Scottish Government – Page 137 – The NEN

Scottish government consults on education and skills reform

Views sought on new qualifications body and inspectorate

People are being asked to share their views to create a new national qualifications body and new approaches to inspection, as part of reforms to Scotland’s education and skills system.

Legislation will be introduced to Parliament in 2024 to implement the Scottish Government’s commitment to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new organisation. Views are now being sought on how this new body will involve pupils and students and the teaching professions in its decision making, as well as being accountable and transparent.

The public consultation on reform of the education and skills sector is also seeking views on changes in relation to inspection, which currently sits with Education Scotland – to maximise the positive impacts of inspection and ensure high levels of confidence in the system among teachers, other professionals, parents and carers and the public.

It was announced during a wide ranging statement on Education and Skills reform where Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth also announced the publication of the third report from the First Minister’s International Council of Education Advisers, which sets out the need for investment in education professionals to address the changing needs of young people. The Education Secretary also gave an update on planning for the proposed Centre for Teaching Excellence.

Ms Gilruth said: “The case for reform is clear and we need to deliver tangible action, setting out the steps which are right for our education system now.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for young people, parents and carers and, crucially, teachers to make their voices heard and is an important step in designing our national education and skills landscape in its totality.

“The new qualifications body and approaches to inspection are the foundations of delivering meaningful reform, meaning better outcomes for young people and adult learners, ensuring that the views and needs of pupils, teachers and others who rely on this service are at the heart of what they do, and how they deliver support.

“I am determined to continue to build the consensus for change. We need the system to work better for children and young people as well as the profession, ensuring it continues to support everyone to positively contribute to our country.”

Tackling antisocial behaviour

New drive to keep communities safer

Preventing and addressing antisocial behaviour will be the focus of a new independently chaired working group being set up by the Scottish Government.

Members will look at the current approach and make recommendations on what long-term changes can be made to reduce such behaviour and support victims. It is expected that the group will provide regular updates and present their conclusions to Ministers by the end of 2024.

The new group was announced following the publication of a joint report on antisocial behaviour by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Community Safety Network.

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who is bringing together the working group, said: “We want everyone to be, and feel, safe in their community and we are committed to tackling all forms of antisocial behaviour.

“Reported antisocial behaviour has broadly been in decline over the last decade, but the recent disorder on Bonfire Night, in particular, has shown that where issues arise, these can have a very serious impact for many people.

“The report published today recommends that we need to consider how we best develop our long-term approach to preventing and addressing this type of behaviour. That is why I will be convening an independently chaired working group. I

“t is nearly 20 years since the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 was introduced and it is right that we examine whether this remains fit for purpose and that we assess our wider approach.

“I am grateful to those who took part in the engagement work with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Community Safety Network and shared their views and experience of antisocial behaviour. This report will inform the work of the new group.”

Director of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice Fiona Dyer, who will be one of two chairs of the working group, said: “I am really looking forward to working with colleagues to support the prevention of antisocial behaviour across Scotland.

“Research demonstrates the vital importance and value of better engaging, enabling, and supporting individuals and their communities to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour.

“Through encouraging actively social behaviour within local communities, we can collectively address current issues and develop an inclusive and effective strategy that Scotland will be proud of.”

Joint co-chair Lorraine Gillies, Chief Officer at the Scottish Community Safety Network, said: “Ultimately, we believe victims will experience less antisocial behaviour with a changed approach, making our communities safer places.

“We believe in taking evidence-based approaches to what works to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, focused on tackling root causes and working together with communities to find solutions.

“I welcome the publication of our co-authored report – written in partnership with the Scottish Government – and the announcement of an independent working group, set up to review antisocial behaviour in-depth. I look forward to pursuing this work and, in doing so, improving people’s lives.”

Reviewing Scotland’s Approach to Antisocial Behaviour

reviewing-scotland-39-s-approach-antisocial-behaviour-report-october-2023 Download

New British Sign Language action plan

45 commitments to tackle barriers

Actions to help improve the lives of British Sign Language (BSL) users have been published as part of ongoing work to make Scotland the best place to live, work and visit for people that use the language.

The BSL National Plan 2023-29 has made 45 commitments aimed at tackling barriers faced by BSL users by embedding the language across health, education, transport, culture and employment.

Commitments made include:

building the right partnerships and connections to ensure deaf and deafblind children and their families can access BSL support at an early stage
improving accessibility to arts and culture events, in addition to promoting BSL culture
working with Transport Scotland and transport operators on solutions to make public transport easier to use for BSL users
improving accessibility of the Scottish Government website for BSL users

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “BSL is a vibrant language which is of significant importance to the lives of many people.

“This plan lays out our ambition to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to visit and live in. These 45 commitments will improve access to vital services and provide more opportunities for BSL users to contribute further to Scotland’s economy, culture and communities.

“The BSL community should be at heart of our decision making process in this area, which is why we will also establish a BSL National Plan Implementation Advisory Group, to ensure that the views of the community are properly represented.”

Philip Gerrard, CEO at Deaf Action, said: “I welcome the publication of the new National BSL Plan for Scotland.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the consultation process that led to the new plan, which demonstrates the continued commitment of the Scottish Government to improving the experiences of BSL users who live, work, visit and learn in Scotland.

“I now urge all agencies with responsibilities under this plan to meaningfully engage with it – there is much to do.”

BSL National Plan 2023-2029 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Gender pay gap lowest on record

Difference in wages narrower in Scotland than UK as a whole

Fair Work Secretary Neil Gray has welcomed figures showing the gender pay gap in Scotland has fallen to a record low.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings shows the gender pay gap in Scotland fell from 3% in 2022 to 1.7% in 2023 – the lowest since the series began in 1997.

At the same time, the gap increased from 7.6% to 7.7% in the UK as a whole.

The ONS survey also shows full-time women’s weekly pay in Scotland rose 10.6% over the year – the largest annual increase of the 12 countries and regions of the UK.

Wages for full-time employees rose higher in Scotland with median weekly pay increasing 9.7% over the year to hit £702.80 in 2023. The UK-wide figure was up 6.2% to £681.70.

The ONS survey was published ahead of Living Wage Week, which highlights its benefits to businesses, employees and the economy. In Scotland in 2022, 91% of over-18s were paid at least the real Living Wage – the highest rate of the four nations in the UK.

The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to improve women’s access to the workforce, including a series of actions to support women in entrepreneurship and expanded access to funded childcare for low-income families.

Fair Work Secretary Neil Gray said: “This survey shows Scotland continues to have a lower gender pay gap than the UK as a whole, which is welcome, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

“While employment law is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government is committed to improving workers’ rights and conditions through our Fair Work approach, and encourage all employers to take action to tackle gender pay gaps in Scotland.

“Our National Strategy for Economic Transformation sets out a programme of action for a fairer and more equal society, including for employers to pay at least the real Living Wage and address pay and employment gaps – vital in tackling the cost of living crisis and in-work poverty, issues that can have a disproportionate effect on women.

“It is only with the powers of an independent nation that we can use all the levers other governments have to tackle poverty and inequalities.”

Migration in an independent Scotland

Supporting people who want to live and work in Scotland

Scotland would benefit from the creation of a migration system that could boost the economy and better meet the country’s needs according to a new paper on independence published by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.

‘Migration to Scotland after independence’, the sixth paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out the Scottish Government’s proposals for how migration and asylum could work in an independent Scotland.

The proposals include new visa routes to make it easier for people to live, work, study and invest in Scotland, to support population growth in rural and island areas and key economic sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

Asylum and migration policy would also be overhauled from the current UK system, with people seeking asylum given the right to work and access employability services, to help integration and address key labour market shortages.

The paper also includes details on a simplified immigration system with lower fees and new public agencies to manage how migration and citizenship systems would operate, in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to re-join the EU as an independent nation.

Ms Somerville said: “Our future success as a country is dependent above all else on the people who live here, and we value all those who have chosen to settle in Scotland for their invaluable contribution to our society and economy.

“This paper published today sets out how, with independence, we could help ensure that success with a migration system specifically tailored to Scotland’s needs, to make it easier for more people to settle and integrate here.

“Scotland’s population is set to fall, unlike other UK nations, under current constitutional arrangements. This means fewer people working, paying taxes and contributing to public services like the NHS. Yet Scotland is subject to the UK Government’s hostile approach to immigration which is damaging our economy.

“Control of our own migration policy would enable us to replace that approach with a system that has dignity, fairness and respect at its core, recognising above all that this is about individuals and their families.

“It is these values that will determine an independent Scotland’s approach to migration and asylum policy – to benefit our country and the people who would call it home.”

Building a New Scotland: Migration to Scotland after independence

Projects welcome backing from Autistic Adult Support Fund

The £500,000 Autistic Adult Support Fund has announced the 16 charities across Scotland which will provide more vital support for autistic adults and their families to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing. 

Delivered by Inspiring Scotland, and funded by the Scottish Government, successful charities will receive grants of between £15,000 – £75,000 each to deliver a range of projects including:

Hope for Autism will deliver post diagnostic support groups around developing an understanding of autism and identity; practical life skills; and learning to self-advocate. Support sessions and training will also be provided to the entire family.

Autism Initiatives will deliver a National Remote Late Diagnosis programme (LDG) online and in-person in locations including Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Tayside, Highland, and West Lothian.

Networking Key Service Limited will focus support for autistic people and their families in South Asian communities.

The National Autistic Society (in partnership with Autistic Knowledge Development) will create an autistic-led digital suite of short films to provide a positive, easily accessible introduction to the world of autism support in Scotland. They will also run a series of six post diagnostic group sessions, with a mix of in person and online delivery.

Two Edinburgh projects, and one national project based in the capital, have received funding.

Speaking on the need for the fund, Rob Holland, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland said: “Sadly, there is often little in the way of support for adults following a diagnosis of autism meaning that they are left on their own to interpret what that means with little idea of where to turn to for much needed support.

“I am therefore delighted that we have been successful in receiving this award from Inspiring Scotland.

“We have partnered with Autistic Knowledge Development to develop an incredible programme of free to access support for autistic adults across Scotland. The programme will allow participants to deepen their understanding as to what their diagnosis means as well as to connect and share strategies with each other.

“It will also provide a safe space for participants to share with each other the challenges as well as the joys of being autistic. We hope that these connections will last beyond the lifetime of the programme.”

Highland based Lochaber Hope, will deliver online workshops on Autism, ADHD and a Neurodivergent Group for Women and Non-Binary People in the area.

Executive Manager at Lochaber Hope, Alyson Smith said: “We are delighted to have received funds from Autistic Adults Support Fund, this will allow us to support the increasing number of adults whose needs are specific and are currently not being met in our community, we can help change the quality of the lives of people living with autism.”

Erica Judge, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said: “We received a large number of high-quality applications to this Autistic Adult Support Fund demonstrating the need for this work and the commitment from organisations across Scotland to provide what we know can be life changing support.

“We are looking forward to working alongside and supporting the 16 charities selected to provide vital support to autistic people and their families and carers to better understand what their diagnosis means for them and help ensure they are able to live happy and healthy lives.”

Find out more about the successful Autistic Adult Support Fund projects.

Autistic-Adult-Support-Fund-Project-List Download

Cladding Remediation Bill published

New powers to tackle unsafe cladding

Legislation giving Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate buildings within scope with unsafe cladding, where consent of the owners cannot be provided, has been published.

Under proposals in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) Bill, the Scottish Government would also create and maintain a Cladding Assurance Register to give residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.

The Bill would also give Ministers the power to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme, to support engagement with developers and encourage them to pay for or carry out remediation work.

Whilst subject to further consultation, such a scheme would likely include agreement to pay for remediation costs, with potential sanctions for developers that are eligible but do not join or continue membership.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We are determined to safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding which has been identified through the cladding remediation programme.

“Where work is required, it should be carried out swiftly and this Bill will allow us to build on progress to date by addressing barriers to assessment and remediation work.

“The public commitments that have already been made by many of Scotland’s developers to identify, assess and remediate their buildings mean that public money can be focused on buildings without a linked developer.

“The opportunity for future creation of a Responsible Developers Scheme – through secondary legislation – would recognise those developers who are doing the right thing and protect the reputation of responsible operators.”

Cladding Remediation Bill

Scotland pledges more humanitarian aid for Gaza

Further funding to support immediate relief projects

First Minister Humza Yousaf has pledged a further £250,000 to support displaced people in Gaza access food, water, shelter and medical supplies.

The additional money takes the total given to assist relief efforts in Gaza via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA) to £750,000.

The UNRWA Flash Appeal is specifically for Gaza where the unfolding humanitarian disaster is, with an estimated 1.4 million people displaced by conflict and military evacuation orders.

More than 670,000 people are currently seeking shelter in UNWRA shelters in Gaza.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I have been repeatedly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but while we press this vital issue it’s important we support the Palestinian people as much as we can.

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic which is why I’m pledging this additional funding to support in helping to stop the humanitarian disaster we are witnessing. As supplies run out in Gaza, the lives of innocent civilians are at grave risk from a lack of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.

“My thoughts remain with all of those caught in the middle of the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs.”

Marta Lorenzo, Director of UNRWA Representative Office Europe said: “Scotland has proven that they stand hand in hand with Palestine refugees and those suffering in Gaza.

“Scotland is helping UNRWA provide shelter, food, medicines and water to entire families that had to flee their home. We are extremely grateful for the additional contribution from Scotland demonstrating the increasingly strong support to UNRWA.

“With this vital funding the Agency will be able to continue providing essential and life-saving aid. With the ongoing crisis deepening further each day it is vital for more donors to step forward and support the millions of people suffering in the Gaza strip.”

NHS Scotland launches national Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy

Measures to support women experiencing difficult menopause or menstrual health symptoms in the workplace are being introduced by NHS Scotland across their workforce.

As one of the medium term actions in the Women’s Health Plan, the policy reflects recommendations from a study of NHS employees by Professor Kathleen Riach, supported by the Scottish Government.

The new policy aims to create an environment where women feel confident in raising health issues so solutions can be put in place.

Minister for Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “It’s important to foster a culture of awareness and compassionate management in the workplace so women feel confident and comfortable in raising issues around their menopause or menstrual health.

“NHS Scotland’s policy will recommend a number of measures that will make work life easier such as flexible breaks and working arrangements.

“This is a positive example of an employer taking proactive steps to reduce barriers to women’s health in the workplace and we hope it promotes equivalent efforts across the public, private and third sectors.”

Professor Kathleen Riach said: “NHS Scotland’s new Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy marks a vital step in ensuring all employees are valued, supported, and recognised as an integral part of the country’s workforce, no matter their age or stage of their reproductive lives.

“Healthier women mean a healthier economy. By identifying and scaling some of the best practice currently existing across the NHS Scotland workforce, as well as introducing new evidence-based practises, this policy will ensure the menstrual status of women is no barrier to jobs and careers in healthcare.”

Women’s health plan – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

NHS Scotland National Menopause and Menstrual Health Workplace Policy