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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Princess of Wales becomes Patron of Captain Preet Chandi’s expedition across Antarctica [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Princess of Wales becomes Patron of Captain Preet Chandi’s expedition across Antarctica [October 2022]

    The press release issued by Buckingham Palace on 26 October 2022.

    The Princess of Wales has today become Patron of Captain Preet Chandi’s expedition across Antarctica. Captain Chandi MBE is aiming to become the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported, travelling over 1000 miles.

    Captain Chandi is taking part in the challenge to inspire future generations to believe in themselves, to push their boundaries and show how the outdoors can help them achieve their dreams. The Princess has long been an advocate of the huge impact the outdoors can have on our wellbeing and the life skills it nurtures, such as confidence and resilience.

    She is committed to promoting this to young people, including through her work with organisations such as the Scouts, of which she is joint President. Preet’s historic expedition is the pinnacle of such activity and that is why The Princess is delighted to have been invited to be Patron.

    Captain Preet Chandi MBE said:

    “My aim for this expedition has always been to inspire people to push their boundaries. I want to bring people on this journey with me, to help them believe that nothing is impossible.

    “It is an absolute privilege to have The Princess of Wales as the Patron.”

    In January 2021, Captain Chandi created history by becoming the first woman of colour to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported. She finished the route in 40 days, just short of the female world record of 38 days held by Joanna Davidson of Sweden.

    This time Preet will pull all her kit and supplies on a sledge weighing around 120kg while battling temperatures of -50c and wind speeds of up to 60mph. She is due to begin her trek at the start of November and has 75 days to complete the journey.

    Captain Chandi is a physiotherapist and serving member of the British Army, currently working as a physiotherapist at a Regional Rehabilitation Unit in Buckinghamshire, providing rehabilitation for injured soldiers and officers.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Only highest-quality vocational qualifications to count post-16 [November 2012]

    PRESS RELEASE : Only highest-quality vocational qualifications to count post-16 [November 2012]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 20 November 2012.

    Only the highest-quality vocational qualifications will continue to count in reformed performance tables for colleges and school sixth forms, Education Minister Matthew Hancock announced today (20 November 2012).

    He said that the move would ensure that post-16 institutions focused on valued qualifications that make it easier for young people to get good jobs or go on to higher education.

    The proportion of 16- to 18-year-olds (studying at level 3) now taking at least one of the 4,000 post-16 level 3 vocational courses available (BTECs, City and Guilds, NVQs and so on) has risen from 31 per cent in 2008 to 45 per cent in 2011 – from 104,000 students to more than 167,000.

    All these 4,000 courses count in the current performance tables. But the degree of rigour and stretch in these varies considerably and most rely heavily on internal assessment, like coursework, rather than externally marked exams and other work.

    Around 90% of these could be cut from the new-look tables if they fail to meet rigorous criteria due to be outlined in a Department for Education consultation next year. These could include, for example, external assessment and recognition by universities and employers.

    The announcement, made by Mr Hancock in a speech to the Association of Colleges, follows Professor Alison Wolf’s review of vocational education.

    He said all students could continue to study any accredited qualification, and that lecturers and teachers should ensure young people study the courses that are right for them. But he added that in the future only those courses which meet the rigorous new criteria would continue to count in performance tables.

    Professor Wolf said in her ground-breaking report that there were far too many low-level qualifications that did not properly progress young people. As well as the thousands of level 3 vocational course students, about one in five 16- to 18-year-old students are on level 1 or level 2 courses – those aimed at 14- and 15-year-olds. None of these courses count in the tables at the moment.

    Previous government announcements stemming from her report, and strengthening post-16 education, include reforming the funding system so that institutions are paid per student not per qualification. The government has also introduced new study programmes for 16- to 18-year-olds (both from September 2013).

    Today’s announcement (20 November 2012) is part of a package of reforms designed to drive up standards in post-16 education even further.

    Other changes announced by Mr Hancock today include:

    • Reformed performance tables from January 2014, showing institutions’ performance in A-levels and in vocational qualifications separately. Then from 2017, there will be separate columns for academic, vocational and “occupation-specific” qualifications – practical, competence-based qualifications (eg plumbing or brick-laying) which can be identified as providing high-value routes into a trade or profession. The tables for January 2013 will be interim tables that show the current joint measure (academic and vocational) and a separate academic column.
    • New minimum standards that will apply to school sixth forms, sixth-form colleges and further education colleges. These will identify the weakest performing institutions either in A-levels or in vocational qualifications. This is part of a strategy to weed out under-performance, and treat academic and vocational qualifications as different but equally important part of a high-quality education, with comparable measures across schools and colleges.

    Until now, minimum standards have applied only to further education colleges, sixth form colleges and training providers, and have been based on success rates. There have been no standards that apply to school sixth forms.

    Professor Wolf said in her report that “success rates” (a retention measure, based on the number of students who start and pass a course) created perverse incentives which encouraged colleges to guide students into less challenging qualifications.

    Education Minister Matthew Hancock said in his speech:

    For vocational education to be valued and held in high esteem we must be uncompromising about the value added of vocational education.

    I share with Alison Wolf the view that we must encourage the use of the most rigorous and valuable vocational qualifications.

    I also share her view that far too little genuinely occupational education takes place among 16- to 18-year-olds.

    In the coming weeks we will publish a consultation on how to identify the highest value vocational qualifications for 16- to 18-year-olds, just as we have done for 14- to 16-year-olds.

    Vocational qualifications must be stretching and strong.

    Mr Hancock added:

    We need to be firmer in tackling educational and financial failure, and turning under-performing colleges around.

    So students and employers alike can see performance for themselves, I can confirm that, from this year, we will introduce common standards and measures of performance between schools and colleges. Both will be expected to meet minimum standards.

    A levels and vocational qualifications are different, so they will be judged separately from each other.

    But each will be judged in the same way for all institutions. We said we’d introduce a level playing field, and we will.

    Professor Alison Wolf said:

    I am delighted that the government proposes to consult on major reforms to level 3 vocational qualifications.

    It is deeply worrying that we combine ever-higher numbers of young people in post-16 education with well-documented skill shortages in areas which depend on high-quality occupational training.

    You cannot make a vocational qualification high status by simply announcing that it should be. But if a vocational qualification is demanding, respected by employers and a clear route into employment, and if we can ensure that students and parents know this, it will gain the prestige it deserves.

    We need more people taking more qualifications of this type, and the proposed consultation should be an important step in that direction.

    The government also announced today that 117 qualifications available at key stage 4 (ages 14 to 16) would count in the 2015 secondary school performance tables. They have all met the characteristics as set out by the Department for Education.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Committee Calls for Clarity on Scottish Government Covid Recovery Funding [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Committee Calls for Clarity on Scottish Government Covid Recovery Funding [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Parliament on 29 October 2022.

    The Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee has called on the Scottish Government to clarify whether the cost crisis will affect the funding of Scotland’s Covid Recovery Strategy.

    Following pre-budget scrutiny of how the Scottish Government plans to fund its Covid Recovery Strategy and the ongoing costs associated with the pandemic, the Committee have written to John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery, asking for the Committee’s views to be considered when preparing the budget.

    The impact of the cost crisis was highlighted during the Committee’s evidence sessions, including concerns from witnesses over how this could affect the funding and delivery of the Covid Recovery Strategy, with some saying the crisis will pose more significant challenges for organisations, service providers and individuals than even those faced during the pandemic.

    The Covid Recovery Strategy was published in October 2021, before the scale of the emerging cost-of-living crisis was apparent.

    The Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for recovery, focusing on efforts to tackle inequality and disadvantage arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and states that progress towards public service reform and a well-being economy is necessary to tackle these inequalities.

    Commenting, Siobhian Brown MSP, Convener of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, said:

    “During our pre-budget scrutiny, we heard that the Scottish Government’s budget is approximately £1.7 billion less than it was worth in December 2021 due to inflationary pressures.

    “The Committee, therefore, are seeking clarity on how this will impact the Scottish Government’s priorities and ability to deliver the outcomes as set out in the Covid Recovery Strategy and whether it intends to refresh the strategy to reflect any policy changes in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

    “As the budget doesn’t commit to specific spending on COVID-19 or Covid Recovery, it’s important that there is greater clarity provided on how much funding the Scottish Government intends to commit to achieving the outcomes identified in its Covid Recovery Strategy within the upcoming budget.”

    The Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny also set out the evidence gathered on costs associated with the Strategic Framework. These included future pandemic preparedness, vaccinations, testing and surveillance, personal protective equipment, monitoring Covid-19 recovery and Scottish Government progress towards developing a well-being economy.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Panel on Public Participation to meet in the Scottish Parliament [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Citizens’ Panel on Public Participation to meet in the Scottish Parliament [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Parliament on 27 October 2022.

    A newly established Citizens’ Panel will meet for the first time this weekend (28th – 30th October) in the Scottish Parliament to help shape how Parliament engages with the people of Scotland.

    The Citizens’ Panel, comprised of 22 people broadly reflecting the demographic make-up of Scotland, will come together to deliberate how the Scottish Parliament can best work with communities to ensure their needs are reflected in its work.

    The Citizens’ Panel will meet for two full weekends at the Scottish Parliament and three shorter evening sessions online.

    Earlier this year, the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee launched an inquiry into Public Participation, looking at how people’s voices are heard in the work of the Parliament.

    The Citizens’ Panel will assist the inquiry by making recommendations on improving how Holyrood’s work involves, reflects, and meets the needs of the full range of communities it represents, focusing on improving engagement for those currently under-represented.

    Throughout the sittings, the Citizen’s Panel will have the opportunity to hear from MSPs and leading academics about democracy and public participation to help facilitate discussion and inform their findings.

    Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Convener Jackson Carlaw, MSP, said:

    “Our inquiry into Public Participation is important because we know that the Parliament doesn’t hear enough from some groups and communities.

    “We want to make sure that the views and opinions of everyone in Scotland are included in the work of the Parliament, and the Citizens’ Panel will be crucial to helping us understand how we can improve this.

    “Ensuring the Scottish Parliament is accessible to a diverse range of people, particularly when developing new laws or policies that affect them, is essential and the Committee will eagerly anticipate the Citizens’ Panel recommendations.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Health, Social Care and Sport Committee seek views on proposals for a Patient Safety Commissioner [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Health, Social Care and Sport Committee seek views on proposals for a Patient Safety Commissioner [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Parliament on 26 October 2022.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Protecting Scotland’s water [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Protecting Scotland’s water [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 30 October 2022.

    New rules to align with European Union standards.

    Powers passed by MSPs to help deal with the impact of Brexit are being used for the first time to ensure Scotland’s high quality drinking water aligns with standards set by the European Union.

    The EU Continuity Act 2020 ensures that Scotland can maintain and advance the high standards shared between devolved Scots and EU law, irrespective of the consequences of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

    New regulations being laid under the Act this week will adhere to updated standards set by the World Health Organisation that limit emerging pollutants and endocrine disrupting compounds. Such pollutants include PFAs which are better known as ‘forever chemicals’ and are commonly used in non-stick and water repellent products and do not degrade when they reach the environment.

    Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said:

    “Scotland’s drinking water is renowned for its excellent quality all over the world and we will be relentless in ensuring it stays this way and meets the highest of standards.

    “These latest steps we are taking, to maintain those standards, are a prime example of our commitment to re-join the EU and align with its policies. Through such action, we will continue to protect the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland and also ease the future process of Scotland’s return to the EU.

    “This is in stark contrast to the approach being taken by the UK Government, intent on undermining retained EU law which will be hugely damaging to people and businesses in Scotland.

    “We’re determined to continue to be an active and constructive participant on EU matters, which will ease the process of Scotland’s future return to the EU.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scotland leads on the Real Living Wage [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scotland leads on the Real Living Wage [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 30 October 2022.

    A Fair Work approach to the cost of living crisis.

    A record proportion of employees in Scotland are being paid the real Living Wage (rLW) or more, new figures reveal.

    The Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings shows 91% of employees aged 18 and over earned at least the rLW in 2022, an increase from 85.5% in 2021 and the highest proportion since the rLW series began in 2012.

    In comparison, 87.5% of employees aged 18 and over in England are paid the rLW or more, 88.2% in Wales and 85.4% in Northern Ireland.

    The ONS survey also confirms that the Gender Pay Gap is lower in Scotland than across the UK as a whole. For full-time employees the gap is 3.7% compared with the UK figure of  8.3%.

    The Scottish Government is committed to tackling the cost of living crisis with a Fair Work approach, ensuring workers are paid at least the rLW – currently £10.90 per hour – and supporting more women into jobs through flexible working opportunities.

    Minister for Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead said:

    “The Scottish Government’s commitment to promoting payment of the real Living Wage is a fundamental part of our National Strategy for Economic Transformation and a key cost of living policy to deliver a fairer and more equal society.

    “The ONS figures confirm that Scottish employers are leading the way and we can be proud of the progress that has been made.

    “There is still work to be done on tackling the gender pay gap, but we are taking steps to make this happen. We will publish our refreshed Fair Work Action Plan later this year, outlining the actions needed to close the gap further and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We will continue to work with employers, employability providers and partners to achieve this aim.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scotland is world’s first Daily Mile Nation [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scotland is world’s first Daily Mile Nation [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 28 October 2022.

    Key target to involve all 32 local authorities is met.

    Scottish children have stepped their way into the history books as the country is confirmed as the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.

    Around 187,000 school children in all of Scotland’s local authority areas are getting active for at least fifteen minutes a day meeting the criteria agreed with the Daily Mile Foundation. More than half of primary schools are now signed up to the Daily Mile.

    The initiative is proven to improve the wellbeing of children across the country, as part of wider efforts to improve overall health and reduce the pressure on the NHS over winter.

    It was started by former Head Teacher Elaine Wyllie of St Ninian’s Primary in Stirling in 2012 and has grown every year – extending beyond schools into communities and workplaces and encouraging more people in Scotland to get on the move.

    The Scottish Football Association is backing the initiative using its extensive network of community clubs to promote the role of physical activity in health and wellbeing.

    Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:

    “We want Scotland to become a nation where more people are more active, more often. The benefits of instilling these habits early are plain to see – children will see the joy of walking, running or wheeling which will boost their health in the long term, and reduce the strain on our NHS.

    “I try to do a Daily Mile whenever I can and there is no doubt I always feel better for it.

    “I consider this initiative to be one of Scotland’s best exports – building on our success, other home nations and countries around the world are now embracing The Daily Mile initiative.  Scotland continues to lead the way on a global scale.”

    Daily Mile UK Partnership Manager Fiona Paterson said:

    “In our joint strategy published in 2020, The Daily Mile Foundation and the Scottish Government set out the key targets which would signify that Scotland could be recognised as the world’s first Daily Mile nation.

    “We are delighted to announce that these targets have been met and that the foundations have been laid for further work to continue to embed the INEOS backed Daily Mile across the country’.

    Ms Wylie said:

    “From one school in Stirling to Scotland to becoming a Daily Mile Nation, I am incredibly proud of all the schools, teachers and children that have helped us achieve this milestone and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and our partners across Scotland.

    “The Daily Mile was created by children which I truly believe is why it has been so successful and is now reaching nearly 4 million children around the world.”

    Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said:

    “The Scottish FA recognises the unique reach of football and the importance that physical activity can play in the health and wellbeing of children and young people in this country, and we are thrilled to support this initiative as Scotland becomes the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.

    “Opportunities to exercise on and off the pitch should be available to everyone and through our network of community football clubs and local partners, we are ready to play our part and use the power of football to inspire the country to become more active.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Storm Arwen review [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Storm Arwen review [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 28 October 2022.

    New processes in place one year on.

    Organisations across Scotland have put in place a series of measures to protect communities from the effects of severe weather ahead of winter.

    It follows a review of the Storm Arwen response published in January 2022, which set out 15 recommendations for the Scottish Government and its partners.

    A report published today updates on progress since then, with a range of improvements put in place ahead of winter. These include:

    • A full winter readiness exercise carried out by emergency responders across every area in Scotland by the end of November
    • A new online learning and training hub to help individuals, community groups and the voluntary sector to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies
    • The development of a new process to monitor and evaluate Scotland’s resilience system annually to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively
    • Increased integration and engagement with the voluntary sector, and expansion of local directories of assets and capabilities to support resilience activity

    Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown, said:

    “The Scottish Government committed to a full review of the circumstances of Storm Arwen, and this report demonstrates clearly the range of work that is underway to ensure that lessons are learned.

    “Our responder community, including our blue light services and our local authorities, will put these recommendations in place and we will support them to ensure our resilience arrangements continue to strengthen to protect communities.”

    Chair of the Scottish Resilience Partnership Jim Savege said:

    “Responders have worked hard through the year, reviewing the risks we need to be prepared for, planning and exercising and making sure we are as prepared as we all can be for any future events and incidents we may have to respond to. More than ever, emergency services have considered wider risks that may be realised, and the growing reality of having to deal with concurrent risks and incidents.

    “Significant additional work has been invested this year into working with voluntary organisations and communities to ensure their resilience and their ability to deal with incidents has been enhanced. Community and business resilience are the bedrock upon which emergency services work and respond.

    “The SRP is grateful for all of the work that so many colleagues have invested in ensuring we are as prepared as we can be for the winter ahead.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tenant Protection Act becomes law [October 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tenant Protection Act becomes law [October 2022]

    The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 28 October 2022.

    Rents frozen and evictions prevented.

    Emergency legislation giving tenants increased protection from rent increases and evictions during the cost of living crisis has become law after receiving Royal Assent.

    The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act gives Ministers temporary power to cap rent increases for private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation.

    This applies to in-tenancy rent increases, with the cap set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023, effectively freezing rents for most tenants during this period.

    Enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.

    Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said:

    “Many people who rent their homes are facing real difficulties as a result of the cost of living crisis. While bills are rising for all of us, many tenants are more exposed as they are more likely to be on low incomes or living in poverty than other people.

    “These measures aim to give tenants greater confidence about their housing costs and the security of a stable home.

    “Some landlords may be feeling the effects of this crisis too. So while the primary purpose is to protect tenants, the emergency measures also include safeguards for those landlords who may be impacted.

    “For anyone struggling with their rent, I would urge you to contact your landlord, an advice organisation or a tenants’ union to get help as early as possible.”