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Tag: 2024

  • PRESS RELEASE : Pornography Review asks for views to shape industry rules [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Pornography Review asks for views to shape industry rules [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 11 January 2024.

    The Call for Evidence for the independent Pornography Review launches today.

    • Pornography creators, law enforcement, parents and the public asked for views as government investigates impact of pornography
    • views to be collected on impact of emerging tech, such as AI and virtual reality, on pornography
    • results will inform independent Pornography Review that will cover harm caused to sexual relationships and violence against women in wider society

    Law enforcers, pornography makers, parents and the public are being asked to help shape the future of pornography regulation in the UK from today (Thursday 11 January) as the government launches a wide-ranging call for evidence as part of its review of the pornography industry.

    The questionnaire, which closes on Thursday 7 March will collect evidence on the impact of pornographic content on relationships, sexual behaviours, mental health and people’s views of women and girls.

    This exercise will provide independent Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin with evidence that represents the views of those in the industry itself and the public, which will be used to develop recommendations for the government to undertake.

    The substantial impact that new technologies have had on the pornography industry will also be covered, with respondents asked for their thoughts on how AI and virtual reality have changed how pornography is made, accessed and viewed, as well as how this impacts viewers and the industry.

    Law enforcement and the criminal justice system will have an opportunity to raise what challenges face them in identifying and tackling these issues in pornography – as well as giving the industry an opportunity to set out what it is doing to tackle them more effectively.

    Lead Reviewer Baroness Bertin said:

    Throughout this review, it is essential we engage directly with those who are most involved in the pornography industry and accurately establish what the general public thinks of the current rules governing pornography.

    We want to hear from a wide range of views, whether it be a worried parent, those enforcing the laws to stop exploitation or someone directing or performing in pornography themselves, to speak up and support our review.

    Extreme pornography can have a damaging impact – we owe it to our children and indeed to the whole of society to put the guard rails back in place.

    This review will help us fully understand what we must now do to protect those most affected as well as future proofing the law to keep pace with an ever-evolving pornography industry.

    Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Saqib Bhatti said:

    The Pornography Review will be key to informing what we do next to tackle any harmful impact the industry may have on those working within it, or society at large.

    The invaluable evidence the public, experts and industry provide will be integral to what Baroness Bertin recommends later this year.

    Ian Critchley, QPM, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Child Abuse and Investigation said:

    I very much welcome this government commissioned review led by Baroness Bertin. It is one that is essential in tackling harmful sexual behaviours. This is in addition to the whole scale use of smart devices by teenagers and now under 10s, which gives them increased access to harmful material including violent pornography and indecent images of children.

    The Online Safety Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation for a generation and it will help us to improve the safety of children and young people. In tandem with this review will provide a greater evidence base allowing us to better understand the impact violent pornography is having on the behaviour of young people and adults who continue to pose the greatest risk of harm to children. It will then ensure we can work together across agencies to prevent what has become normalised behaviour which is causing some of the greatest harm often with lifelong consequences.

    The Pornography Review, announced last year, builds on the government’s work to take the long-term decisions for a better future for our children and grandchildren through the Online Safety Act, by stopping children from accessing pornography online by requiring services to establish the age of their users, including through age verification and age estimation tools.

  • PRESS RELEASE : The security situation across the Sahel is deteriorating – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : The security situation across the Sahel is deteriorating – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 January 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on West Africa.

    Thank you, President. I’m grateful to SRSG Simão and Dr Théroux-Bénoni for their briefings this morning. Let me make four points on security, democracy, climate change, and humanitarian need.

    First, as we’ve heard, security across the Sahel is deteriorating. The UK is particularly concerned about the situation in Mali, where UNOWAS has a crucial role to play after MINUSMA’s withdrawal. We encourage UNOWAS, through its good offices, to help bring all signatories to the 2015 Algiers Accords back to the negotiating table.

    The UK welcomes ECOWAS contributions to regional security and supports the potential of the Accra Initiative. We also stand ready to support the region and the UN for the upcoming Africa Counter Terrorism Summit. We reiterate that the region’s security challenges are only exacerbated by the destabilising chaos of Russian mercenary group Wagner.

    Second, democracy is under pressure. Timelines for the restoration of constitutional governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea continue to slip. We echo ECOWAS’ calls for a return to constitutional order, and we encourage recommitment to transition timetables. We call on Niger to agree a transition timeline with ECOWAS.

    The United Kingdom congratulates Liberia for its recent peaceful transfer of power, and welcomes the Peacebuilding Commission’s role supporting this process. We urge redoubled efforts on UNOWAS’ regional work to prevent election-related tensions.

    Third, the Security Council has recognised the adverse effects of climate change on security and stability in the region. We welcome UNOWAS’ work in the climate-security nexus. The UK is supporting work in the region to build the resilience of those most vulnerable to climate change.

    Fourth, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Since 2019, UK aid has supported over 15 million in the Sahel with life-saving assistance, but humanitarian needs are still going unmet.  We call on all actors to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

    In closing, President, in light of the regional challenges we’ve all set out here today, we should recommit to even closer work with UNOWAS and the regional organisations. We join others in calling for a presidential statement of the Council to reflect this commitment.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We will not stand by and allow the Houthis to threaten civilian vessels: UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : We will not stand by and allow the Houthis to threaten civilian vessels: UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.

    Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

    Thank you, President and we thank also the US and Japan for tabling this resolution.

    The United Kingdom condemns in the strongest terms the illegal and unjustified attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi militants.

    Yesterday, the Houthis attempted their largest attack yet, launching at least 21 missiles and drones towards international shipping lanes. 15 percent of all global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea.

    These attacks threaten to spike the availability and prices of food and energy, which would inevitably hit the world’s poorest the hardest. Yesterday’s was the twenty-sixth such attack since the 19th of November.

    This was despite this Council’s demand on the 1 December for the Houthis to stop all such attacks immediately. On 3 January, the UK joined 11 countries in a statement warning against further attacks.

    So we are using all diplomatic means possible to deter these attacks and that is why we voted in favour of this resolution.

    US and UK military assets in the Red Sea successfully repelled yesterday’s attack. We will not stand by and allow the Houthis to threaten civilian vessels and hold global food and energy supplies hostage.

    If necessary, and as previously stated by the UK Defence Secretary, we will not hesitate to take further action to deter threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

    The UK is committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and trade in the Red Sea.

    I thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Over 14.6 million Ukrainians will need humanitarian assistance this year – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Over 14.6 million Ukrainians will need humanitarian assistance this year – UK statement at the UN Security Council [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    Thank you, President, and I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director Wosornu for their briefings today.

    Amid New Year celebrations elsewhere, Ukrainians entered this New Year in darkness, without heating, without shelter, and with air raids ringing.

    Ninety drones were fired at Odesa, Lviv and other cities on New Year’s Eve. Another massive assault took place on Monday as temperatures across Ukraine dropped as low as minus 20. Over 1,000 towns and villages in nine regions were left without power.

    Responders are rapidly making repairs and I do not doubt the resilience and the determination of Ukrainians to defend their freedom and their territory. But these attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop.

    In addition, Russia’s use of ballistic missiles from the DPRK is a sign of recklessness and desperation. It violates multiple resolutions.

    All UN Members have an obligation to implement UN resolutions. So I call on Russia, a P5 country, to halt its trading in arms with the DPRK, and to implement all UNSC resolutions in full, and to restate its commitment to the global non-proliferation regime.

    I also call on Iran, the DPRK, and any third party that is providing material support to the Russian war machine to cease immediately. Ending Russia’s access to foreign weapons will help end this war.

    Now more specifically, President, near the front lines in Ukraine, the situation is even worse. The UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024 refers to entire communities pummelled daily, regions where no hospital or clinic has been left untouched by war. People have been without water and gas in their homes for over a year now.

    As we heard from OCHA, over 14.6 million people, about 40 percent of the Ukrainian population living in Ukraine, will need humanitarian assistance in 2024.  The UK has committed $472.72 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since 2022 and our support will continue.

    But as I heard during my visit to Kyiv, Russia continues to impede humanitarian access for millions of people living in the temporarily controlled territories.  Civilians are struggling to access water, food, shelter and other essential services. And the situation is expected to get worse as the cold weather intensifies.

    So Russia must, as this Council has said repeatedly, allow humanitarian organisations safe and unimpeded access to these areas immediately.

    Mr President, New Year is a time for resolutions. We suggest Russia make three. To abide by the UN Charter and Council resolutions, to stop its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to withdraw its military from Ukrainian soil.

    Thank you, President.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government levelling up funding in Wales tops £2.5 billion [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government levelling up funding in Wales tops £2.5 billion [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 10 January 2024.

    Investment in every part of Wales is helping to grow the economy and deliver benefits for communities.

    Communities across Wales are benefitting from over £2.5 billion in UK Government levelling up funding to transform their local areas, which is the equivalent of over £800 for every person in Wales.

    This huge funding boost has seen the UK Government working with local partners to deliver projects that transform communities, create thousands of jobs and grow the economy.

    In 2023, this included two new £160 million Investment Zones in north-east and south-east Wales, two Freeports in Anglesey and Milford Haven and Port Talbot alongside a further £319 million in Levelling Up Funding for projects across Wales such as £20 million to transform Barry Docks waterfront and £18.8 million to improve visitor facilities at the National Slate Museum in Gwynedd.

    The £2.5 billion investment from the UK Government also includes £790 million in City and Growth Deals which now cover every part of Wales and are delivering jobs and local growth. The Swansea Arena, part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is now open for business and has a full programme of events.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    2023 was a fantastic year for both the scale and pace of new investments in Wales and I’m delighted to see that our levelling up funding for communities across Wales now stands at more than £2.5 billion.

    It has been brilliant to see projects where work has been completed and the community is already seeing huge benefits, such as the Baglan Bay Technology Centre in Port Talbot, which is now open for business. This ground-breaking building is the first of its kind in Wales and offers high tech office and laboratory space to a host of innovative companies, part funded by the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal.

    “And I’ve seen countless other projects where work is already underway, or nearing completion. The construction of the Pentre Awel health and well-being centre in Llanelli is moving at pace and will soon create over 1,800 jobs and training opportunities in a world-class medical research facility.

    Another highlight was seeing construction begin on the High Value Engineering centre in Blaenau Gwent. This new centre for Coleg Gwent will provide space for 600 students to gain valuable new skills and has received £9 million directly from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

    These investments are making a huge difference to communities and I’m looking forward to seeing many more transformational projects across Wales in the coming year.

    As well as large scale funding, the UK Government is also working directly with local communities to safeguard the places that are important to them. The Community Ownership Fund has invested over £4 million in a range of projects from community-run pubs and shops to refurbishing village halls, chapels and community centres.

    The Welsh Secretary met many of the people who have been instrumental in saving these important community assets. He added:

    It’s such a pleasure to meet the recipients of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, such as the people behind saving Llandyrnog Village Shop in Denbighshire and the Judge’s Lodging in Presteigne.

    They are the heroes of their local areas, brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and it’s fantastic that we can help them achieve a long-lasting future for these much-loved places.

    This year, communities across Wales are set to benefit from even more projects opening, such as a new transport hub in Porth and a new dual carriageway at Coed Ely, near Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Both these schemes will help people access workplaces and leisure facilities more easily, improve connectivity right across the region and grow the economy.

    The table below sets out the UK Government’s investments in Wales.

    (£m) Wales
    Levelling Up Fund (3 rounds) 440
    UK Shared Prosperity Fund 585
    Community Ownership Fund 4.2
    Community Renewal Fund 47
    Freeports 52
    Investment Zones 320
    Long Term Plan for Towns 80
    Sports Grassroots Facilities Fund 14
    Strength in Places 47
    City and Growth Deals 790
    Launchpad 7.5
    Regional Investment Fund 130
    TOTAL 2516.7
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out plans to develop the domestic care workforce [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government sets out plans to develop the domestic care workforce [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 10 January 2024.

    The government outlined plans to improve the career prospects of the domestic care workforce through training, qualifications and a clearer, care career path.

    • For the first time there will be a national care career structure, with defined roles and professional development
    • A new, accredited qualification will be introduced to help recognise the work being done by 37,000 workers
    • Funding for hundreds of apprenticeships and digital training to embrace the latest technology also included

    Social care staff will have better training, clearer career paths and improved job prospects thanks to government plans to develop the domestic care workforce, set out today.

    The Department of Health and Social Care has unveiled a package of measures that will reaffirm care work as a career, helping to recruit and retain talent by providing new, accredited qualifications, digital training and funded apprenticeships.

    The reforms are underpinned by a new career pathway for care workers; the first time this has been brought together in a single place for care staff to use, to build and develop their careers. It will support people to gain the right knowledge, skills and expertise needed to deliver excellent care, giving clear differentiation between roles based on the level of expertise people should have and expect to develop.

    Backed by £75 million in funding, the announcement comes in the week the government also started the second phase of the Made with Care recruitment campaign, aimed at getting more people in the UK to consider a rewarding career in care.

    Minister for Social Care, Helen Whately, said:

    The workforce is the heartbeat of the social care sector and staff should be given the recognition and opportunities they deserve. These changes will give brilliant care workers the chance to develop rewarding careers in social care.

    There are also many talented people across the country who would thrive in care work but haven’t seen it as a career choice. We’re changing that; our new career path and qualifications recognise social care as the skilled profession it is.

    Turnover of staff is lower where there is access to learning opportunities to gain skills and qualifications according to social care workforce development body, Skills for Care. Investing in better training and supporting staff to develop their careers will act as an incentive for people to join or stay in the workforce.

    The plans being rolled out include:

    • The launch of the Care Workforce Pathway: For the first time, there will be a national career structure for the adult social care workforce, covering the breadth and complexity of care.
    • Over £50 million of funding for a new qualification: This will support up to 37,000 individuals in direct adult social care roles to enrol on the new Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate qualification between June 2024 and March 2025.
    • An investment of over £20 million for apprenticeships: Local authorities and adult social care providers will be able to use the money towards training and supervising hundreds of new social work and nurse apprentices.
    • Subsidised training places: An uplift to the Workforce Development Fund will expand access to learning and development, creating opportunities for the workforce to become experts in their field or progress into new roles.
    • A new digital leadership qualification: This will help equip social care leaders and managers with the confidence and capability to lead the implementation and use of technology in the delivery of care.

    The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate Qualification will be delivered in conjunction with Skills for Care and launch in June, backed by an investment of £53.9 million. The qualification will be accredited to ensure its quality and will be recognised by employers when care workers move roles, reducing the costs and burden of repeat training.

    We will also be introducing a new digital leadership qualification which will help ensure that digital skills are embedded in core training and further support career development.

    Skills for Care CEO, Oonagh Smyth, said:

    The announcement from DHSC about their plans for a workforce reform package is welcome as it includes the first version of the Care Workforce Pathway and the introduction of the Care Certificate Qualification, which are both projects which Skills for Care has consulted and supported on with the sector.

    Building on, and following on from, the Call for Evidence last year, the first phase of development is now complete. The DHSC and Skills for Care partnership benefited from invaluable support and collaboration with TLAP who developed the underpinning values, BILD who developed the Practice Leadership role, the Expert Consultation Group who informed the development throughout and of course, members of the adult social care sector, including the workforce and people who draw on care and support, who generously gave their time and insight.

    Both initiatives will encourage learning and development opportunities for people working in different care services as well as supporting with the recruitment and retention challenges which we know employers are continuing to face. I look forward to seeing the impact this package can have for people working in care this year and beyond.

    The launch of the Care Workforce Pathway in partnership with Skills for Care, is intended to ensure the adult social care workforce is recognised as the professional workforce it is, to improve people’s perception and experience of a career in care.

    Meanwhile, the workforce development element will fund around 116,000 training courses and qualifications, 34,000 Care Certificate qualifications from June 2024 to the end March 2025 and continuous professional development for around 35,000 eligible professionals.

    Creating career paths and qualifications in the care system aims, in the long-term, to support the domestic workforce so we can strike the right balance between ethical international recruitment and filling vacancies with staff based in the UK, following the Prime Minister and Home Secretary’s recently announced plan to curb abuse of the visa system.

    We’re also supporting local authorities to expand the workforce with almost £2 billion over two years as part of the Market Sustainability Improvement Fund and in addition, councils will benefit from a new investment to help recruitment of social work and nurse apprentices into adult social care. This will allow local authorities and care providers to apply for a contribution towards the costs of training and supervising new social work and nurse apprentices.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK plans to deploy Spearhead Carrier Strike Group to Indian Ocean Region in 2025 [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK plans to deploy Spearhead Carrier Strike Group to Indian Ocean Region in 2025 [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 January 2024.

    The UK and India have today vowed to continue strengthening ties during the first visit of an Indian Defence Minister to the UK in more than 20 years.

    • Plans to send UK’s high-readiness Littoral Response Group to Indian ocean region in 2024 and the Carrier Strike Group in 2025 for joint training. Both will visit and operate with Indian forces.
    • Deployment of the UK’s most advanced naval capabilities mark a decisive step in bolstering UK-India security ties.
    • Partnership stepped up as Indian Defence Minister makes his first visit to the UK.

    The UK and India have today [Wednesday 10 January] vowed to continue strengthening ties during the first visit of an Indian Defence Minister to the UK in more than 20 years.

    In a move that signals the growing importance of the strategic relationship between the UK and India, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps welcomed the Honourable Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to the UK to agree unprecedented levels of UK-India defence cooperation.

    The Defence Secretary announced the UK’s plans to send its Littoral Response Group to Indian Ocean Region later this year, with plans for the Carrier Strike Group to visit in 2025. Both will operate and train with Indian forces.

    The two nations also discussed future cooperation in defence from joint exercises to knowledge sharing and instructor exchanges. These steps build on the comprehensive strategic partnership envisaged in the 2030 India-UK roadmap, announced in 2021.

    In the coming years, the UK and India will also embark on more complex exercises between their respective militaries, building up to a landmark joint exercise to be conducted before the end of 2030, supporting shared goals of protecting critical trade routes and upholding the international rules-based system.

    Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said:

    There is absolutely no question that the world is becoming increasingly contested, so it’s vital that we continue to build on our strategic relationships with key partners like India. Together we share the same security challenges and are steadfast on our commitment to maintaining a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

    It is clear that this relationship is going from strength-to-strength, but we must continue to work hand-in-hand to uphold global security in light of threats and challenges that seek to destabilise and damage us.

    Collaboration with industry is also key in the strategic defence partnership between the UK and India, with the two nations working together on electric propulsion systems that will power our future fleets and cooperating on the development of complex weapons.

    Building on the existing strategic partnership, during the visit the UK and India also confirmed several new joint initiatives. These include:

    • Launching Defence Partnership-India – a bespoke office designed to further defence collaboration between the two countries.
    • A commitment to several instructor exchanges between our world-leading Officer Training Colleges and specialist schools, alongside signing of a Youth Exchange MOU to solidify the already strong relationship between our cadet organisations.
    • Signing a Letter of Arrangement that will enable further emphasis to be placed on research and development between our two nations, focused on next-generation capabilities.
    • Solidifying an agreement on logistics exchange, allowing for the provision of logistic support, supplies and services between the United Kingdom and Indian Armed Forces, for joint training, joint exercises, authorised port visits and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Trustees appointed to the UK Anti-Doping Agency [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Trustees appointed to the UK Anti-Doping Agency [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 January 2024.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Ama Agbeze and Nicola Shannon as Board Members of the UK Anti-Doping Agency for a term of 4 years.

    Ama Agbeze

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 30 October 2023.

    Ama has a diverse and distinctive mix of talent and skill. Two decades as a professional athlete culminated in Ama captaining Team England to netball gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

    As a dedicated advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Ama consults and serves as a keynote speaker, leveraging her influence to champion organisational change and cultural development, improving life opportunities in areas of deprivation, leadership and mental health. Her legal expertise as a solicitor, spanning family, commercial, charity, and banking disciplines, uniquely positions her to address the complex intersection of law, sports, and the pursuit of clean sport and maintaining a fair and level playing field. As a contributing co-founder to the Netball Players’ Association she is well versed in championing ‘the athlete voice’

    Ama’s role as an ambassador, non-executive director, advisor and trustee for various charities and organisations underscores her commitment to promoting sport and physical activity and emphasising their positive impact on health outcomes, particularly for children and young people as well as focussing on safeguarding from an individual and sport integrity perspective.

    Recently, an independent Board Member of the Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Chairing the Athlete Advisory Committee, Ama continues to be a compelling force advocating for ethical sportspersonship and upholding the principles of integrity in sport.

    Nicola Shannon

    Appointed for a four year term commencing 30 October 2023.

    Nicola Shannon KC is a barrister practising from chambers in London, specialising in Criminal and Regulatory Law. She also has a part-time judicial role, sitting as a Recorder in Crown Courts across London and the South East. Her practice focuses on Serious and Complex Crime and Fraud, including Homicide, Organised Crime and Human Trafficking and Serious Sexual Offences. Her work includes niche expertise in the presentation of allegations made by vulnerable witnesses and those with mental disabilities or learning and communication difficulties. She has led teams pioneering creative solutions to meet the challenges presented. She advises Prosecution agencies at an early stage of investigations and has extensive experience of the safeguarding issues involved.

    She has a passion for mentoring young practitioners in chambers and is Senior Member of a Women in Criminal Law Judicial Mentoring Circle.

    She is a champion of Wellbeing within the criminal justice system and co-founded ‘Kindness at the Bar’ in 2022, an initiative to research and promote kinder working cultures within the legal sector. She has been Wellbeing Director of the South-Eastern Circuit (the Bar’s regional representative body) since 2019 and is the current Chair of the Bar Council Wellbeing at the Bar Working Group.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the Imperial War Museum are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Ama Agbeze and Nicola Shannon have not declared any significant political activity.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Jay Hunt appointed as Chair of the British Film Institute [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Jay Hunt appointed as Chair of the British Film Institute [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 10 January 2024.

    The Secretary of State has appointed Jay Hunt as Chair of the British Film Institute for a term of four years commencing 16 February 2024.

    Jay Hunt

    Appointed from 16 February 2024 until 15 February 2028.

    Jay Hunt OBE is the Creative Director for Apple TV+ in Europe and has been a Governor of the BFI since 2020. She also served on the Board of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Before joining Apple, she was Chief Creative Officer of Channel 4, responsible for Channel 4, E4, More 4 and the Film 4 channel. She is the only person to have run three terrestrial broadcast channels, also serving as Controller of BBC One and Director of Programmes at Channel 5. Her commissions include global hits Bad Sisters, Slow Horses, Luther, Sherlock, Black Mirror, Derry Girls, Catastrophe and Gogglebox. She started her career at BBC News working on Newsnight and Panorama before becoming Editor of both the One O’Clock and Six O’Clock News. In 2023 she was named one of the Top Twenty Most Powerful Women in Global Entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter.

    Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

    “Film is at the heart of the UK’s thriving creative industries, and the BFI plays an important role maximising the potential of our world-leading screen sectors. Jay’s wealth of experience championing British content makes her an exceptional Chair to lead the BFI in the years ahead.”

    On her appointment, Jay Hunt, BFI Chair Designate said:

    “The BFI plays such a vital role in supporting great British storytellers and I’m delighted I’ll be chairing the organisation at such an exciting and challenging time. I’m passionate about the quality and range of film and TV we produce in the UK and look forward to championing it on the world stage.”

    Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive said:

    “I’m thrilled that Jay has been appointed Chair of the BFI. As a BFI Governor, Jay has been a passionate advocate for both the BFI and the UK film sector. With her incredible breadth of experience in leadership across broadcasting and global streaming, she steps into this role with a very rare combination of an innate understanding of the power and potential of what public service organisations can deliver as well as being acutely commercial. I’m really looking forward to working with her and am confident she will take us boldly into the future, holding us to our commitments in Screen Culture 2033 to transform access to our programmes, screen culture and jobs across the UK.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Family hubs now open in 75 areas [January 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Family hubs now open in 75 areas [January 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 10 January 2024.

    Family hubs now open in local authorities across half the country as new Little Moments Together campaign launches.

    Parents across England can now access free help and support at local family hubs, with all 75 local authorities involved in the government scheme now offering access to a centre.

    The hubs centralise a range of vital services in one location and act as a ‘one stop shop’ for parents and children. Trained staff provide practical help including early language and communication development, mental health support for parents and carers, and programmes for improving children’s home development.

    This milestone comes as the government launches the new national Start for Life Little Moments Together campaign, providing free resources and advice to help parents make the most of every moment – even waiting for a bus or shopping together – to further their child’s development.

    The government is investing around £300 million to embed the family hub approach and enhance Start for Life services across the country for families with children aged 0-19 years, and 0-25 years for children with SEND.

    On top of this, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds are currently able to register to access 15 hours free childcare per week from April 2024. This is the first step in the rollout of the largest investment in childcare in England’s history, expanding 30 free hours of childcare for working parents, from nine months old up to when their child starts school by September 2025. This is set to save parents using the full 30 hours up to £6,500 per year.

    On Monday 8 January, Education Secretary Gillian visited a family hub in Halton to meet with families benefitting from the services on offer.

    Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said:

    Family hubs act as one-stop-shops and provide a universal offer to parents and families to provide them with extra support when they need it.

    This support is on hand for parents and carers from conception through to those teenage years. I’ve seen first-hand how important it is that families are able to build confidence and aren’t made to jump through hoops, explaining their situation to professionals over and over.

    That’s why through family hubs, along with our reforms to childcare and children’s social care, we’re making sure that the right support is available for families in the way that works best for them.

    Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care, Dame Andrea Leadsom said:

    It is fantastic to see so many of these vital hubs within easy reach of families up and down the country.

    We’re committed to ensuring all parents get better access to help and support to improve their child’s learning and development, including learning at home.

    The free resources now available through the Little Moments Together campaign will provide vital tools to help parents ensure their baby is getting the best possible start in life.

    Across all 75 local authorities, parents will now have access to a key contact who can support parents with their home learning. Hubs will support parents to improve their children’s language and communication skills and ultimately increase levels of school readiness.

    New findings have revealed that 83% of parents are unaware that their child’s brain is 90% grown by the age of five, shedding light on a critical gap in parents’ understanding of the impact they can have in these crucial early years.

    The research uncovered that parents prioritise activities like reading bedtime stories (65%) and playing with toys (61%) for their child’s language and communication skills. Yet, everyday moments are often overlooked, which is why the campaign focuses on the importance of day-to-day activities such as the daily routine around the house.

    This is just one element of government’s support for families. Family hubs go hand in hand with the government’s Supporting Families programme, which aims to build the resilience of vulnerable families and drive change across the country, so that every area has strong local services which are able to identify families in need and provide the right support at the right time.

    The government’s plan to transform children’s social care also set out how it will reform the children’s social care system, to focus on meaningful early support for families, reducing the need for intervention at a later stage. This includes the Families First for Children pathfinder programme, which simplifies early help services and brings them together into one single system.

    Together this support will help improve families’ lives.

    Further information on family hubs and early language development support can be found here: https://familyhubs.campaign.gov.uk/