Tag: charities

EIJB Decision Day: Edinburgh’s Third Sector calls for clarity on future funding

It has been six weeks since the decision by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to retain the Third Sector Grants Programme, worth £4.5 million, until the end of this financial year.

While a much-welcomed reversal of the initial proposal to pull the grant from 64 charities from January 2025, the forecasted cuts have left many of these registered charities in Edinburgh in doubt over their long-term future.

Edinburgh Community Health Forum strategic development manager Stephanie-Anne Harris, said: “Without the necessary funding, closures are inevitable. These community-led charities cannot afford to exist without long-term public funding, and the threat of this being removed is hanging over their heads, preventing future planning.

“Edinburgh Health Community Forum has heard from many member organisations that are expecting to have to start the process of shutting down in January due to the EIJB’s decision.”

One such organisation is the Murrayfield Dementia Project, which provides lunch clubs and day services for those who are elderly and frail or living with early-stage dementia.

The termination of the EIJB funding will remove this service from the 20 members who attend each week, with repercussions for their carers and families. It will also result in five members of staff being made redundant and eight voluntary opportunities being stopped.

Jenny Rowe, Project Coordinator at Murrayfield Dementia Project, said “The EIJB reprieve has only prolonged the inevitable. As a small, community organisation, we need to know whether future funding will be made available, and if not, we will be forced to close.

“The loss of vital services, such as Murrayfield Dementia Service will not only impact those who directly benefit from them. Without the support offered by Third Sector organisations, we will undoubtedly see an increased pressure on Scotland’s wider health and social care services, which are already at breaking point”.

This is exemplified in the case of Phonelink Edinburgh, a twice-daily check call service for the over 60s that offers social interaction, medication prompts, welfare and safety checks, and eating and drinking prompts.

Kellie Mercer, Manager of Phonelink Edinburgh, commented “Phonelink Edinburgh receives £89,000 in funding from the EIJB grant.

“Among other check-ins, we carry out 128 medication prompts twice daily, 7 days a week. The estimated cost for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) to do the same would be £256,960 – and that is without considering the other welfare and safety services Phonelink Edinburgh offers.”

A Therapy Assistant Practitioner from the  Western General Hospital gave a real life example of the importance of the Phonelink Service: “A patient was medically fit for discharge but needed medication prompts to allow this to happen.

“So Phonelink was contacted by email for a twice daily medication prompt. The email was received at 3.48pm,  the service set up at 4.30pm,  with the patient discharged that evening,  and the service started at 7.30pm.

With unprecedented budgetary challenges facing the EIJB, and the necessary shifting in strategic priorities, the cessation of the Third Sector Grants Programme may well be unavoidable.

If this is to be the case, Stephanie-Anne Harris argues for a planned transition with interim support made available:

“Sufficient time and planning must be given to avoid devastating consequences for Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.

“This requires a collaborative approach, including Third Sector representatives, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council to establish a clear timeline and secure alternative funding to prevent the immediate loss of vital services which currently benefit over 50,000 people across Edinburgh.

 “Without Edinburgh charities and Third Sector organisations, the fabric of the community collapses. It is imperative that together we carve out a sustainable future for the City’s Third Sector, one that delivers high-impact services, strengthens community resilience, reduces pressure on statutory services and achieves better outcomes for Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.

“We urge Edinburgh City Council and the EIJB to step up, provide clarity, and commit to funding that ensures these vital organisations can continue their essential work beyond the end of March 2025. ”

Insurer warns of growing risks for Edinburgh charities in 2025

Proactive steps for protection

According to the Scottish Third Sector Tracker, the percentage of organisations identifying financial challenges as one of their top three concerns has risen dramatically, from 47% in August 2021 to 77% in Spring 2024 [1]. Add to this rising service demands and escalating operating costs, and Edinburgh charities are likely to experience significant strain.

Ansvar Insurance, the expert provider of insurance for the charity, not-for-profit, faith and care sectors, has identified the five risks charities are expected to face in 2025, and is providing expert advice on how organisations can protect themselves. 

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “In 2025, charities will have to deal with rising operational costs, growing service demand, and monetary donations continuing to be affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The impact on the sector has been significant, particularly for smaller, local charities, where resources are already stretched.”

1. Financial instability

Charities are struggling with declining donations and rising costs, including increased utility bills and the upcoming living wage increase to £12.21 per hour. To maintain financial sustainability, charities must prioritise financial planning and seek alternative funding sources like corporate partnerships and grants.

2. Increased demand for services

Whether it’s foodbanks, hospices or mental health support, charities across Edinburgh are on the front line. While government funding for social care and healthcare is expected to help, local impact will take time. Strategic partnerships with local authorities and other charities are key to managing demand effectively.

3. Declining income from donations

Changes in Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax in the recent budget may encourage legacy giving. Therefore, charities should invest in donor engagement strategies to address any ongoing decline in donations.

4. Cybersecurity threats

Cybercrime is on the rise in the charity sector, with a third of charities that responded to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 [2] reporting they have fallen victim to an attack. Charities need to implement strong cybersecurity measures, educate staff on safe online practices and ensure they have insurance coverage specific to the charity sector that addresses cyber threats.

5. Regulatory and compliance risks

The government has announced that new charity tax regulations will come into effect in April 2026, which is in addition to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI) which may impact data protection, fundraising, and safeguarding. Ansvar urges charities to regularly review compliance strategies to avoid financial and reputational risks from regulatory breaches.

(Charities also face a hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions – Ed.)

Adam Tier added: “It’s vital that charities take proactive steps to ensure their resilience, from reviewing their financial strategies to securing adequate insurance cover to protect against emerging risks.

We’re committed to helping charities understand the hazards they face and take the proactive steps needed to protect themselves, so they can continue making a difference in their communities.”

Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned specialist financial services organisation. The Benefact Group is the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, underscoring Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

1.  https://scvo.scot/research/scottish-third-sector-tracker

2. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024

Fair tax reforms key to fixing Scotland’s broken public finances

Scotland’s party leaders are being urged to unite and take bold, immediate action to overhaul the devolved tax system, to build a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all. 

In an open letter, Tax Justice Scotland, a newly formed campaign group which represents ​​over 50 Scottish civil society organisations, trade unions, economists, and academics, says that Scotland’s existing tax system is undermining public services while exacerbating economic and wider inequalities. They say it’s time to break free from short-termist tax policymaking.  

Campaigners say that a fairer, more effective devolved tax system is needed if the Scottish Government is to deliver on its legal commitments to cut child poverty and tackle climate change, while avoiding damaging cyclical emergency budget cuts. 

Ahead of the publication of Scotland’s new Tax Strategy and the 2025/26 Scottish Budget, the Tax Justice Scotland campaign is warning Scotland’s finances are “beyond breaking point”, while urging leaders to “stop dodging the hard but necessary decisions” on tax reform for future stability. 

​​​​​The letter says: 

“Scotland’s finances are beyond breaking point. Tweaking the status quo on tax is not working; it’s failing our communities, our economy, and our planet. Inaction will condemn current and future generations to deepening inequality, crumbling public services and environmental collapse.

But you have the power to choose a different future.

To do so, you must choose to move beyond inadequate tweaks to our flawed tax system. It’s time to think beyond the narrow constraints of budget and electoral cycles to deliver a better and fairer tax system while ensuring those with the broadest shoulders carry the greatest weight of change.” 

While the recent UK Budget will boost public spending and somewhat ease immediate finance pressures in Scotland, this won’t put Scotland’s public finances on a sustainable path.

The campaign is urging the Scottish Government to leverage the upcoming Tax Strategy as a catalyst for overdue and essential long-term reform.

Tax Justice Scotland also sets out a series of immediate steps the Scottish Government should take, using devolved powers, to make progress towards a fairer tax system: 

  • Launch an immediate nationwide property revaluation, the first critical step to finally scrapping the outdated and unfair Council Tax. At the same time, Ministers must start the search for fairer, more equitable alternatives. 
  • Kick-start a bold plan to tax wealth more fairly, ensuring those with the most contribute their share to Scotland’s future. 
  • Make polluters pay for the damage they cause while encouraging greener, fairer business practices, including through reforms of existing Non-Domestic Rates and tax breaks. 

On behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, Lewis Ryder-Jones, Oxfam Scotland’s Advocacy Adviser, said: “​​Scotland’s finances are perpetually teetering on the edge of a perilous precipice. Poverty and inequality are rampant, public services are badly stretched, and the climate crisis is escalating. Fairer taxes, alongside a fairer economy, and ensuring public money is well spent, can and must do more to secure a fairer, greener future for everyone.” 

Tax Justice Scotland has been established to build public and political pressure for tax reforms in Scotland, as part of improved UK and global tax systems. 

​​​​​The letter coincides with growing global momentum on tax, with the leaders of G20 governments making a ground-breaking commitment to cooperate on taxing the world’s super-rich at a summit in Brazil last week.  

Bold, well-designed changes to devolved taxes could build on this global momentum, unleashing more resources to invest in healthcare, education, social security and climate action while reducing the widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of society in Scotland. 

Lewis Ryder-Jones added: “Scotland can lead the way in the UK and internationally. It’s time for our leaders to stop dodging the hard but necessary decisions, and instead start making the case that fairer taxes are good for the economy.

“We need grown-up tax governance that takes Scotland’s future seriously; moving beyond piecemeal, patchwork fixes and instead delivering a tax system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.” 

SHAMEFUL!

Family ‘repeatedly benefitted’ from ‘mismanaged’ Captain Tom Foundation, investigation finds

The Charity Commission’s investigation into The Captain Tom Foundation has found repeated instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the family of the late fundraiser, who set up the charity in his name.  

The official report, published today, is highly critical of the conduct and actions of the charity’s former trustee and CEO (Hannah Ingram-Moore) and a former trustee (Colin Ingram-Moore). 

It sets out evidence of serious failings in the charity’s management, including failures to act solely in the best interests of the charity and to effectively identify and manage conflicts of interest. 

The report finds that Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore, who are now disqualified from serving as charity trustees, are responsible for a “pattern of behaviour” which saw them repeatedly benefitting personally from their involvement in the charity.

The failure to manage conflicts of interest arising from Mr and Mrs Ingram Moore’s link to each other and the charity’s links to their private companies happened repeatedly and led to direct and indirect private benefit for the family.  

The report is also critical of the charity’s unconflicted trustees, who it finds did not always have sufficient oversight and control of the administration of the charity. However, the inquiry notes that their ability to manage conflicts of interest was limited by the failure of the Ingram-Moores to inform them of potential conflicts of interest as these arose.

The report concludes the non-conflicted trustees are responsible for mismanagement but that this did not warrant any further regulatory action. 

Scope of the inquiry

The regulator’s inquiry was opened in June 2021 to examine if trustees had been responsible for misconduct and / or mismanagement and if the charity suffered any financial loss, including private benefit to any current or former trustees. It also considered if conflicts of interest were adequately managed and if all trustees complied with and fulfilled their responsibilities under charity law.  

Findings of the inquiry  

The inquiry examined a range of concerns in detail, assessing the extent to which trustees complied with their legal duties. The report is critical of: 

  • The Ingram-Moores’ handling of and public communications about publishing deals for books authored by the late Captain Sir Tom. The inquiry concludes that the public “would understandably feel misled” to learn that sales of his autobiography ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’ have not benefited the charity, given that statements were made which implied donations from sales would be made to the charity carrying his name.  
  • Public statements made by Mrs Ingram-Moore regarding her involvement in setting her salary for the role. The inquiry concludes that it might have been technically accurate for her to state that she was “not offered” a “six figure salary”, as the Commission blocked the initial salary request, and no formal offer was made to her prior to the regulator’s authorisation of a lower salary. However, the inquiry finds these assertions were disingenuous, as it saw written evidence that she had stated, prior to starting in the role, that her expectations were for a £150k remuneration package.  
  • Mrs Ingram-Moore retaining £18,000 for judging and presenting an award named after Captain Tom. While she claims she undertook the engagement in a personal capacity, the inquiry does not agree and found no evidence that supports her position. Mrs Ingram-Moore committed the charity’s resources to the event without the non-conflicted trustees’ knowledge or consent. 
  • The handling of intellectual property rights owned by the Ingram-Moore family but offered to the charity for its use without appropriate agreements in place, which led to confusion and possible financial losses to the charity. 
  • The Ingram-Moores’ use of the charity’s name in an original planning application for a building constructed on their private land, which also implied the building would be used by the charity. They did not inform or seek consent from the unconflicted trustees before using the charity’s name for this purpose. The building was subsequently demolished by order of the local authority. The inquiry finds that the couple used the charity’s name inappropriately for private benefit, and that this amounted to misconduct and/ or mismanagement.  

The above matters are examples drawn from the inquiry report, which sets out the findings and conclusions in full, provides wider context and background, and includes lessons for other charities to learn from this case.   

Regulatory action taken 

In June 2024, the Commission disqualified Hannah and Colin Ingram-Moore from being a trustee and from holding a senior management position at any charity for a period of 10 and 8 years respectively.  

Throughout the investigation, the inquiry exercised the Commission’s information gathering powers to obtain information to inform the inquiry’s findings and conclusions as set out in the report. 

David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission, said:  “Captain Sir Tom inspired a nation and reminded us what service to others can achieve even in the most challenging of times.

“His determined fundraising efforts, and the incredibly generous public response, brought a smile and hope to many of us during the pandemic. We should remember his achievements and how grateful NHS Charities Together is for the £39m he raised for the causes they support.

“Sadly, however, the charity set up in his name has not lived up to that legacy of others before self, which is central to charity. Our inquiry report details repeated failures of governance and integrity.  

“The public – and the law – rightly expect those involved in charities to make an unambiguous distinction between their personal interests, and those of the charity and the beneficiaries they are there to serve. This did not happen in the case of The Captain Tom Foundation. We found repeated instances of a blurring of boundaries between private and charitable interests, with Mr and Mrs Ingram-Moore receiving significant personal benefit. Together the failings amount to misconduct and / or mismanagement.   

“The Commission conducts all its investigations in a fair, balanced and independent way, led by the law and the facts alone. Where those investigations find that individuals have misused the trust that people have in charities, it is right that we take firm action to hold them to account.” 

Reflecting on the role of charity in society more generally, Orlando Fraser, Chair of the Charity Commission, said: “Charities represent the best of society – bringing people together, supporting the most vulnerable, and strengthening communities.

“It is important to remember that their work is underpinned by trustees, most of whom are volunteers, and most of whom fulfil the role with passion and integrity.”

THE last post on the charity’s website states:

Update – July 2023

At this moment in time, the sole focus of The Captain Tom Foundation is to ensure that it cooperates fully with the on-going Statutory Inquiry by the Charity Commission. 

As a result, The Captain Tom Foundation is not presently actively seeking any funding from donors.  Accordingly, we have also taken the decision to close all payment channels whilst the Statutory Inquiry remains open. 

Once the findings of the Statutory Inquiry have been communicated, The Captain Tom Foundation will be in a better position to make a decision in relation to its future, but for now, our main priority is to assist the Charity Commission with its enquiry. 

In the meantime, on behalf of the trustees of The Captain Tom Foundation, we wish to extend a warm thank-you to all our supporters who have enabled us to help charities that were close to Captain Sir Tom’s heart. 

Short-term funding cycles are creating financial instability for Scotland’s charities, says Holyrood Committee

SCVO: Fair Funding needed now more than ever

  • Calls come as Holyrood Committee publishes report on public funding to voluntary organisations

Short-term funding cycles are creating financial instability and diverting time and resources away from charities’ delivery of services, according to a pre-Budget report by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

At the outset of the Committee’s inquiry the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by charities in Scotland, identifying a 2.1% real terms decrease in Scottish Government funding in the previous budget, against a backdrop of increased inflation and high demand for services.

In recognition of the critical role charities play in supporting Scottish society, the Committee’s report calls on the Scottish Government to look at options to prioritise three-year-funding and include provisions for inflation-based adjustments.

During the inquiry, witnesses raised concerns about inconsistency, complexity and a lack of transparency in the application process for funding. In response, the Committee’s report recommends that the Government, and its partner grant awarding-bodies, streamline and standardise application processes and improve the transparency of the grant-making decision process.

The Committee also heard about the challenges some charities have faced because of delays to funding decisions and payments, issues the Committee wants the Scottish Government to resolve.

Bob Doris MSP, Deputy Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has a commitment to provide fair funding for the essential work done by Scotland’s charity sector.

“We make it clear in our report that this commitment should be recognised in the upcoming budget, so that the sector’s vital work can be safeguarded. We call on the Government to prioritise strengthening its approach to multi-year funding and improving its processes.

“Whilst we acknowledge the Scottish Government’s ability to agree to multi-year funding when it does not know what funding it will receive from the UK Government for subsequent years, our committee has made practical suggestions to overcome these challenges.

“We believe that implementing the straightforward measures outlined in our report, including multi-year funding, could positively impact the effectiveness of a sector that does so much to help so many.”

Responding to the report, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Chief Executive Anna Fowlie said: “I welcome today’s report, and the committee’s recommendations. Throughout their inquiry, the Committee heard from witness after witness of how the practice and culture around public  funding for voluntary organisations is broken.

“Too often and for too long voluntary organisations providing vital services to people and communities across Scotland contend with budget cuts, short-term funding cycles, late payment, incoherent decision-making, poor communication, inadequate grant management and more. That must end. 

“The voluntary sector needs a funding landscape that is fair, flexible, sustainable, and accessible – as long-advocated by SCVO and recommended by the committee today. 

“At a time when many voluntary organisations are facing extreme financial difficulties, these long-standing calls are more essential than ever. 

“The prize is a sustainable sector, strong public services, and resilient communities – one the Scottish Government must grasp with both hands.”

The Committee report:

sp-third-sector-funding-principlesDownload

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