… catching up with the news since the 16th December… more next week View online at http://enf.org.uk/blog/ (for events previously advertised see the Events Diary on the ENF Blog) Facebook: http://facebook.com/glasgow.enf Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/GlasgowENF Scoop.it: http://www.scoop.it/t/equalities-news Contents: + Scottish News and Events + UK News and Events + International News and Events ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + SCOTTISH NEWS AND EVENTS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: National Accommodation Strategy For Sex Offenders In Scotland (12/01/12): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/11100517 Forced Marriage Statutory Guidance Analysis of Consultation Findings RF 13/2012 (12/01/12): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/11100729 Forced Marriage Statutory Guidance Analysis Of Consultation Findings: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/10123616 Partner Abuse (20/12/11): A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/20101955 Partner abuse report: Health Secretary comments on statistics (20/12/11): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/20103235 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/16145746 Sexual Victimisation And Stalking (20/12/11): A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/20095517 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/20090441/0 Support For Older Scots (20/12/11): Older People’s Housing Strategy published. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/20101955 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/16091323 Vulnerable Witness Provisions In The Children''s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, Including The Authentication Of Prior Statements (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (10/01/12): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/10102847 Directscot - Scotland''s Public Services And Information Portal (08/01/12): Consultation on the DirectScot prototype and the proposal to establish a portal to all government information and services in Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/01/DirectScot £700,000 For Disability Organisations (02/01/12): Funding boost will help thousands of disabled people and carers. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/01/30120532 Blue Badge Scheme (30/12/11): Crackdown on abuse of disabled parking pass scheme. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/22103051 Rail Station Improvements (29/12/11): Five stations share £9.5 million to ensure accessibility for all. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/29091916 Responding To Forced Marriage: Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines (23/12/11): Multi-agency guidelines for practioners supporting people affected by forced marriage http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/22165750 Support For Young People (22/12/11): £1.5 million to help up to 1,000 disadvantaged young people into work. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/22100352 Welfare Reform (22/12/11): Health Secretary sets out Scottish Government position on proposed changes. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/21150319 Free Childcare For Vulnerable Children (21/12/11): £4.5m commitment to enhance early years care provision. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/21140320 Review Of Social Work Complaints (21/12/11): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/21143818 Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2010-11 (20/12/11): A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/20111139 Consultation On Proposals For A Freedom Of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill December 2011 (16/12/11): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/12/13125045 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT: Call For Evidence: Preventing Homelessness Among Young People: Further to the oral evidence on homelessness and young people, the Committee has agreed a remit for an inquiry, Having and Keeping a Home: steps to preventing homelessness among young people. Details of the inquiry’s aims are online, along with an open call for written views (open until 8 February 2012): http://digbig.com/5bfhnm Education and Culture Committee, 10 January 2012, 1st Meeting, 2012: Includes Item: 3. Subordinate legislation: The Committee will take evidence on the Equality Act 2010 (Specification of Public Authorities) (Scotland) Order 2012 [draft] from Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, Robert Marshall, Directorate for Children and Families, and Moray Paterson, Directorate for Children and Families, Scottish Government. http://digbig.com/5bfhnc Equal Opportunities Committee, 10 January 2012, 1st Meeting, 2012: Includes: 2. Choice of Convener: The Committee will choose a new Convener 4. Diversity Delivers: The Committee will consider a report by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland, Diversity Delivers - Three Years On. 5. Petitions: The Committee will consider the following petitions: PE1372 Petition by Duncan McLaren on behalf of Friends of the Earth Scotland on whether access to the Scottish courts is compliant with the Aarhus convention on ‘Access to Justice in Environmental Matters’; PE1169 Petition by Margaret Forbes, on behalf of Scottish Women Against Pornography, calling for measures that ensure that magazines and newspapers containing sexually graphic covers are (a) not displayed at children’s eye-level or below or adjacent to children’s titles and comics and (b) screen sleeved before being placed on the shelf. Proposed future business: The Committee''s next meeting will take place on 7 February. In the interim, the Committee will hold an informal session on Gypsies/Travellers. http://digbig.com/5bfhnd ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From NHS HEALTH SCOTLAND: A New Mental Health Strategy For Scotland: This presentation describes the Scottish Government''s consultation on the new mental health policy for Scotland. The speaker is Penny Curtis from the mental health unit at the Scottish Government. http://www.wellscotland.info/about/towards/new-strategy.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW COUNCIL FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR: Developing A Draft Equality And Human Rights Framework For The Third Sector: Call For Evidence / Invite To Focus Group Meetings: [Glasgow / Edinburgh / London / Cardiff] Does your organisation have experience of the benefits and challenges of mainstreaming equality and human rights? GCVS and CRER are currently developing an Equality and Human Rights Framework for the Third Sector on behalf of a consortium of organisations including the Equality and Diversity Forum, Shelter, Age UK, Macmillan Cancer, Campaign for National Parks and Action for Children, funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. We’re seeking expertise from Voluntary Organisations across Britain to make sure this competency based, outcome focussed performance measurement Framework meets the needs of Britain’s diverse Third Sector. Read on for more info about Focus Group Meetings and the Call for Evidence: http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=2949 Life of Poverty for a Third of Glasgow''s Children (End Child Poverty, 10/01/12): The End Child Poverty campaign group has released a poverty map that tells us that over a third of children in Glasgow (35%) are living in poverty. The overall Scottish figure is reported as being one in five children. http://digbig.com/5bfhsa ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ENQUIRE: THE SCOTTISH ADVICE SERVICE FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR LEARNING: Enquire Interview With Youth Commission On Bullying Now Online: Enquire recently interview the Youth Commission on Bullying, a group of young people in the Scottish Borders who have been appointed to research the views of people in their community about bullying in all its forms, including racism, homophobia and cyber bullying. The commissioners will be consulting pupils, parents, police, health and education staff, and will make their recommendations to the local authority in March 2012 about how to revise their local to strategy to prevent and manage bullying. To find out more, and to listen to the interview (or read the transcript), visit http://www.enquire.org.uk/youngpeople/wordpress/?p=1500 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From THE ETHNIC SURVIVORS FORUM: ‘Hear Me’ The Ethnic Survivors Forum - One Year On: [Edinburgh] 8th February, 6 – 8pm, The Scottish Parliament, Committee Room 1. Sponsored by Humza Yousaf MSP. The ESF is a unique minority ethnic project that operates across Scotland providing culturally sensitive and multi-lingual support services to minority ethnic adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse resident in Scotland. This event will provide an insight into the ground breaking work of The Ethnic Survivors Forum as well as the opportunity to review the progress made by the joint partnership lead by roshni and supported by the Scottish Government and Survivor Scotland. Attendees will hear firsthand from minority ethnic survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A light buffet will be provided. If you would like to attend the event or for further information please email: events@roshni.org.uk or call 0141 202 0608 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From COALITION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY AND RIGHTS (CRER) Institutional Racism: Scotland Still Has Far To Go: “The recent conviction of two of the five prime suspects in the killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 has received well-deserved press attention, including at a local level in Scotland. The continuing interest in the case at such a distance (in terms of both time and geography) shows its deep and lasting impact. However, perhaps due to a comparative lack of media coverage, it is often forgotten that Scotland has its own history of racially motivated murder and institutional racism.” Read on at http://digbig.com/5bfhpq ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CENTRE FOR GENDER HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW and SCOTTISH WOMEN’S AID: Learning From The Past, Looking To The Future: A Seminar To Celebrate The 35th Anniversary Of Scottish Women’s Aid: [Glasgow] 8th March. What can we learn from history? This seminar will bring together academics from various disciplines with practitioners from the field of domestic abuse. It will contextualise the work of Scottish Women’s Aid (Scotland’s lead organisation working in the field of domestic abuse) in its historic, social and cultural setting. The seminar will highlight past struggles for recognition of domestic abuse as a serious social problem and consider how this history can aid us in the present and future. Places at the event are limited so early booking is recommended. More info at http://digbig.com/5bfhnp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EMPLOYABILITY & TACKLING POVERTY LEARNING NETWORK: Report: British Social Attitudes 28 (11/01/12): Presents the 28th British social attitudes survey, which reports on how people''s lives are changing and their views on how Britain is run. http://www.employabilityinscotland.com/britishsocialattitudes28.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LINDA NORGROVE FOUNDATION: Cottage Rent On Lewis: Proceeds To The Linda Norgrove Foundation: The Foundation have a Fab 5* cottage on Isle of Lewis available 17th-24th March. bit.ly/wrhrdt All proceeds go to the foundation. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From POVERTY ALLIANCE: From The Local To The National: Tackling Poverty During Austerity: Glasgow, 30 January; Edinburgh, 31 January; Dundee, 7 February; Inverness, 10 February; Bathgate, 13 February; Greenock, 16 February; Aberdeen, 20 February; Glasgow, 23 February Eight free seminars across Scotland looking at the challenges for tackling poverty in the year to come. High unemployment, cuts to services, falling incomes and rising prices make the need to take action at both the local and national level more important than ever. These seminars are an opportunity for all of those concerned about poverty to come together to debate how make progress. Find out more at http://www.povertyalliance.org.uk/events.asp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH WOMEN’S CONVENTION: Do You Live In An Accessible Rural, Remote Rural Or Super Sparse Area Of Scotland? If you do, the SWC would be grateful if you would complete this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JXCM5G8 The SWC will be represented at events held during the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York in February 2012. The theme of the 2012 event is “The Empowerment of Rural Women”. It is important to the SWC that our input reflects the views of rural women in Scotland and we would appreciate your survey participation to inform our contributions and policy position on rural issues for women. Please cascade to other women in rural areas you think may be interested in contributing their views. The closing date for submission of survey response is 23rd January ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ENGENDER: Inspiring Women Meeting - Gender And Care: [Edinburgh] Tuesday 17th January, 6 - 7.30pm, Engender office, 1a Haddington Place, Edinburgh EH7 4AE. Speaker: Kirstein Rummery, Professor of Social Policy, Applied Social Science, University of Stirling. Light refreshments provided. Public service cuts and welfare reforms will create a care gap that women will be expected to fill. Will the cost of care be gender equality? Professor Kirstein Rummery will outline the implications of these changes from a gendered perspective followed by a general discussion of the issues. RSVP: Karen@engender.org.uk or tel: 0131 558 9596 Engender AGM: [Edinburgh] 21st January, 2 – 4pm, St George’s West, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT. Our Executive Director, Niki Kandirikirira will make a presentation on the work that has been undertaken with Umoja around the need to gender the asylum process and give an overview of Engender’s plans for the coming year. RSVP: info@engender.org.uk or call 0131 558 9596. A light buffet will be provided - Please advise if you have any individual requirements such as dietary needs. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From FAITH IN COMMUNITY SCOTLAND - TRANSFORMATION TEAM: Faithful Endeavours: How Public Agencies And Faith Communities Can Work Better Together: The Faithful Endeavours resource demonstrates some of the very good work which is already going on to nurture a growing understanding between public agencies and faith communities as well as identifying key ways to deepen those relationships. It was compiled for use by both faith communities and public agencies as together they seek ways to support communities across Scotland. To find out more about the Faithful Endeavours resource contact Pauline or Shakeel at the Transformation Team on 0141 221 4576 Shakeel@transformationteam.org Download the resource at: http://digbig.com/5bfhmp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTLAND CHINA ASSOCIATION: Takeaway China Festival: Glasgow http://www.takeawaychina.com China On The Move - Marking Chinese New Year on Film: [Edinburgh] 25th - 29th January, Take One Action Film Festival http://www.takeoneaction.org.uk/events/strands/faces-of-change/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RUNNYMEDE: Free Capacity Building Training For NGOs: [Glasgow] 9th February. Runnymede is pleased to offer UK NGOs the opportunity to attend a free training day focusing on the key themes of advocacy, the media and monitoring. This free event, funded by the European Commission, aims to develop the capacity of civil society organisations in dealing with anti-discrimination. The seminars will be practical in nature and participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and good practice, important in these days of funding cuts and dwindling resources. They are mainly targeted at representatives of NGOs who would benefit from: more in-depth knowledge on how to work effectively with the media; knowing how to set advocacy goals and objectives and identify methods and tools; understanding how monitoring can be used to tackle discrimination and address disadvantage. Visit the Runnymede website for full details and download an application form: http://digbig.com/5bfdmh ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW COUNCIL FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR and COALITION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY AND RIGHTS: LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!! Introduction To Accessibility: [Glasgow] 10.30 – 4.30pm, 26th January. Voluntary Sector organisations must be responsive to the needs of their service users and staff in order to comply with equalities law, but with such a wide range of needs, how can we plan ahead to meet our responsibilities? This course looks at a wide range of accessibility issues – physical, social, communication and cultural. It offers an introduction to basic equalities concepts, access auditing and the legal basis behind the need for accessibility. It provides plenty of examples of accessibility issues in employment and service provision, as well as opportunities to share your own experiences with Voluntary Sector colleagues. Equality In Employment: [Glasgow] 10.30 – 4.30pm, 29th February. The law on discrimination in employment has developed considerably with the introduction of the Equalities Act 2010, and there are more reasons than ever to follow best practice on equality for staff. This course provides practical tips and explanations to help your organisation meet its legal and ethical responsibilities. Issues covered include recruitment, monitoring and dignity at work. It also examines issues around equality in volunteering. This course is designed to enable organisations to share their knowledge and experiences, look at how the law works in practice and learn more about some of the trickier elements of employment equality practice. Collecting And Using Equalities Information: [Glasgow] 10.30 – 4.30pm, 20th March. Equalities monitoring is an essential tool for mainstreaming equality and diversity. It’s also an increasingly important element of funding requirements. This one day introduction to equalities monitoring guides you through the process with best practice examples, ideas on how to use the information you collect and practical tips for implementing successful monitoring systems. Issues covered include: Planning, designing and introducing equalities monitoring; protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; How to maximise response rates; How to use the information collected; Compliance with data protection legislation. Trainer: Carol Young, CRER COST: £65 Member, £85 Non Member. To book onto or enquire about any of the above courses contact GCVS: stacey.anderson@gcvs.org.uk Tel: 0141 332 2444 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INDEPENDENT LIVING IN SCOTLAND PROJECT: Boxed In: A Debate Exploring Issues Of Identity, Self, Community And Belonging For Disabled People: [Glasgow] 22nd February, 5.30pm, debate from 6pm – 7.45pm and then drinks reception until 8.30pm, Glasgow Caledonian University, Saltire Centre. A panel of experts will discuss a wide range of issues around disability; issues of definition, perception, belonging, image, multiple-identities and what these and other issues mean for individuals and communities. ILiS planned and organised the debate with support from; Glasgow Caledonian University, Inclusion Scotland, Glasgow Disability Alliance, LGBT Youth Scotland, Voices of Experience and British Deaf Association. Please RSVP by 10th February, email contact@ilis.co.uk, Tel 0141 228 5921, or Freepost, RSHG-GZXY-YYAL ILiS, Equality and Human Rights Commission, 58 Robertson St, G2 8DU ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND: Inclusive Services Resource Set: 4 Titles For £12: Buy now and save 70%. Offer ends 31 January 2012. A set of titles to support the delivery of inclusive services. Promoting opportunities for all and valuing diversity are important aspirations in Getting it Right for Every Child. And the Equality Act 2010 requires services to promote equality. This set includes: Twenty years of children''s rights; Multiple belongings: achieving equality of opportunity for all Europe''s young children; In your own words: services for young children in a multilingual society; Northern lights: building better childhoods in Norway http://www.childreninscotland.org.uk/html/pub_tshow.php?ref=PUB0355 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From BEMIS: Promoting Youth Employability And Rights Conference: [Glasgow] 21st Feb, 9.30am – 3.30pm, STUC Centre, Glasgow. Free. A partnership conference between BEMIS, the Scottish Refugee Council, STUC / One Workplace Equal Rights (STUC), the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) Scotland, and the Scottish Inter Faith Council with the following aims: - Raise awareness of employability opportunities, equality and rights for youth and potential employers - Provide a platform to address gaps in support of youth employment - Empower and present new opportunities in education, skills and build links with different sectors and industry in employment and help youth to exercise their right in breaking barriers and discrimination in the job market - Seek to develop recommendations on supporting youth employment as well as engaging potential employers with regards to opportunities and responsibilities To register interest in attending, please send your details (name, organisation, email address and telephone number) to: conference@bemis.org.uk or contact Tanveer Parnez, BEMIS, Centrum Building, 38 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3DX 0141 548 8047 /Fax: 0141 548 8284 New Reports From BEMIS - Gypsy Travellers And A8 Migrants: Gypsy Travellers in Contemporary Scotland: The 2001 ''Inquiry into Gypsy Travellers and Public Sector Policies'': Ten Years On http://bemis.org.uk/docs/gypsy_travellers_in_contemporary_scotland.pdf Public perception of A8 migrants: the discourse of the media and its impacts (BEMIS Outline Review): http://bemis.org.uk/docs/media_migrants_bemis_review.pdf These and many other BEMIS publications are available on our website at http://www.bemis.org.uk/publications.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK: Ask Your MSPs To Support Equal Marriage: The Scottish Government consultation on same-sex marriage closed on 9 December. Thanks to your support, we managed to deliver over 24,000 responses in favour of Equal Marriage! Government officials are now reading through those responses and deciding whether to lift the ban on same-sex marriage. Now, we need you to ask your MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) to pledge their support for equality. You can do this in just 30 seconds using our website: http://www.equalmarriage.org.uk/takeaction/findmsp Either send our pre-written letter in a few clicks, or add your own words for greater effect. It is vital that we get as many people as possible to ask their MSPs to support Equal Marriage. Information Officers At Equality Organisations: [Edinburgh] 18th January, 3.30pm, 9 Howe St, Edinburgh. Topic: Search engine optimisation and social media. If you''re interested in how this can promote our work as information officers for equality, or would like to know more, please contact jane@equality-network.org. Including Intersectional Identities: [Glasgow] 10 February, 9.30 - 5pm, Strathclyde Uni Student Union. Learn more about including people with intersectional identities in your service. A unique opportunity to engage in discussions on a variety of topics around the inclusion of LGBT people with complex identities. Including Intersectional Identities is a showcase of pioneering intersectional work in Glasgow, Scotland, England and Europe. Lunch provided. All access requirements (including dietary requirements) will be met and public transport within Scotland paid for individuals (not organisations) for whom cost is a barrier to attending. Register via Eventbrite: http://iii-efbevent.eventbrite.co.uk/ Speak Out For LGB People In School: A survey is being carried out by researchers in the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge for Stonewall UK. This survey is for young people in England, Scotland and Wales who are aged 11 to 19 and who are lesbian, gay or bisexual (or think they might be). The survey is about their experiences in school or college: Five years ago Stonewall carried out the first big study about LGB young people’s experiences at school: this survey is intended to discover if things have changed, and what action still needs to done to make things better. http://digbig.com/5bfhjc Equal Marriage Reception: [Edinburgh] 31st January, 6 – 8pm, Scottish Parliament. Sponsored by: Jackie Baillie MSP (Scottish Labour Party), Jackson Carlaw MSP (Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party), Joe FitzPatrick MSP (Scottish National Party), Patrick Harvie MSP (Scottish Green Party), and Willie Rennie MSP (Scottish Liberal Democrats). It should be an enjoyable evening, with wine and refreshments, photo opportunities, entertainment from Edinburgh Gay Men''s Chorus, and Equal Marriage wedding cake courtesy of Licks Cake Designs. If you would like to come along to help us raise awareness of the Equal Marriage campaign, and to make the most of this opportunity to talk directly with MSPs about the case for change, please RSVP by 12pm, 30th January at: http://equalmarriage.eventbrite.co.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PRIDE GLASGOW: Lets Get Back Together - Pride Glasgow Returns: [Glasgow] Saturday 14th July. The event is still in the early stages of planning but the team behind it are planning to make this one of the biggest events in the history of Pride in Glasgow. For more information please visit the website at http://www.prideglasgow.co.uk or check out twitter @prideglasgow or Facebook.com/prideglasgow ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS REGIONAL EQUALITY COUNCIL (ELREC): Focus Group: Diverse Community in West Lothian Community Plan: [Bathgate] 24th Jan, 1pm – 3pm, Bathgate Partnership Centre, Lindsay House, Southbridge St, Bathgate EH48 1TS. This would be relevant if you are member of protected characteristics* and you: live, work, study or visit West Lothian; are interested in the future of delivery of public services which may have an impact on you; want your voice to be heard. ELREC is hosting this focus group meeting in collaboration with West Lothian Community Planning Partnership to increase participation of diverse communities in local neighbourhood planning. This will focus on making significant input to the local community plan for the people of protected characteristics groups. If you would like to attend PLEASE CONFIRM by calling 0131 556 0441 or by emailing: MRahaman@elrec.org.uk or contacting West Lothian Community Race Forum: communityraceforum@hotmail.co.uk Please let us know if we can do anything to help facilitate your participation in this event including communications support, access or dietary requirements or alternative publication formats. As places are limited, booking is essential. This is a free event, light snacks will be provided. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From RUNNYMEDE TRUST: Free Capacity Building Training For NGOs: [Glasgow] 9th February, 10am – 4.30pm. Runnymede is pleased to offer UK NGOs and grassroots organisations working in the equalities sector the opportunity to attend one of two free awareness raising seminars focusing on advocacy, the media and monitoring. These free events, funded by the European Commission, aim to develop the capacity of civil society organisations in dealing with anti-discrimination. The seminars will be practical in nature and participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and good practice, important in these days of funding cuts and dwindling resources. They are mainly targeted at representatives of NGOs who would benefit from: more in-depth knowledge on how to work effectively with the media; knowing how to set advocacy goals and objectives and identify methods and tools; understanding how monitoring can be used to tackle discrimination and address disadvantage. Please visit the Runnymede website for full details, including the application form and the draft programme for the day: http://digbig.com/5bfhhe ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From NATIONAL LGBT FORUM: LGBT Forum: Improving Relationships: LGBT Communities And Public Bodies Working Together: [Ayr] 18th January, 5pm – 8.30pm. With laws meaning Public Bodies have new duties to consult with Lesban, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, and a willingness from LGBT people to engage service providers to improve the services we all need, its important to share what we have learned and what worked well to ensure LGBT Communities and Public Bodies are working together. Join us for the next meeting of the National LGBT Forum, held for the first time in Ayrshire, to discuss the key topics for LGBT Inclusion. During the event there will be a broad range of speakers from the NHS, Police, Local Authorities and LGBT community perspectives on how to improve relationships, services and reduce inequalities as well as the chance to have your say. More info and to register: http://ayrforum.eventbrite.co.uk/ Any questions contact scott@equality-network.org or call 0131 467 6039. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CENTRE FOR GENDER HISTORY: Film Screening ''You Play Your Part'' (Kirsten Macleod, UK, 2010): [Glasgow] 18th January, 2 – 4pm, Centre for Gender History, Univ of Glasgow, 2 University Gardens G11 8QQ. The film is a unique community-based, participatory documentary about women’s struggles in Govan and Greater Glasgow. Taking its inspiration from the Govan Rent strikes of 1915, the film tells the stories of campaigning women in the area. Produced and directed by Kirsten MacLeod with members of the Govan Seniors Film Group and the Platforum Mental Health Service, in association with Plantation Productions and the University of the West of Scotland. The film and discussion will be of interest to those working on social history, gender, community engagement, and memory. No booking required. For further information contact Maud Bracke maud.bracke@glasgow.ac.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CHANGING MINDZ: Promoting Mental Health At Work [Edinburgh] Friday 11th May. A one-day learning event. http://www.changingmindz.co.uk/events.html Becoming An Equality Trainer: [Edinburgh] 19th and 20th April. A two-day skills development course. http://www.changingmindz.co.uk/events.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From BEMIS and GRAMNET: 2011/2012 BEMIS-GRAMNet Seminar Series: Seminar Two - Research, Ethics and Active Citizenship: Towards Guidelines for Ethical Research Practice: [Glasgow] 18 January, University of Glasgow, Senate Room, Main Building. Changes in social science and humanities methods have grown from an increased emphasis and understanding of the importance of ethical research methods and a shift from ‘research on/into…’ to ‘research with…’ enabling fine grained understandings and new modes of communication. This seminar will examine how these changes enable a deeper commitment to active citizenship and human rights education and will allow for a discuss of a range of ethical frameworks developed by professional researchers to frame the conduct of social science and humanities research, especially with vulnerable groups. For further information or to attend any of these seminars please contact seminar@bemis.org.uk or call the BEMIS office on 0141 548 8047 (please include your name, organisation and contact details in the email if making a booking) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From REFUGEE WEEK SCOTLAND: Refugee Week Scotland 2012 - Call for Submissions: [Scotland] 18 – 24 June 2012. Refugee Week Scotland is an arts and cultural festival which celebrates diversity and highlights the contributions refugees make to Scotland. For 2012, the theme is Spirit: Fighting Spirit: the grit and determination it takes to flee persecution and rebuild your life Community Spirit: the integration and welcome shared between refugees and local communities Scotland’s Spirit: the cultural enrichment and diversity Scotland has achieved on its journey Do you have work that is inspired by or relates to refugee communities, or are you creating work with refugees? Are you interested in being part of Refugee Week Scotland 2012? If you have some work you are looking to show, from exhibitions to performances or need further information please email: arts@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk or visit http://www.refugeeweekscotland.com for submission guidelines. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VOLUNTARY HEALTH SCOTLAND: Engagement Seminars: Invest To Engage: Enhancing Health Connections With The NHS & Local Government: [Glasgow] 15th February, Albany Centre http://digbig.com/5bfhjq ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH DISABILITY EQUALITY FORUM: SDEF Consultation: Transport Scotland - Rail 2014: Transport Scotland are consulting on the future of Scotland’s railways. The contract for rail passenger services (ScotRail) finishes in 2014 and new arrangements need to be put in place. Transport Scotland want Scotland’s rail services to be developed with passenger interests at the heart. The consultation asks a wide range of questions but does not specifically address issues for disabled people. SDEF would therefore like to share the views of disabled passengers with Transport Scotland. Read full details at http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=2990 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION and the EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Online Seminar Series On Disability Convention – Save The Dates: 16 January 2012, 12 – 1pm: Getting Justice 13 February 2012. 12 – 1pm: Independent Living 12 March 2012, 12- 1pm: Children and Young People The SHRC and the EHRC are holding a series of free online seminars about how the UN Disability Convention relates to what disabled people have told the Commissions are the main barriers remaining to allow disabled people in Scotland to enjoy the full range of rights to which they are entitled. The first of these took place in December and you can watch or listen to a recording of the seminar. http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=2980 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Human Rights Protection Risked In Welfare Reform Bill (20/12/11): The Commission has written to Members of the Scottish Parliament ahead of a debate on the Welfare Reform Bill. http://scottishhumanrights.com/news/latestnews/article/wrbnewsdec2011 Repealing The Human Rights Act Would Be A Backwards Move (15/12/11): Alan Miller writes in the Guardian about the future of the Human Rights Act. http://scottishhumanrights.com/news/latestnews/article/guardiandec11 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY ALLIANCE: Recession Brings Hard Times For Vulnerable People In Scotland: Scottish Independent Advocacy organisations report that the economic recession is having an increasingly negative impact on the most vulnerable members of our society. ‘More for Less? Independent Advocacy – More demand, less funding’ details the findings of research into the delivery of Independent Advocacy in the current economic downturn and reports on the experience of Scottish Independent Advocacy providers in relation to demand for and funding of advocacy. http://www.siaa.org.uk/content/view/226/33/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ + UK NEWS AND EVENTS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Commission Response To The Lawrence Murder Conviction Statement (03/01/12): http://digbig.com/5bfhpw EHRC: Manifesto For Change Consultation Event: [Manchester] 17th January. We are hosting a major consultation event on the 17 January with disabled people’s organisations, third sector advice and support organisations and public sector organisations. The focus of the event is to develop pragmatic approaches for public authorities to tackle disability-related harassment with the strategic input of disabled people''s organisations. http://digbig.com/5bfhpy ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From CIVITAS: Misleading Claims About Economic Benefits Of Equality Act Are Endangering Jobs (23/12/11): Contrary to government assurances, new equality rules will have no economic benefit and questionable impact on real inequality. As unemployment continues to grow, a new Civitas report reveals that new equality regulations threaten further job losses. http://www.civitas.org.uk/press/prequalityimpact.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From HOME OFFICE: Home Office Is Stonewall Top Public Sector Employer (11/01/12): The Home Office is the best public sector employer of the year for lesbian, gay and bisexual people, Stonewall has announced today. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/press-releases/stonewall UN Report To Tackle LGB Prejudice (20/12/11): UN highlights need for international effort to tackle LGB prejudice http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/UN-report ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From FALSE ECONOMY: Crowdsourced Research Reveals Strong Opposition To Disability Benefit Reform: Freedom of Information-based research finds that Government misled MPs and Peers over hostility to disability benefit reform. A report published today finds that Government misled MPs and Peers over the hostility to disability benefit reform. It reveals that Parliament has been given only a partial view of the overwhelming opposition to the Coalition’s planned reforms of a key disability benefit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The research finds that this opposition was previously not released to public scrutiny by the Government. http://digbig.com/5bfhjb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From REFUGEE ACTION: National Conference For Refugee Organisations To Share Success (12/01/12): Representatives from refugee community organisations across the UK are invited to come together to share successes and learning, at the second Basis Project national conference in Birmingham on 24 January 2012. http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/news/2012/nationalconference.aspx More Than Half Of British Public Overestimate Number Of Immigrants In UK (09/01/12): Following the publication of British Future''s ''Hopes and Fears'' poll in The Observer on Sunday, further statistics from the think-tank''s report reveal a wide gap between public attitudes and reality on immigration. http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/news/2012/immigrantsuk.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INDEPENDENT POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION: Statement Following Sentencing In Stephen Lawrence Murder Trial (04/01/12): http://digbig.com/5bfhqb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AND RESEARCH COUNCIL: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE: New CEDAW Toolkit From WRC Now Online: WRC has produced a full toolkit on the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and both the briefings for women’s organisations and the one for public bodies on their obligations under CEDAW: http://www.wrc.org.uk/cedaw/toolkit In addition, the deadline for submitting evidence for the CEDAW shadow report is 30th April. The link is also on our website. For more information please contact Charlotte at charlotte@wrc.org.uk New Welsh Women''s Aid Toolkit Online: Using Equalities Legislation to Defend Women''s Services: A Practical Toolkit for the Women''s Aid Movement in Wales: Some of the content is UK wide and some of it is Wales specific, all is worth looking at. You can find the link on their website. http://digbig.com/5bfhnk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Bob Neill Gives More Councils The Go-Ahead To Tackle Historic Pay Inequalities (10/01/12): http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2063620 Stunell: New Site Funding Offers Fairer Deal For Travellers And The Settled Community (07/01/12): http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2061063 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESEARCH: Minimal Impact Of Migration On Education And Public Services (10/01/12): new NIESR report by Metcalf, H. and Portes, J. http://www.niesr.ac.uk/pdf/100112_105822.pdf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEMOS: Expert Panel Proposes Framework To Underpin Any Future Change In Law On Assisted Dying For Terminally Ill People (05/01/12): http://www.demos.co.uk/press_releases/thecommissiononassisteddying ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GUARDIAN: Scrapping The Social Fund - Your Stories: Are you affected by cuts to Social Fund grants? Share your experience with us in confidence as our team reports on a crucial period for the welfare reform bill http://digbig.com/5bfhjg ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From OBJECT: OBJECT And Turn Your Back On Page 3 Submit Joint Written Evidence To The Leveson Inquiry: As part of our STOP.PRESS.PORN campaign, OBJECT has submitted a joint report to the Leveson Inquiry calling for an end to the sexual objectification of women in our press. Read more: http://wp.me/prMaz-Ur ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EKKLESIA: Responsible Reform: Changes To Disability Living Allowance: This report, written by disabled people themselves, and based on an analysis of some 500 responses to the UK government''s consultation on its planned Disability Living Allowance (DLA) changes and cuts, illustrates that the coalition''s proposed ''reforms'' lack both support and credibility….. http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/responsiblereformDLA ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From IMAAN: Imaan 2012 Conference Announcement!: 5th International LGBTQI Muslim Conference: [London] 24th – 27th August. The conference is open to all Muslim Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people, their family, friends and supporters. So save the dates and start looking/booking tickets! Please email us to register your interest at conference@imaan.org.uk. For any queries, or to volunteer as a facilitator, speaker or organiser, please contact info@imaan.org.uk or tawseef@imaan.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LEARNING DISABILITY COALITION: Care Matters To Me: Today we launch our new campaign, Care Matters to Me – we need your support to make sure that politicians know why care matters. http://digbig.com/5bfhjp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS: DWP In-House Research Report ''Attitudes To Age In Britain 2010-11'' (12/01/12): Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions shows that age-related discrimination and stereotyping remain rooted in British society. The findings are based on new analysis from the ONS Opinions Survey. http://digbig.com/5bfhrx £200 Million Payment By Results Scheme To Help Troubled Families (03/01/12): The Government has today announced a new £200 million outreach service to help England''s most troubled families. Run in conjunction with local authorities and the organisations delivering the Work Programme, the new service will help families with multiple problems overcome barriers to employment. http://digbig.com/5bfhrt ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MIND: Mind Welcomes House Of Lords Amendments To The Welfare Reform Bill (12/01/12): http://digbig.com/5bfhsc Mind Backs Disabled Campaigners'' DLA Report (09/01/12): Mind has backed a report by disabled campaigners, which exposes the shortcomings of the Government’s reforms to Disability Living Allowance. http://digbig.com/5bfhsd Mind Responds To Latest Talking Therapy Figures (22/12/11): Mind responds to the latest performance figures from the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme. http://digbig.com/5bfhse Most People Still Afraid To Disclose A Mental Health Problem To Their Employer (19/12/11): Mind and CIPD urge employers to get staff talking about mental health issues in 2012 as economic woes conspire to create the perfect ingredients for a surge in mental ill health. http://digbig.com/5bfhsf ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION: New Year, New Care Sector? (05/01/12): Let’s hope 2012 is a better year for the social care sector. The issue of funding long-term care is dominating the New Year headlines following last year''s Dilnot Commission. http://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/2012/01/new-year-new-care-sector ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 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). The Mainstreaming Equalities Change Champion Project is funded through the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland, through the Supporting Voluntary Action Programme being administered by SCVO (the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations). The work on behalf of the Equality Network Forum is funded by Glasgow City Council This message may contain information that has been sent to the Equalities Communications and Resource Worker by third parties. While we do everything possible to ensure the transmission of accurate and appropriate material, we do not take responsibility for its content. The forwarding of information to you should not be seen as an endorsement of any of the views expressed. If you have been forwarded this e-newsletter but would like to subscribe directly to EQUALITY UPDATES, FUNDING EXTRA and/or JOBS EXTRA simply email kate.henderson@gcvs.org.uk If you wish to unsubscribe from this email list please email: kate.henderson@gcvs.org.uk with the message ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line. Contact details: Kate Henderson, Equalities Communications and Resource Worker, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, 11 Queens Crescent, Glasgow G4 9AS Tel: 0141 332 2444 Fax: 0141 332 0175 Email: kate.henderson@gcvs.org.uk