Tag: survey

Edinburgh’s third sector urged to shape future conference space

Survey to help shape future of community venue

COMMUNITY groups, charities, social enterprises and other mission-driven organisations across Edinburgh are being asked to help shape the future of an important conference venue serving the city’s third sector.

Norton Park has launched a new survey as it explores investment in, improvements to and potential changes to its conference facilities, with the aim of ensuring the space continues to meet organisations’ needs beyond 2026.

The research will help inform a business case and future plans for the building, with a focus on creating affordable, useful and impactful space for organisations working to make a positive difference in their communities.

Keith Robertson, Chief Executive of Norton Park, said: “Norton Park has a long history of supporting Edinburgh’s third sector and community organisations.

“As needs evolve, it is important that our facilities evolve too. We want to hear directly from the organisations that use these kinds of spaces so we can ensure any future investment is shaped by demand, delivers genuine value and creates lasting impact for the sector.”

The study is being supported by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects, which have been commissioned to undertake research and develop a business plan for the venue’s future.

A key part of the project is understanding what charities, community organisations, social enterprises and other third sector bodies need from conference, meeting, training and event facilities in the years ahead.

The survey is open to charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises and other mission-led organisations operating in Edinburgh. Responses will help identify current needs, gaps in provision and opportunities for future development.

It takes just a few minutes to complete and is intended to give organisations across the city an opportunity to influence future decisions about the conference venue.

The research will also help ensure local organisations are at the heart of decisions about how the building and its facilities could develop in future.

Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise said: “Third sector organisations are facing increasing pressures, from rising costs to changing ways of working.

“This survey is an opportunity for organisations to tell us what they need from affordable conference, meeting and event space in Edinburgh.

“Whether you are a small community group, a growing social enterprise or an established charity, your views will help shape future decisions about the venue.”

Feedback gathered through the research will contribute to the work being undertaken by Community Enterprise and Fraser Livingstone Architects as they consider the business case and future plans for the venue.

Norton Park is renowned as the home of charities in Edinburgh and currently accommodates over 25 third sector organisations.

To take part in the survey, visit Future Sector Survey.

ASH Scotland invites Edinburgh residents to take Nicotine Use and Mental Health survey to help inform new support resources

ASH Scotland is inviting people of all ages in Edinburgh to share their experiences of mental wellbeing and use of tobacco and nicotine products.

The health charity’s nicotine use and mental health survey is being launched at a time when the issue of nicotine addiction is causing an increase public health concern.

Anecdotal evidence shared with ASH Scotland’s Youth Conservations Hub suggests that many children and young people are using nicotine as a way of coping with anxiety, stress or low mood.

Responses to the survey, which is open until 1 February 2027, will help inform the charity about future resources that are needed to support people addicted to nicotine to reduce their intake to improve their mental wellbeing.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said “There continues to be a huge data gap in Scotland enabling us to see trends of nicotine use and how it impacts people’s mental health.

“By responding to ASH Scotland’s survey, Edinburgh residents can help us to better understand how mental health connects with nicotine use, and identify the types of information and support that can encourage people to make positive choices to protect their mental health.

“It is vital that people in Edinburgh can access robust, evidence-based information and support to empower them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.”

To respond to the survey, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/survey.

Final Signs of Spring sightings wanted across UK

  • The Royal Society of Biology and Field Studies Council are asking members of the public to log sightings of key spring indicator species in Signs of Spring citizen science survey.
  • Sightings of bumblebees, butterflies, bluebells, ladybirds, and dragonflies are being recorded across the UK.
  • The survey closes on 14 June.

Across the UK, members of the public are being encouraged to get outside and track their sightings of insects and flowers as part of the annual Signs of Spring survey run by Field Studies Council in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology.

Now in its third year, the results of the survey will help to log species emergence across the UK, particularly in light of the climate crisis.

Sightings of dragonflies, bumblebees, bluebells, ladybirds, and butterflies are in high demand.

Daniel Asaw, Biodiversity Training Programme Team Leader at Field Studies Council, said: “It’s been amazing to see this year’s records coming in for the Signs of Spring citizen science survey.

“We’ve already passed the 3,000 record mark, and there’s plenty of time for people across the UK to get involved and help us build an even clearer picture of how nature is responding to the seasons.

“As we move closer to summer, bumblebees are out in force alongside an array of ladybird species. Bumblebees have traditionally been the most commonly recorded insect in the survey, but this year, ladybirds could easily give them a run for their money.

“Every record counts, so we’re encouraging everyone to get outside, enjoy nature, and submit their sightings before the survey closes.”

Log your sightings in the survey before 14 June.

Police Scotland: Herbert Protocol survey

We’re seeking your views on the proposed digitalisation of information that helps trace missing people living with dementia.

As part of the Herbert Protocol, families/carers can obtain, print and complete a pro-forma document from the Police Scotland website that is handed to investigating officers whenever someone with dementia goes missing.

The form records a range of useful information which will allow police to respond swiftly during the crucial first hour – rather than spend it gathering information.

At present, families and carers are responsible for owning, updating and providing this document to police.

Read more about the Herbert Protocol and get the link to our consultation survey here:

https://orlo.uk/2t4dd

TUC: 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in past year

  • New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year 
  • 45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months 
  • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”  

A new survey published by the TUC today (Friday) shows 8 in 10 surveyed workers have experienced some form of abuse at work in the last year. The findings, based on a survey of 5,004 workers, show that in the last 12 months: 

  • 1 in 5 (19.4%) have experienced physical assault  
  • 1 in 10 (9.9%) have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence at work 
  • 8 in 10 (79.1%) have experienced verbal abuse such as shouting, insults or threats at work 
  • 4 in 10 (44.9%) have experienced threats of physical harm  

The report is published as the TUC holds its Violence at Work conference today, established following concerns from unions about violence and abuse against public-facing workers. 

More than 8 in 10 (84.1 %) of respondents said their roles are public facing.  

The report finds:  

  • 11.8% work in education 
  • 38.9% work in transport 
  • 9.9% work in prisons or secure facilities 
  • 4.9% work in health and social care 
  • 14.9% work in central or local government  

When asked how regularly they experience violence or abuse at work, more than half of workers (51.4%) said they experience violence or abuse weekly or more, while 17.1% said they experienced violence or abuse on a monthly basis. 

When asked who is responsible for the violence and/or abuse workers have experienced: 

  • 45.9% said customers were the perpetrators 
  • 36.4% said passengers 
  • 15.2% said other members of the public 
  • 10.9% said pupils or students 
  • 9.2% said colleagues 
  • 8.5% said managers  

When asked about the impact of the most severe incidents they have experienced, 48.7%% said they feared for their safety, 13.9% said they experienced physical injury, 8.9% required medical treatment, 26.2% required police involvement, 16.8% had to take time off work, while 32.8% experienced mental trauma. 

More than half (51.9%) of those who did not report it said it was because violence is seen as “part of the job”, while 33.7% said they felt it would not be taken seriously. 

Health and Safety Executive 

The TUC says employers have a legal duty to keep staff safe at work and all employers must assess the health and safety risks in their workplaces. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can prosecute employers who do not manage the risks of violence. 

HSE inspectors play a vital role in keeping workplaces safe. 

But the TUC says the HSE has been left “struggling to operate” due to the “devastating” impact of cuts under the Tory government. 

The HSE – the country’s main workplace health and safety regulator – has seen its funding cut by more than 50% since 2010. 

As a result, inspector numbers, inspections, and employer sanctions are at an all-time low – putting workers at risk.  

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living – violence at work is never ‘part of the job’. 

“Nobody should go to work fearing for their safety, but that is the reality for thousands of our vital frontline workers. 

“The Tories left the HSE in tatters and left the current government cleaning up their mess. But ministers must reinvest in the HSE, so we have more inspectors visiting workplaces and enforcing safety rules. 

“My message to anyone worried about their safety and welfare at work is to join a union. We know that unionised workplaces are safer because union reps work with employers to reduce risks.”

CPAG Survey on Two Child Cap

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

The Child Poverty Action Group (UK) – CPAG are carrying out research to understand the impact of the two child policy on children and family life prior to abolition of the policy in April.

This is so they can conduct further comparative research later in the year on the impact of getting rid of the policy.

It would really help them if you can spare a few minutes to answer some questions about your experience of the two child limit.

They want to hear from parents who are not receiving tax credits or universal credit for a child born after April 6 2017.

The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

No information will be used that could identify anyone involved.

Take the survey here: https://f.mtr.cool/mvoinbqtdb

You can find more information about the Child Poverty Action Group here – https://f.mtr.cool/pambkzwiyp

If you can spare a few minutes we’d be really grateful 💚

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre: Last chance to have your say

 Final Call – Survey Closes This Sunday!

We’re now in the consultation stage of our Community Asset Transfer, and this is your last chance to have your say before the survey closes this Sunday.

Every single response makes a real difference. The more people who take part, the stronger our case for securing the land our Centre sits on, and protecting it for the future of our community.

You can get involved by:

– Completing the online survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/drylaw
– Filling in a paper copy at the Centre
It only takes a few minutes, but your input helps us hugely.

Please take part and share this post to help us reach as many people as possible before Sunday!

Thank you for your continued support.

Coming Home: Share Your Views

A Coming Home Working Group has been set up to drive progress towards the Coming Home vision and mission for people with learning disabilities and complex needs and behaviours that challenge.

The group are developing an action plan, building on the recommendations in the Coming Home Implementation Report.

One of the workstreams is focusing on developing strategic approaches to skill up and strengthen community services (including integrated community teams, social care providers, school settings) and family carers to improve support for people with learning disabilities and complex support needs. 

This is with a particular emphasis on preventing service breakdown and building resilience in community services for people with complex needs and behaviours that challenge. Specialist skills are required across agencies to achieve complex and sustainable return to local community settings for those in hospital or out of areas, and also to prevent support breakdown.

The group would like your views on the knowledge and specialist skills that are needed by those providing support, both direct care and as organisations and services. In addition, information about access to training in these areas is requested.

The short survey closes on Thursday 30 October. This information will help develop recommendations in the next Coming Home action plan – so this is your chance to have your say! 

LAST CALL: Social Security Scotland survey

SURVEY CLOSES AT 6pm TONIGHT

There’s still time to take part in our survey about your experience with Social Security Scotland over the last year. The survey will close at 6pm on Wednesday 4 June. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

If you have already taken part please ignore this email and accept a huge thank you from us for your help.

If you haven’t yet done so, you can take part in the survey online.

A dark mode-friendly version of the survey is also available.

Who can take part?

The survey is open to everyone who works with our clients or works in partnership with Social Security Scotland.

We would like to hear from as many people as possible. Please feel free to share the survey with others who deal with Social Security Scotland or work with our clients.

Confidentiality

Taking part is voluntary and your responses will be confidential. No one will be able to identify you in any of the reported results. Only people working in the research team will be able to see your responses.

What do we do with the results?

Your views are very important to us. They help us to understand if we are delivering the commitments of Our Charter and what improvements we can make. After the survey closes, researchers will analyse the results and publish a research report. We also survey our clients and our colleagues and all of this contributes to the Charter Measurement Framework results that we publish annually.

Further questions?

If there’s more we can do to help you take part, please let us know. You can contact us by emailing research@socialsecurity.gov.scot or you can phone our research helpline for free on 0800 029 4974, Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. 

Yours sincerely,

Charter Measurement and Client Panels Team

Social Security Scotland