With Scottish Housing Day (14 September 2022) focusing on sustainable housing, the Alliance of Registered Co-operatives and Housing Associations, Independent in Edinburgh (ARCHIE) is working collaboratively to address the challenges around decarbonisation and energy efficiency and provide advice on how tenants can live sustainable lives, from energy saving tips to financial support.
Past ARCHIE successes include joint ventures such as distributing energy saving packs to tenants and energy use advice. One of the most successful projects is the provision of Tenant Advice Services, which includes money, debt, benefits and tenancy sustainment advice.
Through sharing services and collaborating on joint activities ARCHIE members provide value for money and keep rents affordable.
The ARCHIE members are Lister Housing Co-operative, Manor Estates Housing Association, Muirhouse Housing Association, Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), Prospect Community Housing, Viewpoint Housing Association and West Granton Housing Co-operative.
Larke Adger, Chair of ARCHIE and Chief Executive, West Granton Housing Co-op commented: “Through collaborative working, we have achieved better services and support for tenants across all ARCHIE member organisations.
“We look forward to continuing to build on this work to help create thriving, sustainable communities.”
A landmark agreement setting out how the UK and devolved governments will work closely together to deliver for people across the whole of the United Kingdom has been published.
Landmark agreement on how UK government and devolved governments will continue to work together has been reached
New ways of working agreed by the UK government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government and Welsh Government
Reaffirmed principles agreed by all includes mutual respect, maintaining trust and positive working
Agreement formalises a PM led council, overseeing strengthened working
A landmark agreement setting out how the UK and devolved governments will work closely together to deliver for people across the whole of the United Kingdom was published yesterday (13 January 2022).
The statement was completely overhadowed by the ongoing brouhaha over the Prime Minister’s attendance at lockdown Downing Street parties (or work events!) At time of writing Boris Johnson’s political future remains very much in the balance.
The Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Review sets out new structures as to how the UK government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government and Welsh Government will work to deliver for people across the UK – based upon on the existing values of mutual respect, maintaining trust and positive working.
The new system will be a three-tiered structure and will formalise a new council, chaired by the Prime Minister, made up of Heads of the Devolved Governments.
The Prime Minister-led council and Ministerial groups will oversee and strengthen relations between all of the UK’s governments. They will discuss issues that affect people across the UK, particularly where they cut across reserved and devolved policy – or are of shared responsibility.
Strong working and close co-operation has been vital in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including coordinating the response to new variants and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Other examples of joined-up work include investment through Growth Deals and the Afghanistan resettlement programme.
The new structures will be supported by an independent secretariat made up of civil servants seconded from all four governments and will serve the UK government and devolved governments equally.
BeleagueredPrime Minister Boris Johnson said: “When team UK pulls together in common cause, spirit and endeavour we will always be at our very best.
“We’ve shown time and time again the combined strength we have in facing off the shared challenges before us, while also seizing the opportunities ahead for the benefit of the whole United Kingdom.
“Today’s announcements build upon that strength as we all continue to work together to deliver for the British people.”
Minister for Intergovernmental Relations Michael Gove said: “Devolution has empowered communities and resulted in huge benefits across the United Kingdom.
“Today’s landmark agreement will build on the incredible amount of collaboration already taking place between the UK government and the devolved administrations.
“By working together even more effectively, we can better overcome the challenges we face, create greater opportunities and improve people’s lives for the better.”
The new structures are based on a three tier levels for ministerial engagement – alongside a new mechanism for avoiding, escalating and resolving disputes; supported by joint or independent secretariats and based upon consensus.
Sitting below the Prime Minister-chaired council, the second tier will consist of two Interministerial Standing Committees, one chaired by the Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and one on finance.
There will also be the option of time limited committees agreed by consensus to deal with specific issues as required.
The third tier will be made up of Interministerial Groups (IMG) led by individual departments, which will cover a wide range of policy issues within a given minister’s or department’s portfolio.
These will include regular meetings between devolved and UK government ministers on issues such as Health, Transport and Education.
The new structures and processes announced yesterday are underpinned by a reaffirmed set of principles for collaborative working. These are:
Maintaining positive and constructive relations, based on mutual respect for the responsibilities of the governments and their shared role in governance of the UK
Building and maintaining trust, based on effective communication
Sharing information and respecting confidentiality
Promoting understanding of, and accountability for, their intergovernmental activity
Resolving disputes according to a clear and agreed process
The new structures create a ‘more equal, transparent and accountable system to support collaboration and information sharing between the UK government and the devolved governments and continue to deliver for citizens across the UK‘.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “Scotland has two governments, and people want to see them continue to work together to tackle covid and drive our recovery.
“Throughout the pandemic, the Scottish and UK governments have worked closely together, to keep people safe, protect public services, and support businesses and jobs in Scotland.
“This important agreement will build on that and help strengthen cooperation further – as we work together to deliver the priorities of people in Scotland on jobs, prosperity and economic recovery.
“It also reflects the increased powers of the Scottish Parliament since 2016 and the UK’s vote to leave the EU.”
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “People in Wales want to see politicians working together to defeat the pandemic and focus on our recovery and throughout the past two years the UK government has worked with the Welsh Government more closely and productively than ever.
“This agreement will strengthen these relationships still further as we work together to deliver the priorities of the people of Wales like jobs, prosperity and economic recovery.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said: “Today’s agreement will enhance the positive working relationship between the UK government and the Northern Ireland Executive, to the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.
“By ensuring that we work together in the best way possible, we will build on the fantastic collaboration which has stood us in good stead as we continue to deliver together for local people.”
So the PM will chair the new council with devolved governments – but will Boris Johnson still be that Prime Minister, or is the party over? The picture may perhaps become clearer early next week.
RISE, a collaborative pilot programme designed to help people involved in crime to make positive life changes has been launched by Scottish convenience retailer Scotmid.
Scotmid’s Project RISE (Recovering In a Supported Environment) will be initially piloted in Leith. It has been designed to proactively intervene and support those living in the local community by encouraging them to avoid potential criminal situations, suggesting alternative choices and signposting individuals to support services.
Project RISE will work in partnership with several organisations including Cyrenians, Turning Point, Link-Up, Connecting Circles and Police Scotland.
As a ‘restorative practice intervention’, it will be used as an alternative engagement model to provide solutions to a recurring problem, which in many cases, tends to be crime.
If successful, Scotmid hopes that the programme will be rolled out across other areas of the city, where additional resources and support would help make a difference.
Nick McGuirk, Project RISE Project Manager at Scotmid, said: “As a retailer based in the heart of our communities, we are in a fortunate position to be able to identify and reach some of the most vulnerable people in our local areas.
“We’re pleased to work collaboratively with some fantastic charities to ensure we can support as many people as possible, helping them to make more positive life choices.”
Carmen McShane, Scotland Service Manager of Turning Point, said: “It has never been so important to make mainstream services more accessible for those who suffer from alcohol and other drug use.
“Accessing support and treatment can be a protective factor in reducing overdose, therefore, outreach work in Leith, and other local communities like this, is vital if we want to prevent drug-related deaths. I’m so pleased to work with Scotmid, Connecting Circles, Cyrenians and Link Up in this initiative to deliver the support to people in our community who need it.”
A Spokesperson at Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is looking forward to working alongside our partners in this pilot programme, designed to make positive changes for those who require support and help.
“We hope the programme will expand its work to other areas, so that people can avoid potentially dangerous circumstances, whilst flourishing in their communities.”
A collaboration between colleges in east central Scotland has published their proposals on how best to deliver skills and opportunities in Scotland to support the economic recovery.
The East Central Scotland Colleges Collaboration, consisting of Edinburgh College, Fife College, Forth Valley College and West Lothian College, worked to produce a comprehensive skills programme designed to help meet the future needs of the Scottish economy.
Titled the ‘Our Futures Programme’, their report recommends eight distinct reskilling and upskilling products that colleges provide much needed support to individuals and employers who are set to be hit by the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
They include suggestions such as the creation of Skills Boost Academies in key areas such as digital and industry, and the development of Accelerator Programmes, which would see colleges across Scotland able to introduce accelerated versions of existing qualifications that are already on offer, such as engineering, computing and care. These innovative programmes will place the College sector at the forefront of the country’s agenda for economic recovery.
The other educational products that are recommended in the report include:
Kick Start+
Pre Apprentice Pathways
Short Accredited Programmes
Cooperative Apprenticeships
Adopt an Intern+ (AAI EmployAbility)
Winter Leaver Guarantee
Each skills product was developed by the four colleges alongside Skills Development Scotland (SDS) having analysed labour market information, unemployment rates, levels of furlough, growth sectors and the local knowledge each of the colleges have of their region.
It comes after the Scottish Government formally launched the Young Person’s Guarantee last week, which is designed to help those whose job prospects are set to be hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Each of the proposals closely align with the skills-related commitments set out in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and target areas that are seen as an economic priority for Scotland.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford FRSE MBE said: “We know that coronavirus is having a significant impact on people’s livelihoods and businesses across the world in a way that we couldn’t have fully anticipated at the start of the year.
“The impact of the virus is unprecedented, and across Scotland the number of unemployed people is expected to rise due to the economic impact we are already experiencing – which is set to continue as we navigate our way through these uncertain times.
“Together, with the other three colleges, Edinburgh College is determined and committed to delivering a range of support and opportunities for people of all ages across our region to retrain and upskill – focusing on meeting the skills needs of businesses and industries that have been hardest hit by the virus.
“By working together, and in collaboration with government and industry partners, we believe the products set out in the ‘Our Futures Programme’ will make an important contribution to enabling people and businesses across East Central Scotland to thrive.”
Principal of Fife College Dr Hugh Hall said: “Colleges across Scotland know that we have a vital role to play in helping individuals and businesses deal with the economic impact caused by the Coronavirus.
“That’s why our four colleges came together in this collaboration – to help develop a strategy for how we can best help deliver the fast-track and relevant training we need in Scotland over the short to medium term.
“Each of the recommendations in the report have been formulated after thorough analysis of the jobs market, and could make a huge difference to those looking to upskill and reskill, and to the businesses who will be looking for skilled workers in the coming months.
“The Young Person’s Guarantee launched by the Scottish Government last week is an important step towards helping deal with unemployment, and colleges have a huge part to play in that. We have the potential to do more, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to help develop and implement these ideas.”
Dr Ken Thomson, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “I am very excited about Forth Valley College’s involvement in the East Central Scotland College Collaboration initiative.
“By working together, we can have a really positive impact on the people who are, or who will be, affected most by the pandemic lockdown and the inevitable economic downturn that is starting to hit us.
“As a college, we have always been at the forefront of innovative programmes which meet the needs of both individuals and local and national skills agendas.
“Now, this new collaboration will enable all four colleges involved to tap into each other’s expertise to provide the very best courses, professional training, upskilling, reskilling and opportunities.
“This is a chance to make learning work for the people of the Central Belt and the East of Scotland and help the country on the road to economic, educational and social recovery.”
Principal of West Lothian College Jackie Galbraith said: “Colleges are playing a vital role right now to help people and businesses deal with the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus.
“At a local level, West Lothian College is working hand in hand with the council and other partners to support economic recovery and to strengthen our communities.
“With unemployment rising, our four colleges have created a comprehensive programme to develop the skills people need to succeed in the jobs market now and in the future. This collaborative effort will add real value to what is coming out of our respective local partnerships.
“The Young Person’s Guarantee is a major step towards avoiding high levels of youth unemployment, and this exciting partnership of the four colleges in East Central Scotland will play a pivotal role in making the guarantee a reality for thousands of young people.”
Thank you to everyone who has confirmed their attendance at Broughton High School Showcase Event on 5 June 2013 at 2pm. For those who may have missed their initial invitation there’s still time to confirm your attendance.
The event is a celebration of all the excellent partnership opportunities BroughtonHigh School has had with our diverse partners. We hope this event will stimulate even more opportunities for our students and staff to work with external partners on a variety of projects.
Refreshments will be provided and there is an opportunity to view a short film showing our students promoting the benefits of working with our external partners.
