Apr272018

The week in review

Scottish Government
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This week’s round-up includes the launch of new guidance to tackle gender-based violence on campus, CashBack funding for creative and cultural projects, launch of the consultation on Scotland’s disclosure regime, water safety awareness and a new family centre at HMP Shotts.

Tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus

New practical guidance for universities to tackle gender-based violence on campus has been produced by the University of Strathclyde with Scottish Government funding.

Guidance and training for staff, better data collection and well-publicised support information for students are some of the recommendations set out in the toolkit, which will also be adapted for colleges.

It takes forward the principles set out in the #emilytest campaign set up by Fiona Drouet, in memory of her daughter Emily, an undergraduate student who took her own life in March 2016. 

Over £250,000 for CashBack projects

This week the CashBack for Creativity Open Fund awarded a total of £252,000 to 32 community-based arts project across the country.

CashBack for Creativity is funded through the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, which redistributes the proceeds of crime to benefit young people.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson made the announcement on a visit to WHALE Arts in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh where he met young people who have benefited from CashBack funding.

He said: “Since 2008 we have committed £92 million to CashBack and other community programmes with £6.3 million invested in CashBack for Creativity initiatives. I am keen to ensure that such opportunities continue to be provided to help young people develop skills for the workplace, gain confidence and find employment.”

Changes proposed for those working with vulnerable people.

Sports coaches working with children and other vulnerable groups will be required to undergo mandatory disclosure checks under new proposals.

This week Disclosure Scotland published a consultation to review Scotland’s disclosure regime, including the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, which covers those working with children and the vulnerable.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd said: “These proposals will allow Disclosure Scotland to improve its services to customers, simplifying and modernising our disclosure system so that it’s fit for a digital future, whilst continuing to ensure people receive the best possible protection.”

New family centre at HMP Shotts

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Maree Todd visited HMP Shotts on Tuesday to formally open the new family visitors centre.

The new centre is being delivered by Getting Better Together, a local charity, and the Scottish Prison Service.

Early Years Minister Maree Todd said: “It is great to see the really positive connections between the prison estate and the local community – whether that is through local community organisations working in partnership, or through the support of the local authority and health boards.”

Raising awareness of water safety

Over 300 people in the UK tragically die every year after tripping, falling or simply underestimating the risks of being near water.

This week, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service joined forces with UK colleagues to raise awareness of the dangers through the Be Water Aware campaign.

Assistant Chief Officer of Prevention and Protection David McGown said: “Through our relentless prevention work we have successfully reduced the number of fire deaths and we will apply those very same principles to water safety. By supporting water safety and drowning week we hope to reduce the number of casualties and fatalities in Scotland.”

The post The week in review appeared first on Justice and Safety.

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