Tag: conference

Tomorrow: Meet the Robots!

World’s top Human Robot Interaction (HRI) experts unite in Edinburgh

Experts using robots to help autistic children, support independent living, transform healthcare and improve people’s everyday lives will attend a major international conference with free public event.

Robots that help autistic children develop communication skills and tech to support people to live independently are just two of the 850 robotic technologies featuring at this year’s Human Robot Interaction Conference.

The conference centres on two defining questions for the field, including how robots can be woven into everyday life like workplaces, hospitals and homes without creating inequality or displacing the people they are meant to serve.

It will also explore how the technology itself can be made genuinely accessible, from intuitive design and affordability to interfaces that do not require an engineering degree to navigate.

The goal, researchers argue, is not simply smarter machines but machines that people genuinely want to use.

The world’s leading human-robot interaction researchers are gathering in Scotland for the first time, bringing some of the biggest names in robotics and technology to the capital including Amazon, Google, Honda and Meta. Edinburgh now joins a distinguished list of previous host cities spanning the US, Europe, Asia and Australia.

The conference comes as the Scottish Government increases investment in robotics and autonomous systems, with recent initiatives including the Robotics Adoption Fund and the Scottish RAS Cluster Pilot, both being delivered by The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University. Ministers have identified the sector as having transformational potential across healthcare, education, manufacturing and public services.

Among the technologies on show is QTrobot, an expressive social robot designed to help autistic children develop communication and social skills. Developed by LuxAI, a spinout from the University of Luxembourg, it uses interactive games, visual prompts and movement to create a structured, engaging learning environment.

Also being showcased is Reachy Mini, an open-source humanoid robot developed by French company Pollen Robotics. As part of their work, researchers are using robotics to explore how technology can handle everyday objects, navigate real environments and collaborate with people in homes, hospitals and workplaces.

From the USA,  Semio is a software startup defining the way people will live, work and play with robots in their everyday lives. Semio is showcasing its latest software that allows robot developers to rapidly create and deploy robot apps and allows robot end-users to easily access and use robot apps via natural communication, including both speech and body language.

Researchers and organisations working on socially assistive robotics will present insights into how robots are being deployed in therapy and special educational needs settings, exploring how technology can support teachers and therapists while reducing barriers to access.

A special session, supported by Meta, will look at how humanoid robots move from lab prototypes to living rooms and ask what people actually need and question how we build machines worthy of a place in our homes.

And as researchers pull back the curtain on methods like Wizard of Oz – an experiment in which people believe the robot is acting autonomously while being operated or partially operated by an unseen human – the session will explore the ethical and human costs of the wizards behind the machine.

Lynne Baillie, General Chair of HRI 2026 and a scientist at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Human-robot interaction focuses on how we design technologies that work for people in real situations. We are already seeing robots used to support learning, healthcare and independent living.

“Hosting HRI 2026 in Edinburgh is a significant moment for Scotland. It highlights the strength of robotics research taking place here and brings international expertise to share ideas, technologies and experiences. Scotland is already playing an important role in shaping the future of robotics.

“With the right investment and collaboration between government, universities and industry, we can remain at the forefront of developing technologies that transform society.”

Members of the public are invited to meet the robots and the researchers building them at a free event on Tuesday 17 March (16:30–18:00) at the EICC.

Visitors can explore live demonstrations, take part in hands-on activities and speak directly with scientists and engineers. The event is open to all with no booking required. More information can be found here.

The International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2026) takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) from 16 to 19 March and is sponsored by the Association of Computer Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

COSLA President says rebuilding trust in politics starts with stronger local voices

THE PRESIDENT of the body representing Scotland’s 32 councils has urged a room of leading political figures to rebuild trust by giving people and places a stronger voice in how decisions are made locally.

Speaking at the COSLA Annual Conference in St Andrews this week, Councillor Shona Morrison used her opening address to urge political leaders to back a bold, long-term vision for local democracy – one that gives communities the powers, trust, and resources they need to thrive.

The call comes at the first major event following the launch of COSLA’s manifesto, which acknowledges 50 years of the organisation and sets out a clear roadmap for strengthening local government and empowering communities across Scotland.

In introducing the overarching theme of the event, “The Future of Localism”, Councillor Morrison told delegates: “Localism means trusting communities, empowering councils and rejecting unnecessary centralisation. It means recognising that Scotland’s strength lies in its diversity, urban, rural, island – and that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work.

“It means giving councils the powers and resources to empower those voices in their communities, so that decisions are shaped together, with local knowledge at the heart of every choice.”

Marking COSLA’s 50th anniversary, the 2025 Conference brings together leaders from across local government, business, academia and public life.

The event features high-profile contributions from First Minister John Swinney MSP, Douglas Alexander MP, and Alastair Campbell, alongside figures such as Olympic champion Duncan Scott OBE, David Duke MBE, and Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

Building on the momentum of the manifesto, the President reiterated COSLA’s key asks of all political parties ahead of the 2026 election:

  • A fair, multi-year financial settlement to protect and plan local services.
    Empowerment of local democracy, ensuring decisions are taken as close as possible to communities.
  • A valued workforce, recognising the essential role of council staff in delivering public services.
  • Action for future generations, embedding children’s rights and opportunities at the centre of policy-making.
  • Investment in thriving and cohesive communities, to tackle inequality and strengthen local resilience.
  • Support for thriving places, through sustainable economic growth, housing and transport investment, and a just transition to net zero.

COSLA’s manifesto, launched last month, outlines what the organisation describes as a “turning point” in the relationship between national and local government. It calls for full implementation of the Verity House Agreement, reform of local taxation, and new powers for councils to make local choices based on local priorities.

Councillor Morrison added: “The manifesto is about ensuring we set our own agenda, rather than merely responding to that of others. COSLA is a voice of influence, and we want it to be heard strongly by those seeking parliamentary election and those that wish to form the next Scottish Government.

“It calls for a relationship between local and national government that is based on trust, respect, and parity of esteem. We are asking those who make up the next Scottish Government to empower local democracy and our communities. Decisions must be taken as close to communities as possible.

“Our asks are not optional, they are essential if Scotland is to thrive. We want to work constructively with all parties, but we will not accept anything less than fairness and the power to act for our communities.”

Taking place in St Andrews, The COSLA Annual Conference, sponsored by CCLA, took place over two days with plenary sessions, panels, and fringe discussions on topics including care reform, climate leadership, community cohesion, and online life for future generations.

#COSLA25

COSLA-Manifesto-2026v2Download

Hidden Heist: UK’s older people have already lost over £53 million to abuse

Hourglass Charity Warns of 2.6 Million Victim-Survivors with numbers set to increase, as National Summit Convenes

The UK’s older people are losing more money to abuse than was stolen in the largest ever cash heist, with projections showing over 1.5 million people could become victim-survivors annually by 2030, the charity Hourglass revealed today.

The Tonbridge Securitas depot robbery of 2006 – which saw armed criminals steal £53 million – has long stood as the UK’s most audacious cash theft. Yet new analysis from Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated exclusively to ending the abuse of older people, reveals that fraudsters and abusers have stolen that amount from older victims across the UK.

The sobering figures emerge as ministers, safeguarding experts and frontline practitioners prepare to convene virtually for the Safer Ageing Summit 2025 on 12th November, where they will confront what Hourglass describes as “the most under-recognised safeguarding crisis of our time.”

According to Hourglass projections, by 2030, almost 4 million older people across the UK could experience abuse annually – encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic exploitation and neglect. The charity warns that whilst these crimes rival organised heists in scale, they receive only a fraction of the attention, resources, or political priority.

“The reality is stark: abuse of older people is rising, but recognition, resourcing and political attention are still lagging behind,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass. “We can’t keep treating older people as an afterthought in safeguarding policy.

“By 2030, almost 4 million older people could be victim-survivors every single year. That should be a national wake-up call.”

Expert panels will tackle critical issues including: Economic abuse and urgent legal reforms to powers of attorney; the intersection of housing, health, and systemic ageism; the sexual abuse of older people – what experts call “one of the last taboos in safeguarding”.

The summit will feature powerful testimony from Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, founders of the Willie’s Law campaign through their own lived experience, who are championing urgent reforms to prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people through misused powers of attorney.

Hourglass is demanding immediate government action including: Stronger legal protections against economic abuse of older people; mandatory age-disaggregated data collection across all safeguarding services and a coordinated UK-wide strategy to end abuse in later life.

Richard Robinson added: “We hope our Summit will not only remind people of these sobering statistics but drive urgent action to put the abuse of older people at the top of the political agenda where it belongs.”

End Poverty Edinburgh Conference

EDINBURGH UNITES TO TACKLE POVERTY

The Council Leader and campaigners have come together to call for action to challenge the injustice of poverty in Scotland’s capital.

Staging an anti-poverty event this week (Wednesday 8 October), the End Poverty Edinburgh citizen group highlighted how around 80,000 people are living in relative poverty in Edinburgh.

The conference, held at the Grassmarket Community Project with people with lived experience of poverty, is part of Challenge Poverty Week 2025. Highlighting the need for poverty prevention and the injustice of poverty on marginalised communities, the event followed previous conferences held in 2023 and 2024.

In Edinburgh, a citywide commitment has been made to tackle poverty, which affects one in five children in the city. This includes accelerating the work of the End Poverty Edinburgh Action Plan – also tackling the city’s Housing Emergency and reviewing the way the council supports the third sector in Edinburgh.

A new preventative approach has been adopted with the aim of making it easier for people at risk of poverty to access support, while funding has been provided to Edinburgh’s new Regenerative Futures Fund, which will help local communities to lead poverty prevention and deliver change.

Caroline Cawley, a member of End Poverty Edinburgh, said: “This is our third annual conference, and we wanted to use this day as an opportunity to highlight the injustices facing marginalised groups, who are more likely to experience poverty in Scotland.

“Poverty and uncertainty for these groups is not getting better and many people are starting to lose hope. This is the worst thing to lose as hope is the last thing to go. As a group of Edinburgh residents with lived experience of poverty, we’ll continue to use Challenge Poverty Week to call for change and solutions, including greater poverty prevention in the city.”

Speaking at the event, Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “In Edinburgh around 80,000 residents are struggling to make ends meet, with one in five children living in relative poverty. We must continue to do everything in our power to end poverty in Edinburgh.

“I’m proud of the positive work which is already being done to combat the causes of inequality in the city, and this annual conference highlights the incredible efforts of our third sector, council officers, and city partners to make life better for thousands of people across the city. Without this progress, these statistics would be even more stark.

“We can’t address poverty alone and this Challenge Poverty Week, we’re uniting for change, highlighting the injustice of poverty in our communities.”

Peter Kelly of The Poverty Alliance said: “We’re very pleased that Edinburgh is marking this year’s Challenge Poverty Week. In a rich country like ours, poverty is an injustice that weakens us all as a society.

“But we can solve it. We can redesign our economy to make sure people have incomes that are adequate enough to live a life with freedom and dignity.”

The End Poverty Edinburgh Conference is the first of three major poverty events happening in Edinburgh this month. On 25 October, the Scotland Demands Better rally led by the Scottish Poverty Alliance will take place in Edinburgh.

Then, on 31 October, the Edinburgh Poverty Commission will host a public event to launch the publication of their most recent findings on the actions needed to end poverty in Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, during Challenge Poverty week, poverty stigma training is being rolled out to Council employees to increase awareness of poverty and to help people access the support they need.

A Council pop-up in Gilmerton Library is also offering information on benefits, building skills, money advice and links to the community food pantry in Gilmerton community centre.

Information for residents experiencing or at risk of poverty can also be found on the Council’s cost of living webpages

Edinburgh hosts International Fair Trade Towns Conference

Last weekend, Edinburgh welcomed delegates from across the globe for the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference, a three-day event dedicated to strengthening the international movement for fair and sustainable trade. 

The event opened on Friday 30 August with a reception at the City Chambers, chaired by Rachel Farey of the Edinburgh City Fair Trade Group. Among the speakers were Foysol Choudhury MSP, Labour’s spokesperson for Culture, Europe and International Development; Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron; Thembisile Mnisi from Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa; and Louise Davies from the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. 

Delegates also visited the Scottish Parliament, where they joined a Q&A session with Foysol Choudhury MSP and Sarah Boyack MSP.

The visit set the tone for the week, with Mr Choudhury opening the programme by reflecting on Scotland’s achievements: “In 2023, Scotland marked 10 years as a Fair Trade Nation, a milestone reflecting the dedication of communities, campaigners, and businesses working to make trade fair, just, and sustainable.

“Today, we continue to champion Fair Trade with pride, and I am delighted that Edinburgh is at the heart of that journey.” 

This year’s conference theme, “Your Town, Our World: Fair Trade Communities & Local Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, framed discussions on how local initiatives can contribute to global system change. Delegates took part in interactive workshops on climate action, wellbeing economies, youth engagement, digitalisation and the power of storytelling in driving social change. 

Closing the weekend, Mr Choudhury added: “Fair Trade has always shown us that local action can drive global change, and the stories we are hearing here in Edinburgh prove just that.

“I am proud that Scotland is hosting this conversation, and I look forward to seeing the collaborations and commitments that emerge from this weekend.” 

Speakers debate pros and cons of AI use in Parliaments

Using Artificial Intelligence in legislatures was the focus of a meeting of Speakers from the British Overseas Territories.

At a conference hosted in London by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons – the representatives heard that AI could have multiple applications in Parliaments.

However, Speakers from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the UK, also conceded that using AI did not come without its risks.

Hon Tara K Carter, Speaker of Anguilla’s House of Assembly, who led the debate on Artificial Intelligence, joked that her island was the ‘birthplace of AI’ as it had been assigned ‘.ai’ internet address in the 1990s.

While there was ‘a lot of fear and resistance’ to the use of AI in parliamentary proceedings among smaller islands, she said, as a lawyer, AI had reduced her legal drafting and analysis – from three hours to half an hour.

‘If we are AI based, there’s no reason why I can’t have the transcript coming up in real time,’ she added.

Hansard – the Official Record of the UK Parliament – has been experimenting with auto speech recognition.

Judge Karen Ramagge, Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, expressed concerns about ‘the reliability of what is being produced. ‘What holds us back in constitutional practice is the fear and responsibility to produce accurate transcripts,’ she said.

Hon Corine N. George-Massicote, Speaker of BVI’s House of Assembly, added her fears about the use of ‘deepfakes’ on social media, where the voice and image of parliamentarians has been manipulated.

‘If you see something on Facebook, it seems very real – the face of a Member; the voice is very close. How do you hold the person responsible or accountable for this?’ she said.

In their communique at the close of the four-day conference, the Speakers agreed to focus on the challenge of transcribing chamber proceedings over the next year, and to share resources, solutions and virtual training ‘to use AI for good’.

During the gathering, COTSC also discussed the role of Speakers during election times, and keeping Parliaments secure and resilient in the face of natural and humanmade disasters.

Pat McFadden: Cyber attacks are “wake up call” for businesses

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will set out what action the government is taking to improve cyber security in a speech next week

  • Pat McFadden led briefing with national security officials and National Cyber Security Centre CEO on Friday about support being provided to retailers
  • He will use keynote speech at CyberUK to say “companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority”
  • Comes as National Cyber Security Centre works closely with affected organisations to provide expert advice and support 

In the wake of a wave of cyber attacks on retailers, Pat McFadden will set out what action the government is taking to improve the country’s cyber security in a speech next week, as the government secures Britain’s future through the Plan for Change.

Recognising the impact such attacks have on working people as they go about their daily lives, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will highlight moves to “bolster our national defences” including through the Cyber Security Bill.

It follows a briefing he led with national security officials and NCSC CEO Richard Horne on Friday about the recent hacks and expert support being provided to retailers.

In the keynote speech at the CyberUK conference in Manchester next week, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will say: “These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every business in the UK.

“In a world where the cybercriminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit – with attempts being made every hour of every day – companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority.

“We’ve watched in real-time the disruption these attacks have caused – including to working families going about their everyday lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that just as you would never leave your car or your house unlocked on your way to work. We have to treat our digital shop fronts the same way.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is working closely with organisations that have reported incidents to them to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.

They’re also urging leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively.

In his speech next week, Pat McFadden will encourage firms from all sectors to consider what cyber protections they have in place.

In a message to business leaders across the UK, he will say: “We are ready to support you. The National Cyber Security Centre is standing ready to support businesses and provide advice, and guidance, on how to raise the cyber security bar.”

Pat McFadden will set out the action the government is taking to boost the country’s cyber protections. He will say: “We’re modernising the way the state approaches cyber, through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. That legislation will bolster our national defences.

“It will grant new powers for the Technology Secretary to direct regulated organisations to reinforce their cyber defences It will require over 1,000 private IT providers to improve their data and network security.

“It will require companies to report a wider array of cyber incidents to the NCSC in the future – to help us build a clearer picture of who, and what, hostile actors are targeting.”

Last month (April) the government launched a Cyber Governance Code of Practice. This is a package of measures which shows boards and directors how they can manage digital risks and protect their businesses and organisations from cyber attacks.

It covers a range of areas, including having robust cyber strategies in place, promoting a culture in workplaces so all employees are aware of the potential cyber risks they could face in their daily work, and having incident response plans in place which will mean organisations can respond quickly to cyber incidents as they occur.

Small businesses looking to strengthen their online defences are also encouraged to engage with the NCSC’s Small Business Guide, which provides quick and easy actions to help bolster their defences and support through the Cyber Local scheme, which provides tailored funding to boost regional cyber skills.  

The National Cyber Security Centre is working with a number of major UK retailers who have been affected by recent incidents.

NCSC CEO Dr Richard Horne said: “The disruption caused by the recent incidents impacting the retail sector are naturally a cause for concern to those businesses affected, their customers and the public.

“The NCSC continues to work closely with organisations that have reported incidents to us to fully understand the nature of these attacks and to provide expert advice to the wider sector based on the threat picture.

“These incidents should act as a wake-up call to all organisations. I urge leaders to follow the advice on the NCSC website to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to help prevent attacks and respond and recover effectively.”

Holyrood to host regional Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference

Conference to look at the importance of women in politics

The Scottish Parliament will host the 11th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians conference for the British Islands and Mediterranean Region.

The event, held from March 16-18, is titled ‘A parliament for all: the importance of women in politics’ and brings together elected female representatives, officials, campaigners and academics.

Delegates will discuss how Parliaments can become more inclusive, the barriers women face to entering and staying in politics and what more can be done to increase the number of women in politics. They will consider how best to implement recommendations from gender sensitive audit reports and how gender equality networks, working groups and caucuses can be used to influence positive change.

MSPs taking part include Acting Chair of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee, Sarah Boyack MSP; Roz McCall MSP, Member of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee; Michelle Thomson MSP; and Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children and Young People.

Other speakers include the Swedish Parliament’s First Deputy Speaker, Kenneth G Forslund; Hon. Devina Sammut Hili, Parliament of Malta; Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, States Assembly, Jersey; Hon Joelle Ladislaus MP, Gibraltar Parliament; Savia Orphanidou MP, House of Representatives, Cyprus; Sioned Williams MS, Member of the Senedd Cymru.

Meryl Kenny, Professor of Gender and Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Talat Yaqoob, writer and campaigner and Co-founder of Women 50:50, are also speaking.

Delegates will be joined by young women from across the region discussing what more can be done to encourage young women to go into politics.

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “I care passionately about equal representation and participation in politics and it’s a privilege to host this conference.

“The conference brings together parliamentarians and experts to discuss what more can be done to make our politics more inclusive, and to celebrate the role of women in the political sphere.

“It’s clear that many barriers still exist which can limit equal participation in politics. This conference aims to discuss what more can be done to encourage women to get involved in politics and stay involved.

“I’m excited to welcome brilliant politicians, officials and thinkers from across the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, each with their own unique perspective on how we can make our Parliaments truly representative of the communities we serve.”

Pioneering conference highlights neurodiversity and policing

A pioneering conference – offering a unique platform for learning, exploring, and challenging how neurodiversity impacts Police Scotland officers and staff as well as the public they serve – took place this week.

Neurodiversity and Policing brought together international and local speakers from academia, public health and policing as well as those with lived experience, to explore the subject and share knowledge and understanding.

Around 15% of the public are considered to be neurodivergent. However, it is estimated that between 20 and 30% of Police Scotland officers and staff could be neurodivergent – making them one of the largest minority groups in the service.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Police Scotland is committed to creating a supportive, welcoming and inclusive culture for all our communities. We also strive to create a sense of belonging and a working environment where our colleagues are encouraged to achieve.

“Our officers and staff are drawn from our own communities and neurodivergent colleagues make up a substantial part of Police Scotland’s workforce. They also offer valued skills and unique perspectives that enhance our police service.

“As Police Scotland’s lead for neurodiversity and, as a neurodivergent leader in the public sector, it is a subject I am passionate about.

“Our refreshed Policing Together vision and programme is aimed at learning and improving. It is about creating a working environment where people know they belong. This vision is underpinned by a human rights approach to policing, focused on delivering the highest standard of service for our diverse communities.

“This landmark and extremely important conference provided the opportunity to share knowledge, lived experiences and help understand what neurodiversity is and allow those attending to access support, where it is required.”

Dr Inga Heyman from the School of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Along with our partners, we were delighted to host this important knowledge exchange event.

“We have a strong history of partnership working at the intersect of policing and public health. We recognise that no one organisation is adequately skilled, equipped and resourced to support people and communities to make lasting change.

“It is crucial we come together across sectors, to explore the academic evidence, practice and lived experiences of police officers who may be neurodivergent to recognise the challenges they face, but also the strengths their neurodivergence brings to their work.

“It is equally important that we learn from people who come in contact with police who are neurodivergent to better understand how practice can be enhanced to support them.”

The event was hosted by Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with Police Scotland, the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association and the Scottish Institute for Policing Research.

EIJB funding crisis: Agenda for tomorrow’s conference

To attendees and those who wished to be kept in touch about conference developments:

Hi,

Thank you for attending the workshop on Saturday or for expressing an interest in campaign developments. We will produce a written report on the conclusions arising out of the discussion at the plenary session of the workshop.

Attached is the agenda for the workshop on Saturday,

One of the key issues to be discussed at the workshop is the City Council’s response to the proposed cut in funding to third sector organisations.

The cut will take effect on 30/6/25. However, we understand that Council action to mitigate the effects of the cuts will be discussed during the Council’s budget setting meeting on 20/2/25.

There may need to be a lobby of the Council meeting.

Regards,

Des Loughney
Secretary
Edinburgh TUC

EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE CAMPAIGN – THE WAY FORWARD

Unitecd Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL

Workshop Saturday 18th January 2025

AGENDA

Chair: Ian Mullen (UNISON City of Edinburgh Council Branch)

9.30 am – 10.00 am: Tea/ coffee and biscuits.

10.00 am – 11 am. Introduction to workshop

Des Loughney – Secretary, UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch (1)

Councillor Tim Pogson – Vice Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (2)

Denise Ritchie: Fair Work Project Officer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (3)

Linda Sommerville: Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress. (3)

11am to 12.30pm Working Groups ( two)

12.30 pm to 1.00 pm – Plenary Session and summing up.

Speakers:

  1. Des Loughney will comment on the impact of the proposed EIJB cuts on services and third sector worker terms and conditions. The impact includes compulsory redundancies and downgrading of contracts of employment from guaranteed working weeks to zero hour contracts,
  2. Councillor Tim Pogson will update us on the response of the Council to the proposed EIJB cuts. The City Council is seeking to mitigate the impact of the cuts on the third sector.
  3. Denise Ritchie and Linda Sommervile will brief the workshop on proposed campaigning activity at a local level and a Scottish level.
agenda18_1_25 (1)Download