Policy Statements and Initiatives
DWP: Part-time workers could receive monthly statements telling them how much better off they would be if they increased their hours when the Government simplifies the benefits system.
They could also be sent texts telling them how working more hours or getting better paid work would leave them ‘quids in’ when Universal Credit begins to be rolled out later this year. And an online calculator could allow claimants to find out within seconds how much better off they would be from boosting their hours.
They could also be sent texts telling them how working more hours or getting better paid work would leave them ‘quids in’ when Universal Credit begins to be rolled out later this year. And an online calculator could allow claimants to find out within seconds how much better off they would be from boosting their hours.
These are some of the ideas being considered as to how the Government can help low paid workers to increase their hours or move into better paid jobs under Universal Credit, Ministers said, as they called for people to contribute other initiatives which can then be piloted.
ScotGov: A new organ donation pilot programme is being launched in NHS Lothian. The pilot will ensure that people who cannot be resuscitated after suffering a cardiac arrest in the community and who have previously expressed a wish to donate their organs in the event of their death, will have that wish respected.
Should the resuscitative measures prove unsuccessful, a decision will be made by 2 doctors that further treatment would no longer be in the best interests of the patient. End of life options (including organ donation) will then be discussed with the family. Previously organ donation was not possible in these circumstances, even if the patient had made it clear that they wished to be an organ donor.
HO: GPs, midwives, youth workers & social workers are among those professionals who will soon benefit from training to identify & help victims of human trafficking, the Home Office announced recently. Training will be rolled out to frontline professionals in major towns & cities across the UK.
The aim is to improve awareness & understanding of trafficking, aid the identification of potential child & adult victims and give information on practical support available including independent legal advice, counselling and help to return to their community / country of origin.
DfE: A new specialist maths Free School approved by Education Secretary, Michael Gove, will be a regional centre of excellence preparing students for rigorous degrees. Run by Exeter University and Exeter College, it will attract 16- to 19-year-old mathematicians and will be based in Exeter. The ultimate aim is to create a network of schools that operate across England which identify & nurture mathematical & scientific talent.
CLG: A new scheme to ‘raise the aspirations & develop the employability skills of young people by exposing them to career opportunities in local industry’ was launched last week.
Inspired by the Prince of Wales, the Industrial Cadets scheme offers students aged 12 to 14 in 6 areas across the country a programme of activities including ‘hands-on’ project work, mentoring & company visits to build awareness of their local manufacturing industry and future career opportunities.
Inspired by the Prince of Wales, the Industrial Cadets scheme offers students aged 12 to 14 in 6 areas across the country a programme of activities including ‘hands-on’ project work, mentoring & company visits to build awareness of their local manufacturing industry and future career opportunities.
The experiences are designed to help young people develop important skills & abilities such as creativity & innovation, critical thinking & problem solving, digital skills, and personal development.
WAG: The Transport Minister, Carl Sargeant, has announced a new bus funding scheme to support bus operators, community transport & local authority bus services across Wales.
The new ‘Regional Transport Services Grant’ (RTSG) is a £25m single funding scheme that will replace the former Bus Services’ Operators Grant (BSOG) and the Local Transport Services Grant (LTSG) and Community Transport Concessionary Fares Initiative (CTCFI).
The new ‘Regional Transport Services Grant’ (RTSG) is a £25m single funding scheme that will replace the former Bus Services’ Operators Grant (BSOG) and the Local Transport Services Grant (LTSG) and Community Transport Concessionary Fares Initiative (CTCFI).
WAG: Changes to the cervical screening programme in Wales have been announced by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, following recommendations from two clinical expert groups. The Wales Screening Committee has considered & endorsed the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) recommendations (published in December 2012) to change the age that women receive their first invitation for cervical screening from 20 to 25, following a review of the latest evidence surrounding cervical screening.
The expert groups also advised that women over 50, who are routinely called for screening, should be invited every 5 years rather than the current 3 yearly recall system. The cervical screening programme in Wales is delivered by Public Health Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government. Cervical Screening Wales will start to implement these changes to its service during 2013.
ScotGov: More than 750 early years experts gathered in Glasgow last week to ‘help make Scotland the best place to grow up’. The Early Years Collaborative - a coalition of Community Planning Partners, including social services, health, education, police & third sector professionals - are starting to work towards 3 aims to improve children’s start in life.
The new approach to better support children & families, has attracted interest from America & Europe and will enable experts to learn, share and work together to the benefit of local communities.
WAG: Wales’ Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, has announced further support of £7.5m over the next 10 years for thalidomide survivors in Wales. The funding will go to a scheme run by the Thalidomide Trust to improve the care & support for thalidomide survivors living in Wales so that they are able to continue to live independent lives.
DH: An overview of the vision & plans for the delivery of a public health surveillance strategy, as part of Public Health England’s broader information strategy, has been published.
WAG: Carl Sargeant, the Minister for Local Government & the Communities, has announced further funding of £20.5m for 15 clusters as part of the Welsh Government’s new Communities First Programme, which will be fully operational from April 2013. To date, funding totalling £73.5 million has been awarded to 51 clusters across Wales. The funding is until March 2015.
