EQUALITY UPDATES 5th August 2010 View online at http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=1273 Facebook http://www.facebook.com/glasgow.enf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SCOTTISH NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMISSION SCOTLAND: Launch of Equality Act Non Statutory Guidance: The Commission has written a series of guides to explain people’s rights and responsibilities under the new Equality Act 2010 which comes into effect in October this year. The act brings together lots of different legislation to make equality law simpler and easier to understand. We have produced two versions of each set of guidance, one aimed at people who want advice on their rights and the other at those who have responsibilities under the law. The guides launched last week cover two key areas of the new act: Employment Services, Public Functions and Associations The guidance can be accessed at: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/ea2010 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VOLRESOURCE NEWSLETTER: Legal Services For Scottish Social Enterprise (02/08/10): Senscot, the organisation for social entrepreneurs in Scotland, has developed a legal service social enterprise to provide specialist knowledge at affordable rates. http://www.se-legal.net ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SCOTLAND and SCOTTISH DISCRIMINATION LAW ASSOCIATION: Equality Act 2010: What Will It Mean For You?: [Edinburgh] Wednesday 22nd September, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. The Equality Act 2010 is the most significant equality legislation in the last three decades. While many will be disappointed that the government did not make the radical changes once hoped for, others will be relieved that by and large the Act seeks to harmonise and streamline the current law with some limited, but important, extensions. At this significant conference, taking place on the eve of the coming into force of the most important aspects of the Act, the EHRC and the SDLA are pleased to be working together again to discuss the approach of the Act and the important changes in relation to definitions of discrimination, positive action, new remedies and the public sector duty etc. The conference will be an opportunity for you to discuss with leading experts the implications of the new regime for employment, education and services. We are delighted that we have a range of expert speakers, including: Shona Simon, President of Employment Tribunals (Scotland); Professor Aileen McColgan, Matrix Chambers; Sir Crispin Agnew, QC; Brian Napier, QC ; Lynn Welsh, Head of Legal - Scotland, EHRC; Jill Bell, Anderson Strathern Solicitors; Tony McGrade, McGrade & Co Solicitors; Marie Macdonald, Miller Samuel Solicitors. If you would like to attend or would like further information, please contact Angela Barclay on 0141 228 5951 or email angela.barclay@equalityhumanrights.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND: The Case Against Anonymity For Rape Defendants: It was with surprise and dismay that we heard that one of the first initiatives pursued by the new coalition government was to examine the possibility of granting anonymity to rape defendants. http://digbig.com/5bcdkj ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND: Every Young Person On Facebook Needs The ClickCEOP app – This Is Why: If you work with teenagers, then you’ll know most of them will be using Facebook. .... ClickCEOP is a new ‘app’ ... which links the young user directly from their Facebook profile to help, advice and reporting facilities of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre – the police agency set up to tackle child abuse. http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/news/clickceop.htm Picture The Change Needs YOU!: The Scottish Youth Parliament has asked young people all over Scotland to picture what they would like to change to make Scotland a better place to be. They now need you to check the pictures right. http://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/news/picturethechange.htm Strathclyde Police Drop-in Sessions: [Glasgow] 1st Monday of the month, 2-4pm; Last Wednesday of the month, 5- 7pm, 30 Bell St (3/2), Glasgow G1 1LG. Strathclyde Police will be offering a drop-in service twice a month at LGBT Youth Scotland for anyone affected by domestic abuse. You can meet with officers from Strathclyde Police to report crimes or even just to ask for some advice. All discussions will be treated as confidential. Strathclyde Police take all incidences of domestic abuse seriously, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. If you''d like to get in touch email info@lgbtdomesticabuse.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MENTAL HEALTH AND ETHNICITY SPECIAL INTEREST NETWORK: Bringing Ethics Into Research: Ethnicity In Mind Seminar 3: [Edinburgh] 7th September, 9.30am - 4pm The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terr, Edinburgh EH1 2JL. FREE seminar for researchers and practitioners in the public and voluntary sector interested in mental health and ethnicity research and practice in Scotland. Learn about ways of conducting ethical research about mental health with Black and minority ethnic communities; meet other researchers, practitioners, the public and voluntary sector partners; find out how you can work together on collaborative research and apply for funding opportunities To register contact Liz McEwan at the Mental Health Foundation (T: 0141 572 0125, E: lmcewan@mhf.org.uk) ... To find out more about the network contact Neil Quinn at the Mental Health Foundation (T: 0141 572 0125, E: neil.quinn@strath.ac.uk) The Mental Health and Ethnicity Special Interest Network is a partnership between NHS Health Scotland, the Mental Health Foundation and Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From FIONA CAMPBELL: Research Request: Is The UK Race Relations’ Industry Effective At Promoting An Anti-Racist Consciousness?: http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=1271 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH ISLAMIC FOUNDATION: Scrap Airport Questioning, Government Urged (04/08/10): The coalition UK government has been urged to repeal antiterrorism interrogation powers at airports as part of its review of the previous government’s erosion of civil liberties. http://www.scottishislamic.org/index.php?go=news&id=506 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL: SRC Comment: Supreme Court Rules ‘Fresh Claim’ Asylum Seekers Should Be Allowed To Work (29/07/10): Scottish Refugee Council welcomes the Supreme Court decision to allow a Somali asylum seeker, who had submitted a fresh asylum claim, permission to work. Read on at: http://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/press/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS: Free Business Mentoring Support: Do you have some enterprising ideas to develop your organisation and its financial sustainability? Perhaps you''re looking to tender for new contracts or diversify your income base. Help is at hand with the Realise Mentoring programme. You can access free, confidential mentoring support from experienced mentors with expertise in the areas of greatest interest to you. Whether it''s winning new contracts, managing cultural change or developing your organisation''s sustainability, we can match you with the right mentor for your needs. Over 60 organisations have already accessed the programme and found it highly useful with lots of positive feedback. For more information or to apply for a mentor: http://www.realisementoring.org.uk/mnt/content/, phone 0131 221 3197 or email info@realisementoring.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK: National LGBT Forum: Everywhere Equal: [Inverness] Saturday 4th September, 1 – 4.30pm, Ramada Inverness Hotel. We know that LGBT people live and work in all parts of Scotland, however the picture of equality can differ greatly between Scotland’s rural and urban centres. Whether it’s about achieving that critical mass, changing attitudes or improving local services for LGBT people, there is much to be done to ensure LGBT people can be who they are, wherever they are. We know what the issues are, we know what the barriers are. But what are we going to do about it? Buffet lunch provided and a travel bursary scheme is in place where travel costs are a barrier to participation. If you would like to register to come along and take part or would like to suggest a speaker, topic for discussion or other agenda item please contact scott@equality-network.org or call 0131 467 6039 Argyll and Bute LGBT Events [Argyll & Bute] Campbeltown Group: Wednesday 4 August, 7pm; Gateway Group: Oban Saturday 21 August, 2pm; Campbeltown Group: Wednesday 1 September: film night; For more information and dates of meetings from September onwards, e-mail katrina.mitchell@tht.org.uk or phone 0141 332 3838 Edinburgh: Shakti Women''s Aid Training [Edinburgh] New training: "Domestic Abuse and BME Women, Children, & Young People". Each training event runs over two days. 1st day 9:30 - 4:30, 2nd day 9:30 - 12:30. On 23rd/24th Sept, 20th/21st Oct, 10th/11th Nov, 2nd/3rd Dec 2010. At Norton Park, 57 Albion Rd, EH7. £20 per person. Lunch provided. Open to all statutory & voluntary staff, community workers and interested individuals. Phone 0131 475 2399 or e-mail thilini@shaktiedinburgh.co.uk http://www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk Launch of Who Am I? Who Are You?: [Ayrshire] Saturday 2nd October, 1pm - 3.30pm , County Buildings, Ayr. In response to a need identified by young people, a new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender information resource has been produced in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the new resource and to identify if there is a need for more local support for Ayrshire LGBT community. For further information contact David Bingham on 0141 332 3838 or email david.bingham@tht.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VAW PREVENTION SCOTLAND: Job Centre Plus Adult Entertainment Jobs: Coalition Government Response: The Coalition Government has published its response to the consultation on accepting and advertising employer vacancies from within the adult entertainment industry by Jobcentre Plus with an analysis of the responses alongside all the responses received. From 3rd August Jobcentre Plus will only accept certain vacancies from within the adult entertainment industry. As a result, Jobcentre Plus will refuse to accept vacancies such as lap dancers, web- cam performers, topless bar staff and strippers etc. Read more at: http://digbig.com/5bcdgp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CONFAB: Scottish Book Trust (SBT): Mentoring For Writers With Additional Access Requirements: This year SBT is offering two additional places on their mentoring scheme for writers with additional access requirements due to disability or ill health. The purpose of this scheme is to provide support for writers who have difficulty accessing writer development opportunities, and to help to make their programme accessible to a wider group of writers. SBT will match the successful applicants with a writing mentor in exactly the same way as they do in the existing scheme, but we will also work with the participants to provide support for their access needs. For further info: http://digbig.com/5bcdhb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW: Equality Act Seminar Offered By Equality Challenge Unit (ECU): [Glasgow] 28th September, University of Glasgow. ECU free event on the implications of the Equality Act 2010 for Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs). The event will provide an overview of the Equality Act 2010, including the current timescales the Scottish Parliament is working towards for the commencement of different provisions of the act, and the general implications for HEIs. There will be a particular focus on employment, service delivery and higher education as these provisions are currently due to commence in October 2010. For further details, including an overview of the programme and how to book, visit http://www.ecu.ac.uk/events/equality-act-2010-seminar-glasgow ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE: Achieving Equality And Diversity Naturally: SNH Equality Scheme Discussion Afternoon: [Edinburgh] Wednesday 1st September, 1pm – 4pm, John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh. SNH is working to produce an Equality Scheme, an important step in our organisation''s development, which demonstrates our commitment to achieving a best practice approach in equality and diversity. In order for us to realise this, it is vital we involve and consult equality groups from all sectors of the community. This will help ensure our scheme considers the needs of all our customers. If you would like to gain a greater understanding of the background to our scheme and our areas of work, please visit the SNH website at http://www.snh.gov.uk/ and follow the link to http://www.snh.gov.uk/about-snh/info-services/equality-diversity/ For a Registration Form / more information contact: Katie Eardley, Equality and Diversity Project Manager, SNH 01463 725278 diversity@snh.gov.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Third Sector Encouraged To Join Biennial Conference The 10th International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions will take place from 8 -10 October 2010 in Edinburgh, on the theme of Business and Human Rights. http://scottishhumanrights.com/news/latestnews/article/ngoforum ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW YWCA: Glasgow YWCA: Learning Opportunities For Young Women: [Glasgow] 13th August, 11am – 3pm, 3 Newton Terrace, Sauchiehall Street, Charing Cross, G3 7PJ. Our new courses and classes (most of them with free crèche) are starting back up soon so we would like to invite anyone who might be interested to come along and find out more on the 13th August. More info at http://digbig.com/5bcdcs ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MIDLOTHIAN VOLUNTARY ACTION (MVA): Midlothian Council: Training: Working In Partnership With Equalities Groups: [Midlothian] 23rd Sept or 30th Sept, 9am – 1pm. Purpose: To critically reflect on who we mean by equalities groups and what is meant by equalities engagement; To review changing Equalities legislation; to share current practice, consider experience of barriers to engagement and use of successful strategies to overcome them; to explore styles of evaluating and presenting evidence of work alongside people from equalities groups including fulfilling the requirements of funders. Style of Training is participative with time for discussion, reflection and engaging with new knowledge and ideas. Trainer: Margaret Petrie (Equalities Engagement Officer). To book email Dorothy.Wright@midlothian.gov.uk The Big Lottery Fund Information Session: 7th September, Loanhead Miners Community Centre, 74 The Loan, Loanhead, 10 - 12.30 or 1.30 – 4pm. To book a place please use the link below – you need to complete the contact details on the first page, and scroll down the list until you find ‘Lothians’ on the second. You can also book a session to talk 1-2-1 to the Big Lottery. Closing date 31 August. https://secure.tylerevents.co.uk/ei/getdemo.ei?id=156&s=_3JW0LKPEV Here is a link to a summary of the current Big programmes http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland_programmes_2010-2015.pdf Midlothian Council: Life Begins At 50: Tai Chi For Relaxation: [Midlothian] Beginners Class, Wednesdays 6 - 7pm, Dalkeith Kings Park Pavilion. Only £1 per week. For more information call 01968 664088 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT OF ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW: Certificate In Counselling Skills At University Of Glasgow: [Glasgow] Friday Day Course 10am - 4pm, September – June. This COSCA validated course has newly been accredited by the University of Glasgow (40 Credits). The course provides an opportunity to develop and broaden your self awareness as well as your listening and responding skills. You will be encouraged to develop an understanding of different theoretical counselling approaches as well as developing your own skills in a stimulating and supportive environment. The course is suitable for anyone using their skills in any helping role such as in health, education, social care, business or helpline work. The counselling skills course is a prerequisite for progression on to the diploma in counselling. More information and application forms can be found at: www.glasgow.ac.uk/dace/counsellingskills/ tel: 0141 330 1822 email: l.guthrie@educ.gla.ac.uk. This course is ILA 500 eligible. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ARTISTS IN EXILE: Capturing Kurdistan: [Glasgow] Launch Event: 6th August 6 - 8pm @ Artists in Exile (wine and food will be served), Exhibition: 7th and 8th August 12pm - 5pm @ Artists in Exile, Film Screening Sun 8th August 2pm @ CCA. A photography exhibition featuring a selection of images from renowned photojournalists who have worked across the Kurdish region. This exhibition was originally developed alongside the book The Kurds: Through the Photographer’s Lens (2008). We will also be screening Mark Cousins’ documentary The First Movie at the CCA, in collaboration with the Unity Centre, a practical support agency for asylum seekers and refugees. Venue: Artists in Exile (8 - 10 Osborne St, Glasgow G1 5QD) for exhibiton & CCA (350 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3JD) for film screening ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ENGENDER: Engender Fundraiser: ‘Summers Evening On The Sea’: [Edinburgh] August 13th, 8 - 11pm sailing from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. Come and join Engender for a summer evening on the Forth Belle. Enjoy a glass of pimms, canapés and an exciting jazz band. Tickets: £20 (non members) and £17.50 (engender members) from the Engender office Tel: 0131 558 9596 or email info@engender.org.uk We look forward to sailing with you! Details: Address: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. Trains are running from Dalmeny Station to Edinburgh Stations with connections to Glasgow after the evening on the Forth Belle. If you would like the timetables, please do not hesitate to get in touch. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MOMENTUM: Momentum Receives Funding To Support Young Men With Brain Injury Across Grampian: [Moray, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire] Young men with a brain injury living in Grampian are set to benefit from a new project being delivered by Momentum - Future Focus - to support them in managing the effects of their injuries. http://digbig.com/5bcdhg New Assistive Technology Suite in Glasgow To Provide Increased Opportunities for Disabled People: [Glasgow] People living with disabilities across Glasgow now have access to an innovative new assistive technology service being offered by Momentum''s Adapt and Assist programme in Yoker. http://digbig.com/5bcdhj New Initiative by Momentum Borders to Support Young Jobseekers in Finding Employment: [Scottish Borders] Young jobseekers across the Scottish Borders are set to benefit from a new initiative being offered by Momentum - the Community Task Force - to support them in gaining employment. http://digbig.com/5bcdhh ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From WISE WOMEN: 5 And 10 Week Personal Safety And Confidence Building Courses Throughout Glasgow: [Glasgow] To register for a course, join our mailing list for future courses or if you would like more information, then please contact info@wisewomen.org.uk or call 0141 550 7557. EAST: Monday 16th August – 25th October, 12.30pm – 2.30pm, at Sandyhills Community Hall and Learning Centre, 20 Balbeggie Street, Glasgow G32 NORTH: Every Wednesday, 18th August –27th October (10 weeks), 12.30pm – 2.30pm, at North West Women’s Centre, 17-33 Shawpark Street, Maryhill, G20 9DA (Just along from the Shopping Centre) free creche available but place/s must be pre-booked CENTRAL: Every Thursday, 26th August to 23rd September (5 weeks), 10am - 12pm, at Glasgow YWCA, 3 Newton Terrace, Glasgow G3 7PJ free creche available but place/s must be pre-booked ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EDINBURGH DEVELOPMENT GROUP: 1 October - Gifts, Community And Meaning: Learning From The Big Plan In Australia And Scotland: Heather Simmons and Steve Coulson have been at the forefront of developing the Big Plan - a Scottish variety of the large group person centred planning approach first pioneered by Beth Mount and Connie Lyle O’Brien in the USA. Both have continued to lead on Big Plans in Scotland and Heather in her adopted home of Australia. This is a rare opportunity to hear from them both and to share what they have been learning along the way. 4 Ocotber - Power, Support And The Things We Don’t Talk About: Mindful Reflection On How To Support In A Person Centred Way: Heather and Steve will also lead a workshop which focuses on the challenge of turning person centred policies and aspirations into support which truly embodies these values. This workshop will offer challenge, inspiration and practical strategies for direct support providers and people thinking about self directed support and personalisation. Both workshops will be held from 10am-4pm at Wighton House Conference Centre, Edinburgh EH16 4EA. Each costs £95 including a light lunch and refreshments. To book places contact Steve Coulson or Linda Keys at EDG 01314760522 or email them at steve@edg-sco.org or linda@edg-sco.org http://www.edg-sco.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: Fresh Focus For Rural Priorities (03/08/10): Move to benefit more applicants and help smaller projects. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/08/03124743 Speak Up for Rural Scotland (02/08/10): Speak Up for Rural Scotland is a consultation document from the Scottish Government containing advice provided by the Rural Development Council. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/22091602 Rural Community Empowerment In The 21st Century: Building A ''Can-Do'' Culture (02/08/10): Report from a seminar on rural community empowerment. Produced to support the development of ‘Speak up for Rural Scotland''. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/07/28161014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ UK NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From FAWCETT: Government Recognises Budget Cuts Could Worsen Inequality (04/08/10): Fawcett responds to publication of letter from Theresa May MP to George Osborne about the budget. http://fawcettsociety.org.uk//index.asp?PageID=1166 Fawcett Launches Legal Challenge To Government Budget (01/08/10): Fawcett are seeking a judicial review of the government''s recent budget http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk//index.asp?PageID=1165 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From WOMEN’S NATIONAL COMMISSION: Emergency Budget And The Comprehensive Spending Review: The Women’s National Commission is collecting Partners’ views on the impact of both the Emergency Budget and the Comprehensive Spending Review on individual women, women’s organisations and services to women. http://digbig.com/5bcdkk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OPERATION BLACK VOTE: Government Warned About Failure To Comply With Equalities Act 2010 (04/08/10): A coalition of Black organisations has written to the Government, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission Chair, Trevor Phillips. The letter highlights the fact that the Government budget setting process is potentially illegal having failed to comply with race and human rights equality legislation, and calling on the EHRC chair Trevor Phillips, and race Commissioner Simon Woolley to offer advice and support to any legal action. Read on at: http://digbig.com/5bcdjj ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From HOMELESS LINK: ''Routes Home’ For Central And Eastern European Homeless (05/08/10): Homelessness charity Thames Reach has teamed up with the Mayor of London to produce an online guide for services aimed at helping Central and Eastern Europeans sleeping rough on the capital’s streets. http://www.routeshome.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RUNNYMEDE: Black Caribbean Girls Losing Out In Exclusions Figures (03/08/10): Exclusion from school still impacts disproportionately on some ethnic minority groups, despite a drop in the overall numbers of students affected. http://digbig.com/5bcdkt ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From WOMEN’S GRID: Theresa May Scraps Power To Ban Domestic Abusers From Victims’ Homes (04/08/10): Fewer than one-third of dommestic violence incidents result in criminal charges. A scheme to protect women from domestic abuse by removing violent partners from the family home is being scrapped by the Government as part of its drive to cut public spending. http://womensgrid.freecharity.org.uk/?p=5646 The Extension Of Sarah’s Law Across The Country Offers “Real Hope” Of Keeping Children Safer, The President Of The Association Of Chief Police Officers Has Said (02/08/10): http://womensgrid.freecharity.org.uk/?p=5621 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GUARDIAN: Children in immigration centres face deportation within weeks (06/08/10): Pilot scheme gives families with children facing removal a two-week ultimatum to leave the country voluntarily http://digbig.com/5bcdkg Budget Cuts Could Break Equality Laws, Theresa May Warned Chancellor (03/08/10): http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/aug/03/budget-cuts-equality-theresa- may Theresa May''s Letter To The Chancellor (03/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdja ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MIGRANTS RIGHTS NETWORK: Refugee And Migrant Community Organisations In 2009 (05/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdjg Twenty-Eight Organisations Call For The Reform Of Immigration Detention (04/08/10): The following statement has been issued by 28 organisations working across the UK to support migrants and refugees. The statement calls for major reforms to the current policy on the detention of migrants by UKBA. http://digbig.com/5bcdjf Outcomes Of The EU Research Projects On Gender And Migration (03/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdje "The New Londoners” Online Exceeds Expectations (02/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdjd Right To Work For Asylum Seekers Confirmed (02/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdjc ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOPE: 21st Century Welfare (30/07/10): Scope responds to the Government''s report - 21st Century Welfare http://www.scope.org.uk/node/16773 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From REFUGEE ACTION: Refugee Action''s Response To The Launch Of The Asylum Improvement Project (29/07/10): Refugee Action today welcomed the launch of the Asylum Improvement Project, an eight-month review of the asylum system, which was announced by Immigration Minister Damian Green. http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/news/2010/asylumimprovement.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ABORTION RIGHTS: Academies Act Threatens Sex Education In UK Schools: The recently passed Academies Act is set to fundamentally alter education in the UK and risks increasing the influence of anti-choice groups in British schools http://www.abortionrights.org.uk/content/view/346/1/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From HOME OFFICE: Europe''s Largest Immigration Removal Centre (02/08/10): The opening of two new wings at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) will make it Europe?s largest, immigration minister Damian Green announced today. http://digbig.com/5bcdhq National Rollout Of Scheme To Protect Children (02/08/10): A scheme that helps keep children safe by allowing parents to ask police whether people with access to their family are sex offenders rolls-out nationally today. http://digbig.com/5bccrt ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS: Grayling: We’ll Stop Sex Jobs Being Advertised In Jobcentres (02/08/10): Sex industry jobs which could lead to exploitation will be banned from Jobcentres, Minister for Employment Chris Grayling announced today. http://digbig.com/5bcdhm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS: Stop And ... Spy? (04/08/10): Are the security services in the UK so desperate to recruit spies and informers that they stop random travellers coming to the UK in order to recruit them? http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/august/ha000007.html Court Rules Against Unauthorised Police Surveillance (29/07/10): Last week, at Inner London Crown Court, three activists were cleared of charges of obstructing the police as they attempted to film and photograph those attending two London NoBorders meetings in south London in June 2008. http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/july/ha000034.html Home Office Hits International Students – Again (29/07/10): New rules, to make it harder for international students to come and study in the UK, will become law unless Parliament intervenes. http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/july/ha000033.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From REFUGEE COUNCIL: Refugee Council Welcomes New Guidance On Employing Refugees (03/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdjb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PINK NEWS: Prop 8 Ban On Gay Marriages In California Ruled Unconstitutional (04/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdht BBC Trust Rejects Complaints About ''Should Gays Be Executed?'' Online Debate (03/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdhs Exclusive: Andy Burnham Supports Gay Marriage But Won''t Change Mind On Lesbian IVF (03/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bcdhr Independent On Sunday''s Pink List Ranks Gay Victors And Villains (02/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bccry West Yorkshire Police Launch Campaign To Tackle Gay Domestic Violence (02/08/10): http://digbig.com/5bccsa David Miliband Changes His Mind To Now Support Full Gay Marriage (30/07/10): Labour leadership frontrunner David Miliband has changed his mind on the issue of equal marriage rights. During an interview with PinkNews.co.uk earlier this month, he said he thought of civil partnerships as being "completely equal" to marriage. http://digbig.com/5bccrx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION: Participation And Community On Bradford’s Traditionally White Estates (30/07/10): How residents on two traditionally white estates understand their communities and participate within them, with the emphasis on residents'' own views. http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/community-bradford-white-estates Women, Faith And Social Cohesion (30/07/10): Using a participatory approach with women from diverse backgrounds in Bradford, to examine the role of women and faith in building cohesive communities. http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/women-faith-social-cohesion Muslims And Community Cohesion In Bradford (30/07/10): This study examined factors that either enhance or undermine community cohesion in areas with established Muslim communities and into which Muslim migrants have recently arrived. http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/muslims-cohesion-bradford ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH: Government Looks Into Unpaid Internships Following IPPR Report (04/08/10): Following the release of a new report by ippr and the campaign group Internocracy arguing that interns should be paid, the Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, has said he and his officials will be ''considering the report carefully''. http://www.ippr.org.uk/pressreleases/?id=4091 Confusion Over Interns’ Pay Puts Employers At Risk Of Breaking Law (31/07/10): A new report from ippr and campaign group Internocracy on why interns need a fair wage spells out how employers almost certainly break the law with interns. http://www.ippr.org.uk/pressreleases/?id=4081 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVES: We Are All Roma Now: http://www.euroalter.com/2010/we-are-all-roma-now/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN DISABILITY FORUM: Human Rights: What Is The Euro Ombudsman For? (04/08/10): The European Disability Movement met the European Ombudsman to make sure rights of persons with disabilities will be better protected in Europe. Since 1995, the Ombudsman has to investigate complaints about the administration of the EU institutions. How does that work? Can he really improve the life of persons with disabilities in Europe? http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=25025 From Spain To Belgium: The Disability Intergroup Explores The Job Yet To Be Done (29/07/10): http://www.edf-feph.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=13854&thebloc=24991 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLEN – GAY AND LESBIAN EQUALITY NETWORK: Groundbreaking New Survey On The Lives Of Older LGBT People: Visible Lives is groundbreaking new research project that aims to explore the lives, experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland aged 55 and over. http://www.visiblelives.ie/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ROMA RIGHTS NETWORK: EU Washes Hands Of Roma Expulsions (31/07/10): The European Commission on Thursday said it is up to member states to decide whether they expel Roma people, but only on an individual basis and respecting the principle of “proportionality”, in reaction to France’s announcement it will dismantle 300 Roma camps within three months. http://digbig.com/5bccsb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ILGA: Prop. 8 Overturned (04/08/10): Federal judge Vaughn Walker rules California''s gay marriage ban unconstitutional, stating that "California has no interest in differentiating between same-sex and opposite-sex couples." http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/mygYK7j113 and more on this from Change.org at http://gayrights.change.org/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CHANGE.ORG: Teen Raped After Being Used By School As "Bait": http://digbig.com/5bcdkm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UNIFEM: Photo Exhibition At AU Summit To Raise Awareness On Violence Against Women (02/08/10): http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1148 UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman And Executive Director Inés Alberdi In Haiti Stress Women’s Equality As Central For Recovery (30/07/10): http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=1144 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The EQUALITY UPDATES e-newsletter is produced on behalf of the Equality Networks Forum (ENF) and GCVS (as part of the GCVS Mainstreaming Equalities Change Champion project). 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