Want to use your skills, insight and experience to support those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh?
Join the Fresh Start Board of Trustees!
Over the past 25 years, we’ve been supporting those who have experienced homelessness to move on to the next chapter of their lives with the dignity and stability that everyone deserves. With rising demand for our services and a strong reputation built over years of delivery and community partnership, we’re recruiting new Trustees to help strengthen governance and support the sustainable, values-led expansion of Fresh Start
As a Trustee, you’ll be responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the organisation is administered effectively. You’ll work closely with the other Trustees and our CEO, Biddy Kelly, to ensure that Fresh Start is able to continue our essential work as successfully as possible.
Interested? Visit the link below to learn more and download the info pack for the position. Applications close on 20th of March, 2026 – we look forward to hearing from you!
Lovell has opened its South Queensferry development to local young people, recently welcoming 51 pupils from Echline Primary School to the site and supporting work experience opportunities. The education project gives young people a hands-on introduction to construction and the wide range of careers involved in building new homes.
The Crossings is a major mixed-tenure development that will deliver 398 homes, including 100 for social rent in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland, 185 homes for private rent through Sigma Simple Life, 113 private homes for sale by Lovell Homes and 14 commercial units. The development will also support more than 300 local jobs.
The education activity forms part of the ongoing commitment by Lovell to deliver social value in communities where it builds, helping to create opportunities for young people and strengthen pathways into employment.
It comes at a time when attracting new talent to the construction sector is increasingly important, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimating that Scotland will need to recruit 26,100 additional construction workers by 2028 to meet future demand.
Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “Construction offers a huge range of opportunities, but too often young people only know about a few job roles in the industry. Opening up our sites like this is about showing them the bigger picture and helping them understand the many different career routes available.
“With Scotland needing to attract thousands of additional workers to the construction sector over the coming years, it’s vital we support the next generation to see the possibilities and feel confident that there is a place for them in the industry.”
As part of the programme, P7 pupils from Echline Primary School were guided through a series of live demonstrations by Site Manager Kevin Kelly from Lovell, including broadband installation, underground pipework and the various stages involved in completing new homes.
The groups also visited a nearly completed home, where they learned about painting and had the chance to try it for themselves.
The tour concluded with a discussion about the wide range of roles involved in delivering new homes, from trades and engineering through to design, planning and project management.
Laura Marshall, P7 teacher at Echline Primary School, said: “This was a fantastic experience for our pupils. Seeing a live site and speaking directly with the team helped them understand how homes are built and how many different roles are involved.
“It’s important that young people are given opportunities like this to explore career paths they might not have considered and it was very inspiring for the children.”
The visit is part of a wider programme of activity by Lovell that engages local schools and young people in South Queensferry. Lovell teams have interacted with hundreds of pupils from Echline Primary School and Queensferry High School through site visits, workshops and career sessions. Additionally, 15 surveying graduates from Hardies, the employer’s agent on the development, visited to learn more about construction operations and live-site working.
Lovell has also supported work experience opportunities at The Crossings, offering real-world experience and helping participants build confidence for future employment.
The experience was delivered in collaboration with Positive Qualities and its Construction Skills Academy, which supports young people in developing essential workplace skills. Through the Academy, participants successfully completed three SQA units ahead of their placement, including the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Health and Safety certificate.
Lovell site teams worked alongside supply chain partners R&M Contractors and Ramsey Electrical to support placements and provide young people with meaningful experiences across various trades.
Conor Watt, Development Manager at Sanctuary, said: “Creating great places to live is about more than building new homes. It’s also about supporting the communities around them and investing in opportunities for local people to ensure the benefits are shared and long-lasting.
!We’re proud to work alongside Lovell on initiatives that inspire young people and help them imagine a future career in construction.”
Post work placement surveys highlighted the real value of the live-site experience and showed measurable impact, including increased workplace confidence and improved understanding of the range of opportunities available within construction. Both work experience participants have since progressed to further education, moving on to college courses following their time at the South Queensferry development.
Sean Siala, work experience student, said: “It was great working on-site, especially gaining practical, hands-on knowledge.
“I really enjoyed the camaraderie. I loved chatting with the electricians and learning from their experience.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has boosted its staffing by bringing in almost 100 new recruits ahead of winter.
The extra staff were announced yesterday (Tuesday, 11 November) by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray while visiting the Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in South Queensferry.
The new staff include 25 call handlers who are based in the Service’s ambulance control centres and 22 staff, including GPs, clinical advisors and advanced practitioners, who have joined the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub.
A dozen scheduled care coordinators who manage the Service’s patient transport vehicles have also been recruited, along with 36 ambulance care assistants who will transport patients to planned hospital or clinic appointments. An additional 72 ambulance care assistants will join SAS by April 2026.
Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “Compared to last year, we’re already seeing an increase of pressure on our services.It’s therefore essential that we continue to bolster our workforce to ensure we can give the best possible service to our patients and also provide support to our existing staff during this demanding time.
“To help our staff over winter, we’d like to remind the public that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or visit your GP during opening hours.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the new recruits and hardworking staff at the South Queensferry Control Centre.
“These new staff members will provide a crucial boost to the Scottish Ambulance Service as they deal with the increased demand and pressure that winter brings. This is on top of work already underway to recruit an additional 269 newly qualified paramedics this year.
“The additional call handlers and recruits to the Integrated Clinical Hub will all help to reduce conveyances and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. The new staff working in the Hub will help triage less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on emergency departments.”
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group, says DWP
First ever full review of Personal Independence Payment to be led by disabled people with appointment of two co-chairs.
Recruitment for steering group launched to lead co-production and provide strategic direction.
UK Government to partner with disabled people to make sure their views and voices are at the heart of policy making.
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the Timms Review, alongside the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE brings more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, co-production and social justice. He is Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, a Trustee of Disability Rights UK, and National Development Team for Inclusion.
Sharon Brennan brings expertise from previous roles including as Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and advising the Department for Transport on accessibility as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
Since PIP was introduced over a decade ago, there have been shifting trends in long-term health conditions and disability, plus changes in wider society and the workplace.
Close to 10 million working age people are disabled, and this number has grown by nearly 3 million since 2013/14. There have been greater increases in the prevalence of disability among young people and a rise in mental health conditions.
However, despite these shifts, PIP has never been fully reviewed until now.
The aim of this review is to make sure PIP fairly reflects the reality of the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world, as well as considering the needs of disabled people more widely. It will look at the role of PIP in enabling disabled people to live independently and fully participate in society, as well as the role of the assessment in unlocking wider support.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms said: “We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else.
“That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan as the Review’s co-chairs and encourage people with lived experience to apply to be part of this important work.”
The Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts, and will explore how PIP helps people manage and adapt to their long-term condition or disability in ways that expand their functioning and improve their independence.
An Expression of Interest has launched today to recruit 12 members for the Review’s steering group – the majority of whom will be disabled people or representatives of Disabled People’s Organisations – and will lead the co-production and strategic direction of the Review.
The steering group will not work alone: it will oversee a programme of participation that brings together the full range of views and voices. It will also draw on a broad range of evidence, sources and co-production methodologies to develop its recommendations.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE said: “We have an opportunity to ensure PIP reflects the everyday realities of disabled people’s lives.
“I’m committed to working with my fellow co-chairs and the steering group so this benefit becomes something that empowers rather than frustrates: a system built on dignity, fairness, and trust.”
Sharon Brennan said: “As a disabled person myself, I know from experience that disabled people are often disregarded on issues that affect them, so I am delighted that with this Review we will see them leading the conversation.
“The Government’s commitment to co-production of the Review will put the expertise and experience of disabled people at the heart of the important change we’re determined deliver.”
The Review’s Terms of Reference have also been updated following changes made to the Universal Credit Act, and to provide further clarity on the Review’s scope.
The Review is expected to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.
Today’s announcement follows extensive engagement that the Minister for Social Security and Disability undertook over the summer, meeting with representatives from over 50 organisations across the disability, welfare and co-production sectors, to discuss how co-production should be approached.
Alongside today’s announcement, as previously outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we will also continue to consider ways of using evidence from eligibility for other services to reduce the need for some people with very severe health conditions and disabilities to undergo a full PIP functional assessment.
We have also begun to explore how the process of transferring supporting medical evidence from the NHS to the department could be digitalised, where people have already consented to the NHS sharing that with us. This could reduce the administrative burden on both PIP applicants and the NHS as well as speed up the overall claim journey.
The Expression of Interest is available on GOV.UK and will run for four weeks. Alternative formats (including BSL, Easy Read and audio) are available on request via GOV.UK.
The Timms Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.
To celebrate the launch of its newly opened George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might just be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer.’
Pizza enthusiasts and pasta fans are invited to apply for the honorary position, which will see one lucky recruit enjoy a free main dish every week of the year. The Chief Tasting Officer will spend their time sampling Prezzo Italian’s signature dishes, from handmade pizzas to indulgent pastas, and sharing their thoughts on flavours, combinations and menu favourites.
Ideal candidates will have a genuine love of Italian food, a passion for flavour, and the ability to spot the perfect pizza topping or pasta pairing. Whether you’re a self-confessed foodie or simply never say no to a slice, this could be the dream role for you.
Naddy Onions, Marketing Director of Prezzo Italian, said:“With the opening of our new Edinburgh restaurant, what better way to celebrate than by giving one lucky Scot the chance to step into a role created just for them.
“The Chief Tasting Officer role is our way of inviting a passionate foodie to join the Prezzo Italian family, enjoy a signature dish every week, and help us share our love of Italian cooking with the city.”
The new restaurant, located at135 George St, is open seven days a week from 12-10pm and seats up to 250 guests across two floors and an outdoor terrace. Guests can expect a wide-ranging menu of handmade pizzas and pastas, burgers, grill dishes, indulgent desserts and handcrafted cocktails.
Applications for the Chief Tasting Office are now open via this link until Sunday 16th November
Prezzo Italian also operates in Glasgow’s Braehead shopping centre and Aberdeen’s Union Square, with further expansion planned across the UK, including Central London.
Applications for wholetime firefighter roles will open on Thursday, 14 August
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will open applications for wholetime firefighter roles on Thursday, 14 August, and is encouraging anyone interested in applying to start preparing now.
In the lead-up to the recruitment launch, SFRS will be sharing real-life stories from firefighters across Scotland, giving potential candidates first-hand look at what it means to be part of the Service.
Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson is the SFRS’s Director of Prevention. He said: “We want people to understand what the role truly involves, from emergency response to prevention work in our communities.
“This is more than a job, it’s a commitment to helping others, working as a team, and protecting the communities of Scotland every single day.”
We strongly encourage anyone interested to take time to ensure their application reflects their motivation, understanding of the role and suitability and apply as soon as it opens.
We have a limited number of places available in this campaign, so there will be a cap on the number of applications and the advert will close when we reach that point.
Being prepared is key; in the coming weeks those considering applying are encouraged to:
Visit the SFRS career section on our website to learn more about the role, application process and eligibility criteria.
Attend one of our engagement sessions where they can meet serving firefighters and recruitment staff and ask questions.
Follow our social media channels to hear directly from the people who do the job, their experiences, challenges, and why they love what they do.
You can access the full details on how to apply and where to access support:
Successful candidates will follow a structured selection process that includes physical assessments, an interview, and medical evaluation.
SFRS is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, particularly from women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are currently underrepresented in the Service.
Applications officially open on Thursday, 14 August, and will close when we reach the application limit.
We are hiring across Scotland, but some areas do not have job openings right now. Before applying, candidates should think about where they would be willing to work.
We will have more recruitment in the next 6 to 12 months. Check the career section on our website and social media for updates.
Recruitment engagement sessions
We are encouraging anyone interested in applying to attend one of our upcoming engagement sessions to learn more about the role, the recruitment process and what it’s like to work for the SFRS.
We will be hosting a mix of online and in-person events over the coming weeks.
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points to 47% in June
While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell 10 points to 47%, their optimism in the economy held steady at 48%
However, a net balance of 55% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 25 points on last month
Overall UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51%
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during June to 47%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.
While Scottish firms’ optimism in the economy held steady month-on-month at 48%, businesses reported lower confidence in their own trading prospects, down 10 points at 47%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 47% (vs. 52% in May).
However, a net balance of 55% of Scottish businesses expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 25 points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (53%), investing in their team, for example through training (48%) and entering new markets (41%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence increased one point in June to 51%.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects strengthened one point to 57%, while their confidence in the wider economy also rose one point to 45%.
Wales was the most confident UK nation or region in June (67%), followed by London (64%).
Sector insights
Business confidence in the manufacturing and retail sectors saw significant gains this month, with 12-point rises in both sectors to 52%. For manufacturing, this demonstrates an 11-month high.
Construction and services however saw decreases in confidence, with falls by five points and four points respectively.
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland Director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“Despite lower overall confidence, Scottish businesses are still setting out plans for growth – whether that’s through plans to hire, or steps like launching new products and services.
“We remain ready to support every step of their journeys.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence has continued its positive momentum, following the significant gains we saw in May.
“In particular, the sustained rise in hiring intentions suggests that while firms do still face challenges, they may be starting to look beyond short-term staffing needs and preparing for future growth.”
Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial said:“June’s figures for UK businesses shows a sustained picture of growth and opportunity.
“Overall, while there have been some fluctuations, it’s encouraging to see all regions and nations well above the long-term average.
“As business confidence continues, we are committed to supporting businesses with a range of financial services to help them achieve their growth ambitions.”
Young people in Edinburgh interested in exploring a career in retail can now sign up to Aldi’s virtual work experience programme.
Open to students in the UK aged 13 and over, the free online course is designed to build skills and introduce students to the wide range of careers available in retail – from warehouse operations to office-based roles.
Created in partnership with Springpod, the programme includes a series of videos and guidance from Aldi colleagues, alongside interactive quizzes and activities.
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to enhance their CVs or future applications.
Lisa Murphy, Training and Development Director at Aldi UK, said:“At Aldi, we understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience. That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules.
“This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK.
“Since launching, we’ve already attracted more than 2,000 sign-ups and hope to inspire even more young people to explore careers in retail through this accessible and engaging platform.”
Aldi is also looking to recruit more than 500 new apprentices across the UK in 2025, with opportunities across stores and warehouse roles now live.
A recruitment process has begun for a new head teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh, with the current Head Helen Harrison announcing her retirement from the role next year. The school has commissioned a specialist firm to help identify candidates, with applications due by 15 May.
Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as Head.
“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.
“We are now beginning the work of securing a new Head in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school. The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of Head from September 2026.
“This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”
Helen Harrison said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.
“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.
“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next Head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”
The Regenerative Futures Fund is a new initiative to improve the lives of people living in poverty and experiencing racism in Edinburgh, while contributing towards a just, green transition in the city.
It will support community organisations in Edinburgh for 10 years and we are bringing together people who live in Edinburgh to decide who gets funded!
Group members will:
• have lived or be living in poverty and/or have experienced racism
• have lived in Edinburgh for at least the past year and plan to stay here
We’ll ask you to join 2 – 4 meetings a month and bring your imagination and hopes to make Edinburgh a happy, healthy home for everyone.
We will pay for your time (more than £15 per hour), pay for things that can make your life better (for you or your career) and offer translation, costs of childcare, travel and other things that make it easy for you to join.
What’s next? Read more about joining the group and then talk to us… we’re Aala (she/her) and Andy (he/him) and we would love to chat!
Want to use your skills, insight and experience to support those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh?
