussell Trust, Age Concern Wolverhampton and British Alevi Federation. 

The law is clear about the right of charities to campaign provided it is in support of their purposes and that they take a neutral stance on party politics. This is something that the Commission has made clear in its published guidance which helps charities campaign within the law and continued to reiterate as the General Election approached.  

The report reveals that out of more than 170,000 registered charities, the regulator opened just 34 new compliance cases to assess concerns and responded to 35 advice requests, between 22 May 2024 and 4 July 2024.

This figure relates specifically to activities around general election campaigns. Only 14 of these were high-risk cases, less than half the number seen during the 2019 election, which the regulator has said represents a positive and significant decline. 

The cases opened came from a variety of sources such as complaints to the Commission, charities proactively reporting incidents via the Commission’s Serious Incident Report process, and proactive monitoring by the regulator. 

The report carries reflections from the Charity Commission on how charities can speak up for causes they serve whilst engaging in debate lawfully in line with the regulator’s guidance on campaigning and political activity. It goes on to thank the sector for engaging with its guidance.  

The regulator identified three key themes in its engagement with charities during this period: 

  • charity leaders expressing support for a political party or candidates 
  • visits to charities by prospective candidates 
  • charities’ use of social media in campaigning. 

The Commission took a proactive approach ahead of the election to help charities to get things right. The regulator promoted its guidance on campaigning and political activity, including specific guidance when operating during an election and its ‘5-minute guide’ on campaigning for those in need of a quick refresh of their knowledge.  

Orlando Fraser KC, Chair of the Charity Commission, said:  ““A General Election is a critical moment for charities which provide vital insight on how to address issues facing our society.

“From the outset, we’ve highlighted the valuable role of charities. I have also set out our expectation that they take the lead in encouraging debates that are held with respect, tolerance and consideration of others at a time when, sadly, this is not always the case in public discourse. 

“This election has seen some of our lowest case numbers which is true testament to the constructive and lawful way the sector has engaged with debates on the issues they champion.

“Many charities have effectively used their voices with confidence while following electoral and charity law – supported by our published advice and guidance. We will continue to use our voice to explain charities’ right to campaign lawfully.” 

The Commission’s guidance can be found here: Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

More progress is needed a decade on from procurement reform

Despite improved transparency, a Parliament committee has found that inconsistency, bureaucracy, and inflexibility are still creating challenges for small businesses and third sector organisations looking to participate in public procurement.

A decade on from the introduction of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (the Act), Holyrood’s Economy and Fair Work Committee has explored how the Act is operating.

Intended to support economic growth with procurement systems which were transparent, fair and business friendly, the Act put in place regulation for public procurement contracts above certain financial thresholds.

During its inquiry, the Committee heard from businesses and the third sector, as well as local authorities and the Scottish Government.

The Committee found that while the Act’s improvements to transparency were welcomed, there were still challenges which made navigating public procurement difficult, with one witness giving the Act a “C+ for its performance.”

Challenges experienced by witnesses included inconsistency across contracting authorities and heavy bureaucratic load.

The Committee’s report makes a number of recommendations to improve the system including:

  • Ensuring that the Public Contracts Scotland website is updated to make it once again “best in class”.
  • The Scottish Government should work with contracting authorities to drive consistency and reduce administrative burden.
  • A uniform process for the provision of feedback should be developed.

Speaking as the report launched last week, Committee Convener Claire Baker MSP said: “Public procurement plays a vital role in the Scottish economy, involving small business, the third sector and public bodies.

“But with more than ten years now passed since the Act came into force, it is time to reflect on whether the ambitious aims are being met.

“There is no doubt that the Act has had a positive impact on increasing transparency of procurement processes which of course is to be welcomed. But for too many businesses, especially new or small businesses, there is still confusion and inconsistency. all of which is causing a barrier to those who may want to engage.

“Our report calls for a number of changes which would have a real impact to ensure that the bureaucracy and inflexibility can be addressed.”

During its inquiry, the Committee also found that the Act had contributed to an increase in Scottish procurement. However, the report makes clear that the Committee believes more can be done to increase local procurement.

The Committee noted the results from the community wealth building pilot areas and called for the principles and lessons learned to be fully embedded in procurement processes.

EFWS062024R08Download

£250,000 Humanitarian Emergency Funding for Kenya

Emergency funding to support people affected by severe flooding in Kenya

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has pledged funding of £250,000 to aid charities responding to those affected by the severe flooding in Kenya through the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF).

Oxfam and Islamic Relief will receive £125,000 each to support thousands of families affected by the flooding with their immediate basic needs, including food, shelter and clean water. The funding will also support services to raise awareness and prevent gender-based violence.

Nearly 1.6 million people across East Africa have been affected by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. In Kenya, 315 deaths have been reported and more than 58,000 families are estimated to have been displaced.

Mr Robertson said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones and the thousands of families whose homes have been substantially damaged by the severe flooding across Kenya.

“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing essential assistance to people in need.

“This funding will play an important role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the flooding, including helping to provide access to food, shelter and clean water.”

Oxfam in Kenya’s Humanitarian Lead Mat Cousins said: “The Scottish Government’s contribution is a lifeline for many families in Nairobi’s informal settlements who have lost everything to the floods.

“This funding will not only address immediate needs such as clean water and shelter but also provide crucial support for women and girls facing heightened risks of gender-based violence. We are grateful for this solidarity in such challenging times and hope it inspires other governments to provide similar life-saving support.”

Islamic Relief Regional Community Fundraising Manager Nadeem Baqir added: “This funding will serve as a vital lifeline for the many families impacted by Kenya’s flood crisis, aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives and livelihoods.

“The world’s most vulnerable communities are often the first to suffer from climate-related natural disasters, and we are thankful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting those in greatest need.”

Charities lobby political parties to pledge support for removing barriers to lifesaving equipment

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has teamed up with several charities to fight for more accessible and affordable defibrillators in the United Kingdom. 

As key stakeholders committed to the advancement of public health in the UK, RLSS UK, alongside nine other partners, have come together to lobby for the removal of Value of Added Tax (VAT) from defibrillators.

Research found that in the most deprived areas of England and Scotland, the nearest 24/7 accessible defibrillator is on average a round trip of over a mile, or 1.8km[1]. The past two years have also seen a surge in costs of automated external defibrillators from £750 to £950, which continues to impact the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Pivotal in saving lives during emergencies, the current VAT on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety and why the group RLSS UK has written to all major parties asking for their support by pledging in their manifestos to reduce costs around this vital piece of lifesaving piece of equipment.

The letter has been signed by RLSS UK, alongside Air Ambulances UK, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, St John Ambulance Cymru, St Andrew’s First Aid and Andy Reid, a Cardiac Arrest and Defibrillator Campaigner.

Robert Gofton, Chief Executive Officer at RLSS UK, said: “Here at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, our mission revolves around education, training and support for lifesaving initiatives – and promoting the accessibility and affordability of key lifesaving equipment in the UK is no exception.

“Defibrillators are indispensable in cardiac emergencies, where timely access can be the difference between life and death. Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocate for this critical cause.

“The significance of reducing VAT on such life-saving equipment is underscored by the unified stance of numerous organisations supporting this campaign. Together, we champion this change, ensuring our collective voice resonates clearly. It is imperative that our next government prioritises the removal of VAT from defibrillators.

“In this letter, we appeal to all major political parties to include support for VAT removal on defibrillators in their manifestos. Our goal is to narrow the accessibility gap for this vital equipment, ultimately saving lives and advancing a more equitable public health agenda across the UK.”

A copy of the letter sent to the Prime Minister:

The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP Prime Minister

10 Downing Street

London SW1A 2AA

May 2024

Dear Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister

We trust this letter finds you in good health. We write to you as representatives of key stakeholders deeply committed to the advancement of public health in the UK. Our collective mission revolves around education, training, and support for life-saving initiatives. Today, we bring to your attention a matter of paramount importance: the accessibility and affordability of defibrillators in the United Kingdom.

As you are undoubtedly aware, defibrillators play a pivotal role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. The timely availability of these life-saving devices can significantly impact the survival rates of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Regrettably, the current imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety. Over the past two years, prices have surged from an average of £750 to £950 for an automated external defibrillator.

Please refer to the Appendix at the end of this letter, which underscores the critical influence of a person’s postcode on their or a loved one’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. Such disparities are incongruent with any equitable levelling-up agenda. Consequently, we respectfully request your party’s support in advocating for the removal of VAT on defibrillators. This seemingly modest yet impactful change would not only render these devices more affordable for individuals and organisations, particularly in the most deprived areas but would also contribute to fostering a safer and more prepared society.

We earnestly urge you to consider incorporating this commitment into your party’s next manifesto. Such proactive measures would exemplify your party’s dedication to improving public health, fortifying community resilience, and, most importantly, saving lives.

We acknowledge the myriad demands on your time and resources, but we firmly believe that prioritising this issue aligns seamlessly with the values of the Conservatives and its unwavering commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Your support on this matter would not only underscore a dedication to public health but also resonate positively with voters who prioritise community safety and emergency preparedness.

Your thoughtful consideration of this request is immensely appreciated, and we sincerely hope that the Conservative Party will assume a leading role in championing this vital cause. We eagerly await your response, and are looking forward to hearing about the Conservative’s stance on this issue and its commitment to improving access to life-saving defibrillators in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter and we look forward to your manifesto support for this vital piece of lifesaving equipment.

Best wishes

For more information about our lifesaving aims, please visit our website www.rlss.org.uk.   

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