Please use reference ‘EYT0225' for a £50 discount
Fostering Fostering & Adoption & Adoption
Fostering&Adoption:Nurturing Fostering&Adoption:Nurturing Love,BuildingFamilies. Love,BuildingFamilies.
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Bothpathsrequirepatience,compassion, Bothpathsrequirepatience,compassion, anddedicationbutcomewithprofound anddedicationbutcomewithprofound rrewards—watchingachildheal,grow,and ewards—watchingachildheal,grow,and tthrive. hrive.
Whetheryou’reconsideringfostering, Whetheryou’reconsideringfostering, adopting,orsupportingthosewhodo,every adopting,orsupportingthosewhodo,every effortmakesadifference.Byopeningour effortmakesadifference.Byopeningour heartsandhomes,wehelpshapebrighter heartsandhomes,wehelpshapebrighter ffutures,onechildatatime. utures,onechildatatime.
2025 Education 2025 Education Resources and Resources and Products Feature Products Feature
The education landscape in 2025 is The education landscape in 2025 is undergoing a remarkable transformation, undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and a driven by cutting-edge technologies and a growing emphasis on personalised growing emphasis on personalised learning. This years standout products and learning. This years standout products and resources are reshaping classrooms and resources are reshaping classrooms and empowering students like never before. empowering students like never before.
Complete, peace of mind IT support for schools and businesses
We help business leaders tackle IT gremlins with simple, honest, effective IT support services, thus reducing risk and driving efficiency in your business or educational establishment.
Comprehensive, onsite and remote IT support and service level agreements for schools and academies.
Simple, honest, effective education IT support services to help deliver your Digital Strategy.
Empowering Your School with Future-Ready Technology Solutions
As a school, you face growing challenges in delivering high-quality education while keeping up with ever-evolving technology standards in today’s fast-paced world. We understand the unique demands of the education sector and offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to help your school thrive. At Evolve, we are revolutionising how IT supports education by combining strategy, innovation, and a people-first approach.
Strategic IT Solutions for Your School
At the heart of our service is a strategic vision tailored to the education sector. Recognising that every school has unique challenges, we partner with your leaders to create bespoke IT strategies that align with your long-term goals. With a focus on a 35-year finance and technology roadmap, your school can confidently plan for the future, ensuring sustainable growth and predictable costs.
Compliance with DfE Digital Standards
Navigating Department for Education (DfE) digital standards can be complex. We simplify the process, ensuring your school meets compliance requirements without unnecessary stress. From connectivity to cybersecurity, we prioritise a robust and secure digital infrastructure that enhances education and meets government expectations.
Cloud-First, Serverless Technology
We champion a cloud-first, serverless approach to IT, enabling your school to move away from aging, costly on-premises systems. By embracing cloud technology, your school unlocks unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. This forward-thinking approach streamlines operations, reduces downtime, and ensures seamless access to resources whether in the classroom or remotely.
Safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe in Education
We take safeguarding seriously, ensuring your school has the tools and systems to protect students in an increasingly digital world. From robust content filtering to proactive cybersecurity measures, we provide peace of mind that children are safe online, fully aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.
Predictable Costs and Financial Clarity
IT budgets can be unpredictable, but we eliminate uncertainty with transparent pricing and clear financial planning. Our 3-5 year finance plans allow your school to anticipate expenses and manage resources effectively, avoiding costly surprises. Our expertise ensures that your school can invest in technology with confidence, knowing it’s a sound financial decision.
Enhancing Work-Life Balance for Teachers and Staff
A well-functioning IT system is critical to reducing stress for teachers and staff. Our solutions minimise disruptions, improve efficiency, and free your educators to focus on what matters most: teaching. With intuitive tools and systems that work seamlessly, your teachers can reclaim valuable time, achieving a healthier work-life balance.
Partner with Us
We are more than an IT provider - we are a partner in education. By aligning technology with strategy, compliance, and safeguarding, we empower your school to confidently embrace the future.
With predictable costs, cloud-first innovation, and a commitment to supporting educators, we are redefining what IT can do for your school.
Ready to evolve your school’s IT? Visit us today to learn how we can help your school succeed.
FREE FREE
A simple and practical A simple and practical system, designed to system, designed to maintain privacy maintain privacy whilst allowing adult whilst allowing adult supervision within supervision within schools for infants. schools for infants.
Did you know that there are many benefits to having an aquarium in the workplace?
Watching fish and aquatic environments has been shown to lower stress and anxiety. As aquariums promote mindfulness and lift mood by creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The gentle movements of fish and water can serve as a focal point, helping to clear the mind and enhance concentration, leading to a more productive environment.
There have been many health studies on the benefits on exposure to nature, including aquariums. Helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to overall physical wellbeing in the workplace. Not only do aquariums offer great health benefits to those in its presence but they are also aesthetically pleasing too.
What could give a better first impression to a client or customer than a stunning aquarium!! Brightening up a reception or waiting area, board room or social space. In matching company colours or logo, that really would be the icing on the cake!! (or even fishtank!!!!!) Here at Aqualease, we are the market leaders in rental aquariums in the north west of England.
Our sales team will visit you on site to guide you on the best location and selection of aquariums for your environment. Our maintenance team will then install your aquarium and regularly maintain it, truly making it a hassle free aquarium!!
For further information, please contact Aqualease on 0300 3033145 Email - info@aqualease.co.uk
Rental aquariums from only £1.30 per day Fully Serviced with everything included
Aqualease have been supplying aquariums for businesses as a form of stress-relief therapy in officebased environments since the beginning of its launch back in 2003. As a significant factor in prolonged health implications, stress is a major trigger for health conditions such as high blood pressure, painful joint diseases and heart failure, and is also deemed a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. That is why the proven effects linked to the presence of an aquarium in working environments is of particular importance. Aquariums are a tried and tested method of stress relief in working environments when used either in conjunction with hypnotherapy or alone. These benefits have been documented in dental surgeries, waiting rooms and patients awaiting electroconvulsive therapy also.
Aqualease aquariums are available for hire within the North West region, together with areas such as West Yorkshire, Stoke-on-Trent, North Wales and South Lakes. Our models vary from traditional rectangular designs from the likes of Red Sea and Juwel, to those with more modern accents from bestselling brands such as Column. Reflecting the epitome of style and sophistication when it comes to aquatic manufacturing and technology, our collections provide the ultimate in reliability and functionality. Our unique aquariums for hire can contribute to a reduction in stress-related conditions experienced within the workplace whilst leaving that all-important lasting impression with your clients and customers.
Aquarium rental from Aqualease will also be a fantastic choice for those looking to combine practicality with eye catching beauty. Our aquariums which vary in size and shape can offer the perfect focal point for any office, waiting area or conference room. Providing background entertainment for your office staff, an aquarium can help to create a calming environment whilst also keeping in line with a professional atmosphere, helping to bring both parallels into one attractive feature for all to enjoy. As a unique feature for the workplace, our aquariums are thoroughly maintained and completely hasslefree. From the original measuring-up process, to a completely professional installation, right through to the removal of the aquarium – our company ethics remain cemented into our day-to-day customer care service in offering 100% satisfaction from start to finish.
Bradshaw’sGoupilG2utility vehiclehelpskeeporderat theTowerofLondon
Standing guard over London for more than 950 years, the Tower of London is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, with almost 300,000 visitors in July of this year alone Situated on a 12-acre complex, with a maze of walls, gates, towers and greens, the fortress is regularly filled with thousands of visitors on any given day, and more so during planned visitor events during the summer
With such a vast area to maintain, the team at the Tower of London recently invested in a new utility vehicle, to help make the lives of staff easier in the run up to the summer programme.
They sought the expertise of electric utility vehicle specialist Bradshaw, and opted for the Goupil G2 cage body vehicle with a lithium-ion battery to help keep the fortress operating at its very best.
All 100 per cent electric, with zero emissions, Bradshaw vehicles are a sustainable, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution and are particularly popular among local authorities, industrial sites, resorts and last-mile delivery companies
As a compact utility vehicle the G2 range is also suitable for roads, offering an ideal solution for customers who have multiple sites which are connected by public highways. Available with pick-up, cage and van bodies the G2 is expertly designed to transport payloads of up to 600kgs, whilst retaining its small and compact size for convenience of use
Dom Oughton is Maintenance and Facilities Manager at the Tower of London
He said: “We took delivery of the vehicle just before the summer. We needed a new vehicle to support us during what we knew would be a very busy period, with a programme of high profile summer events ”
Dom said the daily tasks include transporting a range of goods that are needed for events, handling deliveries of parcels to the site and transporting waste.
He added: “We went with Bradshaw as I was already familiar with the company from a previous role. Also, we have a very old electric vehicle of theirs here at the Tower which is probably about 20 years old and still used by our postman.
“It was a very tight delivery for when we needed the vehicle but the timings were excellent with everything smoothly and efficiently. Upon delivery we were given a good brief on the vehicle by the Bradshaw representative and it’s been doing its job very well for us ”
Opportunity Of The Week
Education based job vacancies
Construction Technician
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Construction Trades
Hours: 37.5
Pay: £25,691 to £28,384
Closing Date: 13th October 2024
We are seeking an enthusiastic construction workshop technician to join Nescot based in Epsom Surrey.
Apply now
Lecturer in Health and Social Care
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Heath & Social Care
Hours: 13.5
Pay: £31 42 per hour
Closing Date: 27th October 2024
Apply now
SEND Job Coach
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Foundations
Hours: 37.5 (Term time only 36 weeks)
Pay: £18,000 to £20,200 p aActual salary
Closing Date: 29th October 2024
At Nescot College, we are looking for a Full- time term time SEN coaches to support students with learning difficulties and /or disabilities
Apply now
Electrical Lecturer
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Electrical
Hours: 37
Pay: £31,748 - £44,083 dependent on qualifications, skills and experience
Closing Date: 31st October 2024
Apply now
Nursery Practitioner
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Nestots
Hours: Full Time and Bank
Pay: Up to £25,800/NMW for bank staff
Closing Date: 27th October 2024 For Full-time staff.
Apply now
Sessional Brickwork lecturer
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Construction Trades
Hours: 3 hours per week fixed term until 31/7/25
Pay: 31 42 per hour
Closing Date: 27th October 2024
Sessional, Evening Sessions (3 hours per week)£31.42 per hourFixed term until 31/7/24At Nescot
Apply now
Estates Officer
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Estates and Cleaning
Hours: 37.5
Pay: Up to £24,421.07
Closing Date: 6th October 2024
At Nescot we are seeking for an Estates Officer to join our Estates team in Epsom, Surrey.
Apply now
Plumbing Assessor
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Plumbing
Hours: 37 Hours
Pay: £38,923 to £42,355 p.a
Closing Date: 13th October 2024
Apply now
Lecturer in Business
Location: Epsom, Surrey
Function: Business
Hours: 37
Pay: Up to £44,083 (depending on experience, skills and qualifications)
Closing Date: 27th October 2024
At Nescot we are recruiting for an exciting opportunity for a Business Lecturer in our modern and easily accessible campus located in Epsom, Surrey.
Apply now
Education Education Open Days Open Days
Explore the evolving role of open days within
Explore the evolving role of open days within education settings offering a behind the education settings offering a behind the scenes look at how independent schools, scenes look at how independent schools, colleges, SEND & higher education are colleges, SEND & higher education are redefining these events to connect with redefining these events to connect with prospective students and families. prospective students and families.
We are delighted to showcase open days
We are delighted to showcase open days that we believe remain a crucial opportunity that we believe remain a crucial opportunity to find the perfect educational match. to find the perfect educational match.
EcoGritIce MeltSafefor Childrenand Pets
Non-ToxicLight-Weight EasyApplication
Snowandiceinwintercanbeanightmare They make people stay indoors or drive slowly, making our lives difficult and our journeys longer.
EcoGrit Snow and Ice Melt is a safe, eco-friendly and powerful ice melt solution designed to melt ice faster than rock salt without the harmful effects of Rock Salt or Urea. It is non-corrosive and non-toxic, making it an excellent option for childrenandpets.
Theformuladoesnotleavebehindanymessyresidueorcauseanydamagetosurfaces. Itcontainsbiodegradablenaturalingredientsthatdon’tharmtheenvironmentorcause long-termdamage.EcoGritiseasytoapplywithnofuss,makingitperfectforhomeand business use The product’s powerful nature makes it a reliable and convenient alternative to salt, making it an ideal choice for everyone concerned about the environment.
EcoGrit is an all-natural snow and ice melt made from food industry by-products. This rock salt alternative is a safe and non-toxic de-icer It’s also pet, child, and plant friendly and environmentally friendly.
EcoGritmeltssnowandicequicklyandcanlastupto a week for long-lasting protection The rock salt alternative is easy to apply, making it the perfect solution for sidewalks and driveways You can even use it to prevent ice build-up on walkways in the wintermonths.
Our mission: Building a Brighter Future
Changing Lives is a Christian-led charity founded in 2015 to support people facing challenges like addiction, mental health issues, offending, and homelessness Working locally in North Somerset and Bristol, we provide employment training, advice, and accommodation for those recovering from addiction at our supported living centre, Andrew House Our business ventures raise essential funds for our charitable work in the local community, enabling us to continue our mission to help those in need to find hope and a future.
Bulky waste removal
In partnership with North Somerset Council
As part of our Volunteer Plus Programme, participants serve the community and restore their sense of value by giving back to society. Changing Lives Charity partners with the North Somerset council to offer a collection service for furniture, appliances, and other unsellable items.
For sellable items we offer a free collection service All items must be photographed and emailed to donations@changinglives.org.uk
We will gladly take:
Sofas, armchairs, and chairs
Tables
Mattresses and bed frames
Appliances (fridges, freezers, etc )
Please note: Only wood doors are accepted
Please see our full list of accepted donations.
House clearance
Transform Your Clutter into a Force for Good
We offer a hassle-free, environmentally conscious, and socially impactful way to clear out your space. When you choose us, you're not just decluttering – you're directly supporting our vital work in the community
Our team will carefully remove any and all furniture from your home Wherever possible, we'll restore and renovate these pieces, breathing new life into them These items are then sold in our charity shops or through this website, with all proceeds going directly towards funding the Changing Lives programmes
Ready to make a difference?
Declutter your home and support a worthy cause! Contact us today to schedule your house clearance service. Let's give your pre-loved furniture a second chance while making a positive impact on our community.
Enquire today about house clearance or bulky waste removal -
SAFETY & SECURITY
SAFETY AND SECURITY SERVICES WITHIN BUSINESSES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PROTECTING EMPLOYEES, ASSETS, AND DATA. THESE SERVICES ENCOMPASS PHYSICAL SECURITY MEASURES LIKE SURVEILLANCE, ACCESS CONTROL, AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AS WELL AS CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS TO SAFEGUARD SENSITIVE INFORMATION. EFFECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEMS HELP PREVENT THEFT, WORKPLACE INCIDENTS, AND CYBER THREATS, ENSURING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND REDUCING OPERATIONAL RISKS. BY INVESTING IN COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE, BUSINESSES ENHANCE THEIR RESILIENCE, BUILD TRUST WITH STAKEHOLDERS, AND MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATORY STANDARDS.
Martyn’sLaw: BodetTimecanhelpyouprotectyourschool
Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, was introduced in the House of Commons in September 2024. At the time of writing, it is undergoing Parliamentary scrutiny. This UK-wide measure will introduce security requirements to certain public venues holding more than 100 people. This includes educational settings like schools and colleges.
What can you do to prepare?
To meet the proposed law’s requirements, every setting must have an effective lockdown procedure in place detailing clear instructions and communicating them to all participants. When an alert is triggered, all staff and pupils must stay in the safest place. This may mean evacuating, relocating within the building or staying in the same place.
What should your lockdown procedure look like?
A lockdown procedure has many different elements. As well as triggering alerts, it may include aspects like closing blinds, switching off interactive whiteboards or taking a register. As part of creating an effective procedure, you should be able to answer questions like: Where is the lockdown system? How will you test it? How will you communicate it? Who is accountable?
Make sure you provide clear instructions, with regular training (every term) so all staff and pupils understand what they must do. Ideally, you should issue a method of triggering the alert to all members of the senior leadership team and other relevant staff members.
How can Bodet Time support you?
We recognise the challenges that schools face with Martyn’s Law. Our flexible, customisable lockdown alert solution will help ensure that everyone in your team knows precisely how to respond during an emergency. Amongst other features, it allows you to:
Trigger a fully tailored alert simultaneously across multiple buildings on site, via a control box, PC or smartphone
Pre-record messages to save time and ensure you transmit a calm message, or use a live announcement if required
Broadcast alerts in a variety of ways, including text display and luminous strobes, to reach anyone with visual or hearing impairments
Are you ready to protect your staff and pupils? Our team are happy to visit your site and provide a personalised quote for an effective solution.
Contact us on enquiries@bodet-time.co.uk or call 01442 418800
The accountant urged policymakers to consider a comprehensive approach that includes revisiting outdated policies, enhancing transparency, and fostering greater collaboration between local authorities and central government "It's imperative that we adopt innovative financial practices and leverage technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency," he added
He also highlighted the need for community involvement in the decision-making process. "Engaging with residents and gaining their insights can lead to more responsive and effective governance," he said "After all, the ultimate goal is to create a system that serves the people and meets their needs "
As he steps down from his role, he remains hopeful that his successors will carry forward the torch of reform and work towards a resilient and vibrant local government finance system
The upcoming government has a crucial chance to revamp local government finance before the entire system collapses, cautioned the sector's top accountant.
This message was conveyed during an interview with LGC marking his retirement from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy.
"The current state of local government finance is precarious," he explained, "and without immediate and decisive action, we risk facing severe disruptions in essential public services." He emphasized the importance of strategic reforms that would not only stabilize the financial framework but also ensure sustainable growth and equitable distribution of resources.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
OUR SHOWCASE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION ARE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE LEARNING NEEDS. THESE INCLUDE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS TEXT-TO-SPEECH SOFTWARE, COMMUNICATION DEVICES FOR NONVERBAL STUDENTS, AND ADAPTIVE TOOLS LIKE SENSORY EQUIPMENT AND MODIFIED LEARNING MATERIALS. EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE TAILORED TO DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES, LIKE APPS FOR READING, MATHS, OR BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT, ALSO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE.
In the evolving landscape of education, the arts play an instrumental role in shaping well-rounded individuals As schools strive to nurture creativity, resilience, and effective communication, Standing In The Wings emerges as a beacon of inspiration, offering a transformative blend of drama skills and production expertise to schools nationwide Established in 2020, Standing In The Wings is dedicated to empowering young individuals through a range of workshops under their Empower YOUth banner, including confidence building and technical theatre skills. With a team of experienced tutors and a proven track record, Standing In The Wings is committed to supporting schools across the UK in nurturing the next generation of confident and resilient creatives
At the heart of Standing In The Wings' mission lies the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to discover and express their unique voice through the arts
The team, headquartered in Northamptonshire, has become synonymous with empowering youth through innovative programs that not only hone important life skills but also provide schools with unparalleled production support Creative Producer and Company Owner, Kathryn Rose, says, “throughout my own theatre career I have seen young people amazed at the career opportunities open to them within the arts, beyond performing, and how basic theatre skills have impacted their own journeys - from developing communication skills, implementing teamwork and being able to express themselves creatively It’s not all about performing - it takes a vast range of skills and personalities to make the arts happen and there’s something for everyone ”
Nurturing Confidence and Resilience
Drama is more than just a performance; it is a vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth Standing In The Wings’ confidence workshops are designed to empower young minds, instilling the kind of self-assurance that transcends the stage and permeates every aspect of life
As students engage in carefully crafted exercises, they learn to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and embrace their individuality. Through drama skills and techniques, Standing In The Wings is sowing the seeds of resilience that will undoubtedly bear fruit in the future endeavours of these young individuals
Transferable skills: Technical Theatre Workshops on technical theatre skills, such as lighting and sound, provide young people with valuable transferable skills These include essential teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, time management, technical proficiency, communication, adaptability, flexibility, and attention to detail Through these workshops, participants learn to work effectively in groups, think on their feet, manage time efficiently, and gain technical expertise applicable to various fields.
Illuminating the Stage: Production Services
Standing In The Wings doesn’t merely stop at nurturing dramatic talents; it extends its support to schools by offering comprehensive production services The team understands the challenges schools face in acquiring quality lighting, sound, and stage equipment In response, Standing In The Wings opens its wings wide, providing schools access to production equipment that elevates the quality of every performance
Performing arts are celebrated and recognised for their contribution to a well-rounded education and Standing In The Wings is at the forefront, ensuring that schools, regardless of budget constraints, can offer students a production experience that lasts in their memory for many years - and maybe contributes to new career opportunities The team’s commitment to affordable solutions is a testament to its dedication to democratising access to high-quality production resources
A Call to Action for Educational Leaders
As we navigate the complexities of modern education, it is crucial to recognise the invaluable role that drama skills and production expertise can play in shaping the future of our youth Standing In The Wings stands ready, with open wings, to collaborate with schools across the nation, providing the resources, expertise, and inspiration needed to cultivate a vibrant arts culture within educational institutions
In a world where creativity is the currency of the future, Standing In The Wings is not just an organisation; it is a movement that champions the transformative power of the arts “StandingInTheWingsarethemostprofessional,adaptableandwonderful companyIhavehadthepleasuretoworkwith!”-HuxlowAcademy, Northamptonshire.
To bring drama skills and production excellence to your school, visit www.standinginthewings.co.uk , email kathryn@standinginthewings.co.uk or call 07753 634985 and join the movement that is unlocking the potential of the next generation, one school stage at a time
“OUR £15,000 CAMPAIGN CUT
FLY-TIPPING BY 20%”
Fly-tipping poses a major problem in Lewisham According to a survey conducted in autumn 2021, 23% of residents in the area mentioned flytipping as a cause for discontent with the borough Prior to the Cleaner Lewisham initiative introduced in October 2021, approximately 2,700 fly-tipping incidents were reported monthly, resulting in the clearance of nearly 180 tonnes of waste from the streets each month
Since the introduction of the Cleaner Lewisham initiative, the community has witnessed a significant reduction in fly-tipping occurrences
This comprehensive program includes increased street cleaning schedules, the installation of more waste disposal units, and heightened surveillance to deter illegal dumping.
Additionally, the initiative promotes community engagement through educational campaigns that encourage residents to take pride in their local environment and report any fly-tipping activities they encounter.
Moreover, the council has partnered with local businesses and organizations to provide convenient disposal solutions and recycling programs
These efforts have not only improved the aesthetic appeal of Lewisham but have also fostered a sense of unity and responsibility among its residents
The Cleaner Lewisham initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to address environmental challenges, making Lewisham a cleaner, safer, and more pleasant place to live for everyone
GASTATEMENTON ROVISIONALLOCAL OVERNMENT NANCESETTLEMENT
“Today’s settlement does not provide enough funding to meet the severe cost and demand pressures which have left councils of all political colours and types warning of the serious challenges they face to set balanced budgets next year."
Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “The funding uplift announced by the Government today assumes that all councils will increase their council tax bills by the maximum allowed in 2024/25 This means councils are again left facing the difficult choice about raising bills to bring in desperately needed funding
“Today’s settlement does not provide enough funding to meet the severe cost and demand pressures which have left councils of all political colours and types warning of the serious challenges they face to set balanced budgets next year Councils in England continue to face a funding gap of £4 billion over the next two years as today’s announcement does not change the funding gap facing councils this year and next.
“It is therefore unthinkable that government has not provided desperately needed new funding for local services in 2024/25 Although councils are working hard to reduce costs where possible, this means the local services our communities rely on every day are now exposed to further cuts
“No council is now immune to the growing risk to their financial sustainability The Government urgently needs to address the growing financial crisis facing councils and come up with a long-term plan to sufficiently fund local services through multi-year settlements "
CadenceInnovabecomes firstallboardUKSME accreditedChartered ManagementConsultants
UK SME Cadence Innova achieves a historic milestone as the firm’s entire Board, including its Chair, have all individually achieved Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) status.
Jane Barrett, Founding Partner, joins board members Tricia Phillips, Gita-Singham Willis, Gary Ashby, and John Hoffmire to achieve their ambition of being the first UK SME to meet this milestone. The consultancy is proud to have many of the wider team already accredited and have a number on the journey to Chartered Management Consultants The go to SME for public services transformation that discover, design, and deliver positive change, prides itself on supporting this pathway to all consultants as part of their professional development
The accreditation is the highest status available in the management consulting profession, providing a professional standard of career excellence Created and managed by the Management Consultancies Association, the trade association for UK management consultancies and the Chartered Management Institute, the only Chartered professional body for management and leadership; the chartership recognises consistent and high levels of professional competency and achievement
“We are enormously proud of this recognition, which is a testament to our teams’ dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in management consulting We are all so delighted to lead the way as the first SME with all our board accredited and being one of the SMEs with the highest proportion of Chartered Management Consultants on our team " , commented Tricia Phillips, Managing Partner at Cadence Innova
As an organisation that is committed to diversity, Cadence Innova draws from a wide pool of people who come from a variety of backgrounds The Chartered status allows the team to bring real and lived experiences to customers, underpinned by this professional recognition. It means that the firm’s customers can confidently procure their services in the knowledge that they are qualified, trusted advisors whose knowledge, experience and technical excellence is underpinned and evidenced by a professional body
“At Cadence, our commitment to professional development goes beyond organisational obligation – it is a collective philosophy embraced by us all By investing in ongoing education, skills enhancement, and professional networking, our consultants ensure their relevance and effectiveness in an ever-evolving consultancy landscape, as well as contributing to the advancement of the profession by sharing insights, mentoring emerging talent, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the consultancy community.”, concluded Tricia.
Substantial progress made with FCDO merger but more to do to achieve full benefits
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has made substantial progress with the merger that created it, although more work is needed to resolve outstanding HR and IT issues, clarify capability needs and progress culture change, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.
In June 2020, government announced that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID) would merge into FCDO. This was intended to increase the UK's impact overseas through combining development and diplomacy efforts
FCDO’s initial portfolio to deliver the merger was unrealistic in scope and timing, comprising 12 programmes over a two-year timeframe. This was exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical crises in Afghanistan and Ukraine, which took up management capacity and required staff to be redeployed to other priorities
However, the new department recognised it needed to revisit its plans and scaled back its ambitions in May 2022, successfully bringing the merger back on track. All programmes in the updated portfolio were subsequently completed by April 2023
Teams across FCDO have drawn on the strengths of the former departments to develop new ways of working, adapting where necessary to better suit the needs of the new organisation.1
There are examples where a more integrated approach to development and diplomacy has improved FCDO’s ability to respond to international crises and events, such as the joint humanitarian and political response to the Ebola crisis in Uganda, and the support for delivery of COVID-19 vaccines across the world. However, FCDO does not know the full costs of the merger and has chosen not to systematically track its benefits, including cost savings, organisational improvements and efficiency gains
The department spent a minimum of £24.7 million on the merger in 2020-21 to 202223, but this excludes indirect costs such as disruption, diverted effort and the impact on staff morale, as well as the full costs of the HR & finance and Aid Management Platform programmes
Without clear objectives or mechanisms to fully track costs and identify benefits, the value for money of the merger cannot be assessed FCDO development capability has reduced due to the loss of some senior development roles and the shortage of programme managers for its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes 3 The department is working to mitigate the risk of not sustaining its international development skills and expertise, which it currently rates as “ severe ” .
PRESTIGIOUS AWARDSFOR NATIONAL FOSTERING FILMPROJECT 'ANYOFUS'
"Any of Us", a powerful fostering short film encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider becoming a foster carer for their local authority picked up two prestigious awards
“Any of Us” is the fifth - and most well-supported - film in all to be produced in collaboration with Stockport Council and a growing partnership of 87 councils across the UK to promote local authority fostering
“Any of Us” fostering film won the “Best Collaboration” and “Best Creative Comms” categories at the comms2point0 UnAwards which recognises excellence in public sector communications at a ceremony held in Birmingham
The message of the fostering film is “Any of us can foster a child or young person, if you have the capacity to care” The film looks at three very different people who all show some of the attributes needed to be a foster carer in incidents from their daily lives – Ayesha going to the aid of a pedestrian after a minor road accident, Neil calming down an aggressive situation in a snooker club, and Marsha identifying a young person showing signs of distress and intervening with them at school
Different individuals in very different scenarios, but each in their own way showing the caring instinct that is fundamental to being a foster carer The film develops so that it becomes clear that one of these three everyday people will become the foster carer to Chloe But which one of the three will be the one to make the difference? The main character’s stories are all interwoven with Chloe’s, as we see her journey into fostering.
Proposed deadline for outstanding audits revealed
Councils face having their accounts for 2022-23 and previous years qualified if auditors do not sign them off by the end of September, the country’s most senior auditor has warned
Councils face having their accounts for 2022-23 and previous years qualified if
auditors do not sign them off by the end of September, the country’s most senior auditor has warned
Before the pandemic in 2018, 87% of audits were completed by the then publishing deadline of 31 July.
Yesterday local government minister Simon Hoare (Con) announced that there will be a consultation "soon" on plans to address this backlog, which will include a mandatory deadline for outstanding audits.
The backlog of audits has been a major concern for local authorities, with some audits dating back several years. This not only creates a lack of transparency and accountability but also puts a strain on resources and makes it difficult for councils to make informed decisions.
The mandatory deadline for outstanding audits is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local government sector and help ensure that public funds are being used effectively
It will also help to restore public confidence in the ability of local authorities to manage their finances responsibly.
“One teacher wrote to tell us it was ‘genuinely one of the most positive reactions we have ever had to an external visitor’ while another said that their pupils were still discussing what they had taken from the talk two hours after it finished
“It points to an educational method that works and we are delighted to be continuing our relationship with WHYSUP to bring the lived experience model to even more schools in 2023/24, ensuring that they benefit from our specialising in gambling-related harm and WHYSUP’s focus on mental health benefits for an age group that faces the many daily challenges of adolescence ”
Further teacher feedback included positive appraisal of the connections that the facilitators are able to draw between gaming and gambling, ensuring that pupils are aware that their popular pastimes can have unwitting mechanisms that draw them towards betting-related activity, not least in the form of loot boxes, which
continue to be scrutinised and subject to further voluntary regulation within the UK, as they effectively make forms of gambling accessible to under 18s under current legislation
Specialising in mental health discussions for school-age children, WHYSUP bring a crucial additional element to the holistic education offering, and are
Very happy to be further enhancing their partnership with EPIC
“We are delighted to be collaborating with EPIC Risk Management for another 12 months,” said Mark Murray, founder of WHYSUP.
“When we first met Paul Buck [EPIC CEO] in 2019, one of the things he shared was his passion to educate young people
Through four years of partnership, we believe we have made a real difference working in this space
“Our recent two-year state school programme has been a huge success, combining both organisations’ expertise of gambling harm minimisation and mental health
“As we go into a new year of partnership, our primary focus is the same as it was in 2019: to make a real difference through collaboration and offer an outstanding education programme for young people ”
Secondary schools in both the private and state sector who wish to learn more about EPIC’s unique education programme are welcome to contact education@epicriskmanagement.com for further details.
