Consultations

OfstedOfsted has launched a consultation on proposals for a revised framework for the inspection of Sure Start Children’s Centres. The proposed changes to inspection are intended to align with the Government’s proposals for children’s centres and the way local authorities are now choosing to deliver services from children’s centres. The closing date for the consultation is 11 January 2013.
Press release & links
 
EU News: The European Commission is launching a public consultation to identify promising & potentially game-changing directions for future technological research. The right strategic choices will mean a better future for all, from protecting our environments to providing better healthcare to Europeans.
 
The consultation is structured under 2 themes: research direction in FET and arguments for the importance of this research. Therefore the Commission is inviting scientists, researchers, engineers, innovators, artists, entrepreneurs & individuals to submit their ideas before 30 November 2012.
Press release & links
 
TfLTransport for London (TfL) has launched the second phase of a public consultation on a proposed package of new river crossings between east & south east London.  Following an initial consultation in February this year, TfL has further developed the proposals for new vehicle river crossings, with options including a new road tunnel at Silvertown and a vehicle ferry at Gallions Reach.

TfL has used the responses from the last consultation to develop the proposals further and is now encouraging the public & stakeholders to provide further comments on these proposals and any other alternatives they may wish to comment on. The consultation closes on Friday 1 February 2013.
Press release & links
 
CLG: The Government's revolution to hand power back to local communities moves one step further last week under proposals to make it easier to set up new town & parish councils announced by Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. The consultation closes on 9 January 2013.
Press release & links
 
BIS: A blueprint for supporting more British businesses to become employee-owned was announced last week by the Minister for Employment Relations, Jo Swinson. The Government wants to help boost the size of the sector, by ensuring employee ownership is more widely understood and easier to establish.
Press release & links ~ Employee Ownership and Share Buy Backs - Consultation on implementation of Nuttall Review recommendations Closes 16 November 2012
 
FRC: The Financial Reporting Lab is seeking help from listed companies to develop example formats of proposed disclosures on remuneration which - as with its previous project on this topic - will help to shape the new remuneration reporting regulations being introduced by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Listed companies, wishing to contribute, need to register an interest by mid-November 2012.
Press release & links
 
DHAdditional safeguards put in place to protect patients (Consultation closes on 4 January 2013) - See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
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