We are looking for like minded business, community groups, school leaders and charity owners to join us for our funders and partners night so we can work together to provide more opportunities for girls and young women.
This evening is a great opportunity for networking and explore potential synergies with other local groups.
The evening will be held on Thursday 26th May from 6-8pm in our space at 525 Ferry Road, EH5 2FF and will include talks from our members at SHE Scotland so you can find out more about what we do and how you can help us provide more opportunities for girls and young women.
This is a great opportunity for networking and we would love to see like minded business, community groups, school leaders and charity owners attend so please do spread this invite far and wide!
If you would like to come along, please do RSVP via the link below! We hope to see you there!
The Fraser of Allander Institute has tday published a new report, jointly authored with @MMUPolicyEval & @PovertyAlliance, that explores some of the challenges and opportunities that the Scottish Government faces in meeting its Child Poverty Targets:
Around 1 in 4 children in Scotland live in relative poverty. This means they live in a household with an income 60% below the UK median income after housing costs have been deducted.
Child poverty can have serious and lifelong impacts across a range of outcomes, and the Scottish Government have stated their aim to reduce significantly the incidence of child poverty. The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 20172 includes a target to reduce relative child poverty to 10% by 2030/31.
Meeting this target would represent an unprecedented reduction in child poverty to levels not seen in Scotland certainly since the early 1990s when the current statistical series began.
The purpose of the analysis in this report is to look at some of the large, national level, devolved policy levers that the Scottish Government could use to meet the targets. We have focussed on childcare, employability programmes and social security.
By analysing variations of these types of policies, and different combinations, this analysis illustrates the scale of the impact on poverty and the associated costs and benefits of different options.
We envisage that this will be helpful for policymakers and stakeholders who will be focused on developing actions for the next Tackling Child Poverty Delivery plan, due to be published by the Scottish Government by the end of March 2022.
The finals will see five talented chefs compete for the chance to become Andrew Fairlie scholars and take part in once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences.
Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging portion of the day, with the winners’ announcement being made at Gleneagles. A teenage Andrew, encouraged by mentor Keith Podmore, enrolled in a City & Guilds course at Perth College UHI before following Podmore to London members club, Boodles, and eventually winning the first ever Roux Scholarship.
The scholarship recognises two outstanding individuals each year – one male and one female – who are forging ahead with their culinary career and working in Scotland.
The aspiring chefs in the running for the ‘ultimate scholarship’ in the industry include Josh Wilkinson, 26, who is currently working as Senior Chef de Partie at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.
Chef de Partie at The Torridon Amy Stephenson, 22, has likewise made the final, as has Spud Henderson, 32, Chef de Partie at Craig Millar @ 16 West End.
There are also two returning finalists from 2019’s competition – Ryan McCutcheon, 29, now Chef Patron at Achray House Hotel, and Peter Meechan, 24, Chef de Partie at The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.
Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister, Scottish Government and Gleneagles, the scholarship was first launched in February 2019 in recognition of Andrew Fairlie’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.
In 2019, the scholarships were awarded to Emma-Rose Milligan from Kilmarnock and Joseph Harte from South Queensferry (top).
David Cochrane, CEO at HIT Scotland,said: “After announcing the finalists last year, we are very much looking forward to seeing them in action next month.
“This is a unique opportunity for these chefs working in Scotland to take on the mantle of Andrew’s legacy and experience some fantastic industry opportunities that will help develop their careers. Best of luck to all the finalists!”
Stephen McLaughlin, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie Head Chef and lead judge,said: “We have had to wait a while for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship to come around and now that it is almost upon us, we are as excited and as privileged as ever to play our part in preserving and extending Chef Andrew’s legacy through nurturing and mentoring this year’s very talented finalists.
“The finalists can expect a tough challenge to be laid out in front of them on Finals Day, but at the same time the day itself will be fun, educational and inspiring. We are delighted to be partnering the day with Perth College and are over the moon to add the college to the list of Andrew Fairlie Scholarship collaborators.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeonsaid: “After what has been an incredibly difficult year for our hospitality sector, it is heartening to see new and inspiring culinary talent emerging through this fantastic scholarship in honour of Andrew Fairlie.
“Throughout his life and career, Andrew did so much excellent work to inspire the next generation of ambitious, talented chefs in Scotland and this scholarship will contribute to his legacy.
“It is great to see so many young, up-and-coming chefs aiming to benefit from the scholarship. They will all undoubtedly make their mark and contribute to a strong and sustainable recovery for Scotland’s hospitality sector.”
Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, commented: “We are enormously proud to support the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, which provides an important platform for emerging talent and strengthens Scotland’s reputation as a centre for culinary excellence.
“We very much look forward to hosting the finalists here at Gleneagles in November and are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with HIT Scotland to ensure the culture that Andrew established is promoted and nurtured in the next generation of chefs.”
Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHIsaid: “On behalf of the team in Hospitality and Food Studies, we welcome the opportunity to host the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final within our kitchens and facilities.
“We are ready to support HIT Scotland with the event and welcome the opportunity to involve our students to support the event and the finalists, giving them invaluable experience.”
The chosen winners will gain industry-wide recognition as Andrew Fairlie Scholars and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Michelin star restaurants Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Core by Clare Smyth.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has officially launched the new NHS Scotland Academy, backed by £9 million of investment to accelerate training and build the country’s health workforce.
As a collaboration between NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Education for Scotland, the Academy will contribute to improving staffing levels to meet growing patient needs.
It will feature a mix of residential, distance and virtual reality learning, with a range of training programmes linked to recruitment, career progression and redesign of roles.
Mr Yousaf said: “The NHS Scotland Academy is part of our wider £1 billion commitment to health through the NHS Recovery Plan which will increase capacity, deliver reforms, and get everyone the treatment they need as quickly as is possible.
“Our workforce is at the heart of everything we do, and I want to express my sincere thanks for the continued courage, commitment and professionalism of all staff during this time.
“We have been clear that as a result of the pandemic our NHS will face challenges in the years ahead and the Academy will play a key role in supporting it to be well-equipped and prepared as we look to recover. We will publish a National Workforce Strategy later this year in which the Academy will be a key feature of designing, developing and delivering training programmes.
“This will also broaden opportunities for young people – in support of our Young Person’s Guarantee, alongside those who may be seeking a career change. This will enable them to receive on-the-job clinical training and a route to future career progression.”
The Academy has already started providing vital support and training to meet high demand health programmes. This includes a pilot perioperative nurse training programme which qualifies graduates to work in a theatre environment in just six months – when previously it would take a year.
Community pharmacists are being trained to support primary care services, by issuing prescriptions for specific conditions without the need for patients to see a GP.
NHS Golden Jubilee’s first nurse endoscopy graduates have taken up post this week, ensuring rapid diagnosis and treatment for a number of conditions, including cancer.
The Academy is also playing a vital role in supporting National Treatment Centres, to ensure NHS Scotland can meet the needs of Scotland’s ageing population through our overall commitment to recruit at least 1500 additional staff.
Chief Executive of NHS Golden Jubilee Jann Gardner said: “The pandemic has made it clearer than ever the need to offer fast, efficient and effective access to training and education for health and social care staff.
“Drawing on the strengths of the Golden Jubilee’s state of the art facilities, and the educational expertise and technology offered by NHS Education for Scotland, the NHS Scotland Academy will support the workforce, and benefit the people of Scotland for years to come.”
Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland Karen Reid said: “Having the right staff with the right skills in the right place is fundamental to delivering the best health and social care outcomes. The pandemic has made us think about working in new ways and about making better use of technology.
“Our partnership in the new NHS Scotland Academy allows us to join up educational expertise and technology – enabling faster learning, and a more skilled workforce, for the people of Scotland.”
Opportunities to meet world leaders and climate activists
More children and young people will have the chance to get involved in COP26.A further £35,000 funding from the Scottish Government will increase the reach of initiatives from ReNew the World and Campaign Collective who organise events to meet world leaders and climate activists.
The funding will also support the Climate Changemakers programme from the Children’s Parliament, which will provide opportunities for children up to 14-years-old to share their ideas for tackling the climate crisis.
In July the Scottish Government announced £450,000 to support COP26’s Youth Climate Programme and a further £300,000 in September to fund the Conference of Youth.
Minister for Children and Young People Clare Haughey said: “Children and young people in Scotland are driving forward the cause for climate action and it is vital we listen to their views and harness their passion as part of COP26 and its legacy.
“We have now invested £950,000 to involve our children and young people in COP26 and the ongoing climate conversation. This will ensure they not only have a strong voice during the event, but also have a say in what should happen after.”
Director of ReNew the World Ewan Hunter said: “COP26 provides the opportunity for the world to look at the challenges we face on climate in a rational, but optimistic, positive, way. One based upon renewal, innovation and opportunity.
“By creating the opportunities for engagement, we can give these young people the chance to write a very different story for their generation’s future and their vision of our collective journey to net zero.”
Last month the Scottish Government announced £160,000 of funding for Local Authority Climate Champions. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Young Scot, YouthLink Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Young people looking to enter the workforce are to benefit from £70 million of investment from the Scottish Government.
The Young Person’s Guarantee aims to protect people from the economic impact of COVID-19 by offering every 16-24 year old in Scotland the opportunity of a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training programme or volunteering.
The announcement meets four of the commitments for the first 100 days of this government, and comes as a new report highlights the progress of the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Since it was officially launched in November 2020 funding has been committed to create up to 18,000 training, job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
The £70 million of investment includes:
£45 million for local partnerships to provide training, employer recruitment incentives, and mental health interventions for young people
£13.5 million for Colleges, Universities and the Scottish Funding Council to provide industry-focussed courses supporting up to 5,000 young people and employment support for 500 recent graduates
£10 million for the roll-out of new school coordinators and enhanced school provision to support young people access education, work and training
£1.5 million to increase places on volunteering and third sector programmes
During a visit to Young Movers, a youth charity based in Glasgow, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We know that young people have been badly affected by the pandemic and we are determined to do everything we can to support them.
“The Young Person’s Guarantee is a vital part of that support which aims to give all young people the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“This investment of £70 million, which meets four of our 100 days commitments, will also ensure employers continue to benefit from the fresh talent and new perspectives that young people bring to workplaces across Scotland.”
Sandy Begbie, Chair of the Young Person’s Guarantee Implementation Group, said: “Inclusion was at the core of the Young Person’s Guarantee so I am particularly pleased by the increased opportunities created for young people who are furthest from the workplace.
“None of this could have been achieved without employers being engaged and I am delighted we have almost 100 employers and business groups signed up supporting the scheme.
“Our young people, who have been disproportionately impacted as a result of the pandemic, are an asset to Scotland and it has never been more important that we deliver against the Young Person’s Guarantee.”
BBC ALBA has a very exciting project coming up later this year to create a new children’s puppet series called Meaban’s Moo.
This means that a new opportunity has come up because the producers are looking for Gaelic speaking performer who is interested in honing and developing their on camera puppetry skills to help with making the programmes.
Meaban and Moo, a highland cow and a puffin, are best friends. Quite the odd couple! They live in a fisherman’s shed by the bay and love it when their friend Linda pops by to set them their daily task.
This concept is simple, fun, silly and fast paced. The audience will come away having learned something, whilst not knowing that they were being taught anything in the first place. The repetition will help cement the words in the audience’s mind.
The programme makers hope to find someone who would like to start a career in television puppetry.
They would be working with Warrick Brownlow-Pike who has worked on some of BBC Children’s most successful puppet shows including ‘The Furchester Hotel’, ‘Hackertime’ and ‘Get Well Soon’. He has also been performing Dodge the Dog on CBBC and in the Cbeebies House since 2010.
They will also work alongside Colin Purves who has been a principle puppeteer in many films, including the Jurassic Park “World” franchise and the last five Star Wars movies.
Sarah MacKinnon from CBBC ALBA, said: “We’re really excited to have been given the go ahead for this new puppet series and hope to start filming in September.
“We are hoping to find someone who would like to start a career in television puppetry.
“If you have worked in theatre with puppets, have been teaching yourself at home or are just interested in puppetry then this may be the perfect opportunity for you!”
If you are interested please send:
• A video introduction of yourself, including your name and age.
• 1 minute approx video of a puppet (or your hand) singing or lip synching to a nursery rhyme or song
• A short written piece about your experiences or interest in puppetry
Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled the next stage of its plan to boost Scotland’s fintech workforce in the fastest-growing digital economy outside London.
As part of the launch of its new tech hub in Edinburgh in March 2019, Lloyds announced a recruitment drive to create a new 500-strong team tasked with helping transform the digital experience for Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Scottish Widows customers.
As part of the next stage in the development of the digital innovation centre, it has now joined forces with Fintech Scotland on the hunt for the country’s most exciting start-ups and young businesses for a new partnership.
The new incubator programme – Launch* – based out of the Edinburgh hub – will bring together start-ups and scale-ups to tackle the challenges of digital services and sustainability, with plans for its first industry showcase next year.
In addition to the tech hub’s team of software engineers and other digital roles which is more than 50% complete, – the first specialist mobile quality engineering team was created, adding an additional 16 roles to the tech-based talent pool in Scotland.
The Edinburgh hub was set up with the aim of transforming how the bank operates behind the scenes, creating new services and tools for customers, as well as enhancing Scotland’s thriving tech community.
Philip Grant, Chair of Lloyds Banking Group’s Scottish Executive Committee, said: “We’re putting lots of energy into shaping the financial services of the future to meet customers’ changing needs, and having cutting-edge fintech talent in action behind the scenes is key to keeping customers connected to their finances.
“We have just launched a pilot Scottish Widows mobile app to help reinvent saving for workplace pensions customers. Using digital features built by our engineers in our innovation labs, it will enable millions of people to start engaging with their pension in a similar way to their everyday banking by helping them see a clearer picture of their financial future.”
Nicola Anderson, Acting Chief Executive, Fintech Scotland, said: “Creating opportunities for collaboration across Scotland’s competitive tech scene will drive innovation as start-ups work together with established financial firms on how to trailblaze the industry’s future in partnership.
“The Launch innovation labs highlight Lloyds’ commitment to developing talent in fintech. It provides a boost in confidence for the industry and shows the power of collaboration for mutual benefit – we’re looking forward to seeing the results in next year’s industry showcase.”
The Group continues to be an active member of the wider technology scene in Scotland, hosting more than 5000 delegates at events and training sessions at its city centre hub last year as well as regular online webinars and courses.
At the start of the year – before the pandemic – it hosted more than 500 delegates at a number of events, including Queercode, the first LBGTQ+ coding meet up in Scotland. As well as working in partnership with Fintech Scotland and SQA-accredited digital skills academy CodeClan, the bank has also invested in providing training for colleagues who want to diversify into careers in technology.
It launched its own coding academy in 2018 which has now expanded from Edinburgh across the UK, as well as the WomenConnecTech network, to help provide opportunities and support to women looking to build careers in computer science. Graduates of the coding academy are now established software engineers working within the digital labs.
Napier responds to fears tech employers are missing out on huge talent pool
EDINBURGH Napier has received funding to help people with a range of conditions boost their career prospects by developing their skills in cybersecurity.
National skills agency Skills Development Scotland has provided grants totalling £150,000 to the University, Inverness College UHI, West Lothian College and Perth Autism Support for new education programmes.
The MASCOTS project, which follows a successful pilot programme, will see Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing support neurodiverse learners as part of a drive to combat the global surge in cybersecurity threats.
Neurodivergence, where the brain functions, learns and processes information in different ways, includes Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
By offering supportive learning environments and industry mentorship, the University programme aims to nurture talent and equip neurodiverse learners with the skills to help satisfy the mounting demand for people who can identify and thwart the next generation of cyber criminals.
MASCOTS, which stands for Mentoring; Articulation; Supporting; Careers; Opportunities; Taster; and Sustainment, will provide real industry skills for 16 people recruited to the course through the Into Work charity.
The eight-day programme over four weeks in November and December will combine online and classroom teaching, followed by a careers event in January which will introduce the learners to employers.
The core Edinburgh Napier team are Professor Bill Buchanan, from the School of Computing, Basil Manoussos (The Cyber Academy Manager) and Matt Burdge (Business Development Manager).
Professor Buchanan said: “A more diverse and inclusive world allows every single person to achieve their full potential. We are all different and all wonderful in our own ways.
“Being different is good, and brings forth new ideas and new viewpoints. We spend too much of our lives trying to be normal, but there’s really no such thing as normality.”
Basil Manoussos added: “A core part of the work is the creation of a mentorship scheme.
“We aim to provide one-to-one support, and focus those with neurodiverse conditions on understanding how they can match themselves to the jobs market, and on developing their career, and we are keen for those in industry to come and help support our candidates.”
Matt highlighted the need for a strong industry network.
He said: “Edinburgh Napier is a leader in cybersecurity education with NCSC (National Cybersecurity Centre) certification for both its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and is developing a network throughout Scotland and beyond to ensure all learners have a suitable pathway to education and future careers in the industry.”
Claire Gillespie, Digital Technologies Skills Manager at Skills Development Scotland, concluded: “With more than 13,000 job opportunities waiting to be filled in the tech sector, we need to look at as many different ways as possible to plug that skills gap.
“By ensuring neurodivergent people are given all the support they can get in education, which this funding aims to achieve, we will be able to help them as individuals while also building cybersecurity capacity in the tech talent pipeline.”
