Scottish Government – Page 62 – The NEN

Audiology review ‘paints a deeply concerning picture’

Recommendations to improve audiology services have been made to the Scottish Government, Health Boards and third sector partners.

An Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland sets out 55 recommendations for improving governance and structure, education and leadership.

Professor Jacqueline Taylor MBE conducted the review for Ministers following failures identified in audiology treatment for children.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I would like to thank Professor Taylor and her team this thorough report that sets out clear options for improving audiology care across the country.

“We must recognise that many families were badly let down by these services in the past and this report’s recommendations will help ensure that is not allowed to happen again.

“The report is clear in its call for better leadership, structure and governance at all levels. Some of the recommendations are in areas where we are already taking action, such as increased funding for staff training.

“What is abundantly clear in their findings is that good audiology care can be life changing, and patients recognise and value the expertise and compassion of staff. We will fully consider the findings and set out the next steps to Parliament in the coming months.”

Professor Taylor said: “The wide-ranging recommendations in this report provide the foundation for improvements which will ensure high-quality, joined-up, patient-centred services.

“Audiology staff are working incredibly hard, often in challenging circumstances and during the course of the Review process we have seen many examples of good practice.

“We have also identified a range of issues which need to be resolved. I am extremely grateful to the patients, parents, audiology staff and stakeholders who helped to shape this Review. We have listened carefully, and I believe that by working together, we have a real opportunity to develop excellent services across Scotland.

“The Review Report is not an end in itself: it is the first step in a process of change which will require time, resources and national leadership to deliver. We hope that the Scottish Government will respond positively to the recommendations and will ensure that the words in this report, are turned into actions.”

Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Following the publication of the final report and recommendations of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:  “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of the state of audiology in Scotland.

“Parents who rely on audiology services for their children will be shocked to learn there has been an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.”

The most urgent recommendations in the review are around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, which is carried out to identify deafness in very young children.

Mr Ballard said: “It is alarming that issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland.

“We know deaf children can achieve anything that hearing children can when they get the right support, but for this to happen their deafness must be identified at the earliest opportunity. This is why it is vitally important that children always receive high quality and effective testing and long-term support.

“Parents need reassurance that issues with the quality of services will be swiftly addressed. This report was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some of those children experienced life-changing consequences, because their deafness was identified too late for them to get the surgery or communication support they needed. There must be no more similar failures.”

The report also found there is a lack of consistent data collection, meaning it is difficult to monitor quality and compare how health boards in Scotland are performing. This makes it impossible to know if other deaf children are being failed in the same way as those in Lothian.

Mr Ballard continued: “Parents told the review about the difference a good audiologist can make and it is clear from this report we need to make sure they always have the resources, training and leadership required to deliver effective support.

“It is now crystal clear to the Scottish Government and NHS health boards what they must do to make sure every child gets the testing and support they need,” Mr Ballard added.

Funding package for community housing trusts

Up to £960,000 to support delivery of affordable homes

New funding will support more affordable homes and facilities in remote and rural areas.

Provided jointly by the Scottish Government and Nationwide Foundation, funding for Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing over three years will deliver affordable housing projects.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan made the announcement during a visit to Auchtercairn development in Gairloch, Wester Ross, where Communities Housing Trust, together with Albyn Housing Association and Highland Council, have delivered a mix of 25 affordable homes, shops, a café, tourism hub, and education, community and commercial facilities.

Community Housing Trusts are charitable organisations which engage with local communities to promote, support and develop community-led affordable homes.

The funding meets a commitment in the Bute House Agreement to ensure community housing trusts are adequately funded so they can support the delivery of rural homes.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Community housing trusts play an essential role in supporting the delivery of affordable homes in rural and island areas. This development is a great example of how community-led organisations can build homes that meet the needs of local people.

“That is why I am pleased the Scottish Government is providing new funding for these organisations, provided in partnership with the Nationwide Foundation.

“Good quality housing is essential to attract and retain people in remote, rural and island communities and the Scottish Government has committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 – with at least 10% in remote, rural and island areas.

“We are providing support of up to £30 million over this parliament through our Rural and Island Housing Fund. We are also developing a Remote, Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan, to be published in Autumn.”

Interim Chief Executive of Nationwide Foundation Sam Stewart said: “Community-led housing, if delivered at scale, offers a genuine alternative to mainstream forms of development and a strong mechanism for delivering affordable homes.

“The conditions for this to happen are strong in Scotland, and we believe that Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing’s work, which we have been funding for several years, will help to realise that aim.”

Co-Chief Executives of Communities Housing Trust Mike Staples and Ronnie MacRae said: “This funding package means our organisations can provide early-stage engagement and support to a greater number and range of rural communities facing extreme housing pressures.

“Enabling communities to increase knowledge and capacity to deliver projects, significantly increasing the pipeline of deliverable affordable homes that meet local needs.

“We are very grateful for the opportunities this will provide to raise awareness and grow the community-led housing model across Scotland.”

Understanding women’s experience of justice

‘Reducing re-traumatisation will promote equality’ – report

Work to reduce the re-traumatisation of victims and witnesses of crime will help promote equality in Scotland’s justice system, according to some of the most senior women leaders in the sector.

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan from Police Scotland and Jen Ang of the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre are among eight co-authors of an independent report that aims to help give policy-makers and agencies a clearer understanding of how women’s experiences of justice differs from men and what can be done to improve those experiences.

Commissioned through the Women in Justice Leadership Panel, the report brings together evidence gathered from across Scotland’s justice system. Its findings conclude that supporting women in ways which met their individual needs could have a powerful impact of on their perception of justice – leading to greater trust in the system.

The conclusions back Scottish Government-funded work already underway to embed trauma-informed practice across the justice system – a key aim of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The report is being shared with the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, which advises the First Minister on how to tackle gender inequality in Scotland.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “I am grateful to the senior female leaders in Scotland’s justice sector who have taken the time to examine the system in the round.

“Their report puts forward the case for policy-making within justice that reflects women’s various social identities, such as race, disability or religion, so that their experiences can be improved.

“I thank everyone who contributed to the report, since it is their specialist knowledge and testimonies which have provided a clear and unambiguous foundation to inform and influence key justice partners and beyond.

“The conclusions are owned by the Panel members, who will use their influence and positions to effect change. These findings will help the Scottish Government change and deliver a justice sector which is truly responsive to the needs of women and girls.”

Read ’The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice’

Existing short-term let hosts have less than two months to submit their application for a licence

Existing short-term let hosts across Edinburgh have less than two months to submit their application for a licence and new hosts need to obtain a licence before they can start accepting bookings or receiving guests.

• The deadline for existing hosts, anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 to apply for their short-term let licence is before 1 October 2023.

• The licensing scheme aims to establish consistent standards of accommodation across Edinburgh benefiting visitors and local communities.

• Existing hosts of short-term let accommodation can continue to let out their accommodation while the council makes a decision about their licence application.

• The licence costs depend on the property location, size, and type of let.

Hosts of short-term let accommodation across Edinburgh are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term let licensing scheme. Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme is currently in operation.

As well as establishing one consistent standard across Scotland for guests and hosts, the short-term let licensing scheme is being introduced to support the communities within which they operate.

It enables local authorities to effectively address local concerns such as increased congestion and investment in community infrastructure, whilst balancing the associated economic benefits of tourism in the area.

Jordan Mitchell, Director, Short Stay St Andrews, said: “As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting one. However, the application process has been plain sailing once we had all the required safety certifications in place.

“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to process the applications despite the extra pressure on its systems. I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government requirements.”

Paul & Julie Allan, Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite, Sanday, said: “It was a huge relief to get things sorted.

“Orkney Island Council licensing team were supportive through the whole process and were a good contact point for information and checking the application was filled out correctly.”

Housing Minister, Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them closer to the best Scotland can offer.

“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the scheme across Edinburgh, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is paramount and that they have met local guidelines.

“There are less than two months to go until the 1 October deadline and so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.”

For more information about the licensing scheme, whether your accommodation requires a licence and how to apply visit gov.scot/shorttermlets.

Diversity and inclusion in schools

Scotland ‘leading the way’

Castleton Primary School in Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to fully embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across their school curriculum.

In 2019 the Scottish Government launched a dedicated package of resources to help all schools build on existing good practice to promote equality, reduce bullying, and improve the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people.

This includes:

teaching resources to ensure subjects across age groups include LGBT identities, issues and history
training for teachers and school leaders to approach topics with knowledge and confidence, and to help effectively challenge homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia in the school environment and wider community

A recent report on the approach by Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) found it improved the attitudes and experiences of pupils and staff, including LGBT young people.

Following a visit to Castleton Primary School on Tuesday August 22nd, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I was very pleased to visit Castleton Primary School which is the first in Scotland to fully embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum.

“Many schools across the country already take positive steps to educate learners about LGBT identities and issues but this is an important milestone. We will continue to do all we can to help young people to reach their full potential in a diverse and inclusive society.

“We know that this approach has already improved experiences for many young people, with pupils reporting fewer instances of anti-LGBT behaviour, language, and bullying, both in school and the wider community. It is clear that this inclusive approach to education is already delivering real results for young people.

“Scotland’s education system must support everyone, and it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools. The inspirational work being undertaken at Castleton and schools like it across the country highlight how inclusive education can help to stamp out prejudice and I look forward to seeing further progress on this work in the coming months and years.”

Jordan Daly, Co-Founder and Director of Time for Inclusive Education said: “LGBT Inclusive Education supports schools to proactively address homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic prejudice and bullying, and ensures that young people see themselves, their families and the world around them in what they learn.

“We have been privileged to work with Castleton Primary School to take this forward, and are encouraged by reports from pupils and teachers about the positive impact that this has had on their school experiences.

“Schools in Scotland have free access to professional learning, teaching resources, and a structured implementation Toolkit, provided by the Scottish Government, and we would encourage all teachers to engage with these resources to begin improving outcomes for LGBT young people and families in their school community.”

First Minister to announce climate justice funding

Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia to receive £24 million

Countries hardest hit by the climate crisis will be supported by up to £24 million in Scottish Government funding, First Minister Humza Yousaf will announce today as he welcomes US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry to Scotland.

Three aid agencies – Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), DAI, and NIRAS – will each receive up to £8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Government’s Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia respectively.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

The First Minister will launch the programme today (Thursday 24 August) as he introduces a lecture by US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry focusing on the Climate Crisis.

It is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government.

During his introductory address, the First Minister is expected to say: “The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

“The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.

“Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities – including with marginalised groups – so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

“The £24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and it’s a further sign of Scotland’s determination to be a good global citizen – and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.”

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said: “I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

“With just a few months to go before COP28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the world’s greatest threats.”

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart KC said: “We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards COP28.

“We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Library’s Scottish enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish people’s enduring commitment to protecting our environment.”

Climate Justice Fund – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Protecting Scotland’s wildlife

Views sought on snare trap ban

The use of snare traps could be banned as part of new plans to protect vulnerable wildlife and promote sustainable wildlife management.

The Scottish Government is seeking the public’s views on whether an outright ban should be put in place or if any exemptions should be considered. A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal for the purposes of wildlife management.

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime. This will involve giving SSPCA inspectors more authority to search, examine and seize evidence related to incidents of illegal hunting and other offences related to wildlife persecution.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said: “Snare traps lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and these proposals are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that wildlife management is both sustainable and humane.

“Currently, only a small number of farmers and land managers use snare traps. More effective and humane forms of managing wildlife are available and we will continue to support the industry to make use of these methods.

“Wildlife crime and the illegal killing of wild mammals continues to blight our rural communities. By extending the investigative powers of SSPCA inspectors, we can ensure that the destructive impact that these criminals have on our environment is diminished and that they are brought to justice.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The Scottish SPCA strongly supports this announcement by the Scottish Government. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have long called for an outright ban on the use of snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.

“Animals that are caught in snares can be caused unimaginable physical and mental anguish. Following reports from members of the public, we have found domestic animals, protected species and target animals that have all suffered dreadfully in both illegal and legal snares.

“A ban on all snaring is the only way to stop this unacceptable suffering. We are very pleased with the announcement of a ban, which will be a historic moment for animal welfare in Scotland.”

Subject to consultation, the new provisions would be included in the Scottish Government’s upcoming Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which will aim to protect the environment and help end the persecution of birds of prey.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks from 22 August to 3 October 2023.

The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has welcomed yesterday’s (Tuesday) announcement by the Scottish Government that it will consult with a view to banning snares.

The consultation, which will form part of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill, will seek views on whether an outright ban should be put in place for the use of snares, or if any exemptions should be considered.

A snare is a thin wire noose used for catching a wild animal, most commonly used for predator control on shooting estates.

Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports, Scotland, said: “The League has been proud to join the loud and anguished call over many years for the use of cruel, primitive and indiscriminate snares to be banned.

“While we welcome and applaud the Scottish Government’s intent to consider a ban, we are under no illusions the strength of feeling among those who wish to use snares in the countryside.

“The Government will face fierce opposition to these proposals but the arguments to outlaw their use once and for all, far outweigh any arguments to continue using this as a method of trapping and killing hundreds of thousands of wild animals, and non-target species, every year.”

The consultation is also asking for opinions on extending the investigative powers of the Scottish SPCA – a new measure which will help tackle wildlife crime.

Robbie Marsland added: “Our field workers have had to document and photograph an appalling array of mutilated foxes, exhausted badgers and even snared cats and dogs in order to demonstrate why these devices should be consigned to history.

“But with snares gone, the killing will continue. While we welcome the removal of one cruel and inhuman method of killing, we still deeply question why hundreds of thousands of animals will continue to be killed each year to make sure there are more grouse to shoot for sport.”

The consultation will run for six weeks from late August until the beginning of October 2023. Following this, the new provisions would be included in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill which is currently at Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.

Decrease in drug-related deaths

Figures show biggest year-on-year reduction since statistics series began

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Elena Whitham has welcomed a record fall in the number of drug-related deaths – and has reaffirmed her commitment to continue the National Mission to reduce deaths and improve lives impacted by drugs.

The figures, published by National Records of Scotland, found that 1,051 people died due to drug misuse in 2022, a decrease of 279 deaths (21%) compared with 2021 and the lowest annual total since 2017.

During a visit to ‘Back on the Road’ employability project which helps people in recovery from addiction issues, Ms Whitham said: “My sympathy goes out to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

“While I am pleased to see that hundreds of families have been spared this agony and lives have been saved, every life lost is a tragedy and the number of deaths is still too high.

“I will never underestimate the scale of the challenge we continue to face, including responding to new threats such as synthetic opioids and stimulant use. I can see that our work across Scotland, where we have already supported 300 grass-roots projects, including ‘Back on the Road’, is gathering pace, and I’m grateful to all those delivering vital services.

“As part of our £250 million National Mission on drugs, we’ll continue to focus on getting more people into the form of treatment and support they need, expand access to residential rehabilitation and drive the rollout of life-saving Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards where we are making significant progress.

“As we highlighted in our recent Drug Law Reform proposals, the UK Government could do more to work with us to help introduce harm reduction measures.”

Back on the Road is based in Bridgeton Bus Garage in Glasgow’s East End and is one of hundreds of grassroots projects across Scotland helping save and improve lives.

Its delivery of training in the restoration of vintage vehicles has now returned to pre-pandemic operating level thanks to £244,000 funding over five years from the Scottish Government’s Local Support Fund, administered by the CORRA Foundation.

Back on the Road and Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust chair Steven Booth said: “Our aim is to do our best to ensure our participants go on to lead a more fulfilling life, taking advantage of opportunities that might lie ahead for them.“

More support for Edinburgh’s Ukrainian community

Funding announced ahead of Independence Day of Ukraine

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC), Volunteer Edinburgh, The Welcoming Project, Feniks and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain’s (AUGB) Edinburgh branch are sharing in more than £200,000 from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Programme funding pot.

Migration Minister Emma Roddick said: “People all over Scotland, and particularly in Edinburgh, have welcomed those fleeing the war in Ukraine into their communities, their schools and workplaces and their homes.

“Third sector organisations have been at the heart of this warm welcome, supporting Ukrainians every step of the way. They have hosted English lessons, created social hubs and helped people to access local services.

“They have also showcased what can be achieved when national and local government, and the third sector work together, and this funding will help make sure this important partnership working continues.

“As we look ahead to the Independence Day of Ukraine, our message to Ukrainians remains clear: we stand with you, and we want Scotland to be your home for as long as you need it.”

The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Third sector organisations here in Edinburgh have been a cornerstone of the partnership effort to support displaced Ukrainians over the last 18 months.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all colleagues when I say that they have made a real and tangible difference to the lives of the people who have fled their country following Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.

“It is right and proper that these organisations are set to benefit from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Programme funding.

“I have seen firsthand the difference that these organisations make in our communities across a wealth of different areas. From language classes to support with health and wellbeing to helping people into work and education and so much more their impact cannot be understated.

“I look forward to working closely with our third sector partners as we move forward in supporting our Ukrainian friends in the capital.”

Details of organisations outside Edinburgh receiving funding will be confirmed in due course.

Support for Scotland’s museums

£500,000 fund towards capital costs and resilience

In recognition of the important contribution museums make to our communities, the sector is to benefit from a new fund for crucial repair and maintenance work.

The Scottish Government is to give an additional £500,000 to Museums Galleries Scotland to enable organisations across the country to reduce their running costs and increase resilience.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Given the current cost of living challenges and their impact on the ability of museums to run their services for the public, this £500,000 in funding will enable the museum sector to be more energy efficient.

“In particular the fund will prioritise projects that will directly reduce carbon use or have a positive environmental impact.

“As well as encouraging the sector to be more sustainable, the aims of the fund align with our national priorities and will contribute to Scotland’s target of net zero emissions by 2045.”

CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland Lucy Casot said: “We welcome this additional funding from the Scottish Government to support the resilience of museums and galleries to continue their important work engaging with communities and telling the stories of their places and people.

“Focusing on lowering running costs and increasing energy efficiency will safeguard these spaces for years to come. and better support our ambitions to become sustainable organisations that aspire to reach net zero.”