BASE News Archive

Two further projects are due to be launched in Derby and Newcastle by the end of 2006 and all 27 projects will be rolled out by the end of 2007. Seven regional coordinators will be recruited across the UK to manage the project at a local level.

Disabled people interested in finding out more about Ready to Start should contact Linda Holland, National Project Manager for Ready to Start, on 020 7802 8200 or email linda.holland@lc-uk.org. More details are available on the Leonard Cheshire Website

11 September 2006: New approaches needed to promote worker health and well-being

A new, 'joined up' approach is required to tackle the on-going problem of workplace ill-health in the UK. Occupational ill health and injury in the UK have high financial and personal costs for employers and employees. Around 28million working days are lost each year to occupational ill health and seven million days are lost due to workplace injury. Absence due to sickness costs the UK around £12billion each year.
How should the UK's occupational health challenges best be addressed? More

11 September 2006: Mental health resource list for employers

The DRC, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, National Institute for Mental Health in England and other mental health and employment experts have compiled a list of good practice resources and useful information for employers about mental health.

The document aims to enable employers to improve their policies and practices around recruiting and retaining staff with mental health problems. Read the Document

08 September 2006: Work is good for mental and physical health

Following a published government-backed review, It has been found that Work is good for mental and physical health.
The report , Is Work Good for your Health and Well-being?, finds that unemployment can cause mental health problems and increase the likelihood of people becoming disabled or obese, but these problems can be reversed when people return to work.
The review was commissioned by DWP as part of the Health, work and well-being strategy. The findings support the Government's commitment to help more people to enter into, remain in and return to work. Launching the report, health, work and well-being minister Lord Hunt said work benefited communities by reducing health and wealth inequalities.

Click here to read the report.

07 September 2006: Scottish Union of Supported Employment National Conference

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment National Conference will take place at the Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles. This two day conference will concentrate on the SUSE Blueprint for Supported Employment in Scotland and the new Scottish Business Diversity Awards.
For more details and booking form click here

01 September 2006: New human rights convention for disabled people agreed at the United Nations

A significant step forward in enabling disabled people across the world to enjoy full participation in society has been achieved at the United Nations, where the text of a Human Rights Convention for disabled people has been agreed. This agreement followed extensive negotiations that began back in 2002, and in which the UK played a high-profile role whilst holding the Presidency of the European Union in the later half of 2005.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:

“I am sure many across the world will look to this Convention as a long overdue victory for all disabled people. “It was important for the UK that the agreed text adequately protected the human rights of 650 million disabled people worldwide and that the negotiations were concluded in the shortest time possible. I am pleased that we have succeeded on both counts. I now look forward to the General Assembly’s adoption of the agreed text and to the United Kingdom’s ratification of the Convention. “I am also pleased that the UK’s decision to allow Dr Richard Light to be part of these negotiations and to represent the views of the UK disability community has proved so valuable in ensuring that the Convention meets the approval of those it sets out to protect.” More

29 August 2006: Workstep Distance Travelled Project

Following on from the WORKSTEP Programme evaluation, DWP has commissioned the Centre for Public Policy, at Northumbria University to undertake a new two year project. This research will explore a distance travelled approach to WORKSTEP development planning and aims to develop and pilot a tool for the measurement of ‘in-programme’ progression or distance travelled for supported employees.

The research team working on this project would be very interested to hear from any BASE members who currently use a 'distance travelled' approach to their work with supported employees. Click here for contact details and more about the Workstep Distance Travelled Project.

24 August 2006: People with learning difficulties and employment

The largest employer of people with disabilities is Remploy, the national agency that provides work and support to 9,000 disabled people. Mainstream employers simply do not employ disabled people in the same numbers, and this is especially true regarding people with learning disabilities.

Helping employers understand that they can successfully hire a person with a disability is the role of David Bailey, employment development co-ordinator for the charity United Response. He believes one barrier to this currently happening is employers not having the time to devote to expanding their workforce this way. More...

Another article on employment for people with learning difficulties was published on the same day, click here to read the article titled "What are the options for people with learning difficulties who want to work?"

22 August 2006: Create national service framework for people with learning difficulties, say professionals

Jim Blair, a senior university lecturer in learning difficulties in London, and Mike Kennard, chief executive of charity Signalong, have launched a consultation following the Cornwall findings and lack of national targets in the sector to gauge opinion ahead of a meeting of policy-makers in the autumn.

However, a Department of Health spokesperson said she was unaware of the proposal and that it was “unlikely to be considered” while work continued to implement the government’s Valuing People white paper, which was published in 2001.

17 August 2006: Modernisation Funds Report

The Modernisation Funds Report has now been published, and is available via the DWP web site. To read the report click here

The Centre for Public Policy research team would like to thank all the providers for the time they gave both for this project and the WORKSTEP Programme evaluation. It was very much appreciated and clearly they couldn't have carried out their work without the help and support of providers.

14 August 2006: Free lunch for volunteers

New rules will mean people on benefits who volunteer will no longer have to bear the cost of their meals Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, has announced. Unlike childcare costs and special clothing, meal time costs have never been an expense that could be disregarded for benefits purposes when an individual is volunteering. The change will mean that in future, meals will be treated as an expense that volunteers can claim back. Previously, they were expected to meet the cost of meals out of their benefits.

11 August 2006: LSC response to Peter Little report

The LSC has published its response to Peter Little's report, "Through Inclusion to Excellence". The LSC has committed itself to implementing all the recommendations for which it is wholly or partly responsible and for publishing a national and regional strategies in the autumn/winter of 2006. Implementation of the strategy will be monitored by the LSC's Equality and Diversity Sub-committee for People with Learning difficulties and Disabilities and Peter Little has been invited to join this sub-committee. Read the LSC response

10 August 2006: Courses cut for adults with learning difficulties as skills priorities shift

Courses for adults with learning difficulties are being cut across England due to government training priorities, it has emerged this week.

Further education leaders have said the government's emphasis on courses leading to level 2 qualifications - equivalent to GCSE - has been reflected in funding from the Learning and Skills Council, which plans and funds further education.

As a result some courses for adults with learning difficulties which do not meet this requirement have been dropped by colleges. More...

10 August 2006: Plan to cut health and care elements of education for disabled people criticised

Learning and Skills Council proposals to stop funding the health and care elements of education for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are criticised in a report today.

In Through Inclusion to Excellence published in November 2005, the LSC said “millions of pounds” could be freed up to fund learning if other agencies contributed more towards the health and care elements of education packages. More...

08 August 2006: Report on work for people with learning difficulties delayed and marginalised

The government has been slammed for delaying and then marginalising a key report on employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties. The Working Group on Learning Disabilities and Employment report, published last week was completed 18 months ago, group members have said. The report was only published last week on the Valuing People Support Team website, with no announcement from the departments of health or work and pensions, which sponsored the group.

David Congdon, head of policy and campaigns at Mencap and a group member, said: “I’m very concerned that the recommendations will be ignored.” Fellow group member Huw Davies, chair of the British Association for Supported Employment, said the government had shelved the report because the recommendations were “a bit challenging”. It found that workers with learning difficulties were paid less than the minimum wage.

07 August 2006: Disability website launched today

A new website, www.imagesofdisability.gov.uk , which contains guidance about portraying disabled people in communications materials, was launched today.

The website is aimed primarily at communications professionals to provide them with support and guidance in producing effective and inclusive depictions of disabled people. It has been compiled through extensive consultation with the Images of Disability Steering Group1 which includes representatives from the Disability Rights Commission, to ensure both accuracy of information and to gain support and input. More...

02 August 2006: 8th European Union of Supported Employment Conference 2007

The Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment is pleased to invite you to attend the 8th Conference of the European Union of Supported Employment in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland from 13 to 15 June 2007.

For Expression of Interest or further information email: info@euseconference2007.org

02 August 2006: Workers with learning difficulties paid less than minimum wage

A “worrying” number of employment providers for people with learning difficulties are paying workers less than the minimum wage, a new report has revealed. Many local authority and voluntary sector providers are “in breach” of national minimum wage rules, with some “simply avoiding the issue,” according to the report by a government working group on learning difficulties and employment. The report, "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability", was published in early July and AfSE was a member of the group that produced it (see news article 5 July 2006). More...

30 July: DRC Online Survey of Opinion Formers

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has asked the Office for Public Management (OPM) to conduct research into the views of the key opinion formers that the Commission has been or will be communicating with as part of its work: senior decision makers and leaders across the public, private, media and voluntary sectors. This follows similar research conducted in 2003 and covers England, Scotland and Wales.

To complete the survey click here (deadline 1st August 2006)

27 July 2006: Welfare reform - Cities strategy: 13 successful areas announced

In a radical overhaul of how the Welfare State provides services, Secretary of State John Hutton announced the names of the 13 successful cities and towns that will be given greater freedom to provide individually tailored programmes and solutions to local problems.

The successful areas granted Cities Strategy pathfinder status submitted plans to pool resources and expertise in order to tackle the specific problems that have stopped people from getting into work in that area. The government is providing £5 million to get the plans off the ground and areas, that are successful in meeting targets agreed with government, will be eligible for additional funding that can be re-invested into local services and priorities.More...

26 July 2006: Outside expert appointed for disability equality drive

Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire announced yesterday that Sally Witcher, currently Chair of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC), has been appointed as an Assistant Director of the Government’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI). Sally has a track record of working in various roles in the disability and poverty fields and will bring a fresh perspective to the ODI’s work.

Speaking at a meeting of the All Party Group on Disability, Anne McGuire said, “I am delighted that Sally Witcher has accepted this post within the Office for Disability Issues. We need to tap into knowledge and expertise from outside Government if we are to be successful in delivering equality for disabled people. Sally has an impressive record of both campaigning and working with Government to improve the lives of disabled people and will make a huge contribution to the work of the ODI.”

Sally, who has personal experience of disability, will take up her new post at the heart of delivering the Government’s strategy for disabled people from October. Speaking today, she said “The Office for Disability Issues has a vitally important role to play in placing disabled people’s views at the heart of public policy and supporting Government to deliver disability equality. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in taking this forward.”

20 July 2006: Independent Living Funds Review: Call for evidence

Independent Consultants, Melanie Henwood and Bob Hudson, have been appointed by the Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, to undertake the Review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs). The Review will report at the end of December 2006. The Review is being undertaken in line with Cabinet Office guidance addressing:

• whether a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) continues to be the best way to deliver the service, and, if so
• how delivery of those services can be improved upon.

As part of the Review they are inviting concise, written submissions addressing the following issues:

• What do you believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of the ILFs?
• How do you see the ILFs relating to other ‘cash for care’ models (notably Direct Payments and Individual Budgets)?
• Are current arrangements for delivering the ILFs best suited to its purpose within a changing policy context?
• What changes, if any, do you believe are required in the way in which the ILFs operate?

Stakeholders have been asked to provide written submissions, in electronic form by 31 August 2006 to ILF-Review@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Public consultation events for individual service users are being held across the UK from 8 August 2006:
Belfast – 21 August
Edinburgh – 4 September
London – 17 August
Leeds – 31 August
Newport, South Wales – 8 August

Enquiries to: ILF Review 6th Floor, The Adelphi, 1 – 11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT

20 July 2006: Revised guidance on the Factory Support Grant for the use of providers with supported businesses

The new guidance is clearer with more comprehensively described funding principles and a simplified business plan checklist.

Click here to read the revised guidance

20 July 2006: WORKSTEP inspections - changes involving initial phase

The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) visits to WORKSTEP providers in 'cycle 2' will now consider activity prior to Jobstart.

If you wish to read the article which sets out briefly those areas click here.

19 July: DRC - a year of achievement

The annual report and accounts of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) were published today.

Laying the Report before Parliament, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton said, “This Annual Report demonstrates the Commission’s many achievements during an important year for disabled people. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 significantly extended and strengthened disability rights and I look forward to working with the DRC in the year ahead as we continue to implement the Act’s provisions and deliver better outcomes for disabled people.”

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said, “The DRC is an important voice for disabled people and a major force in ensuring legislation delivers in reality. During the last year its wide-ranging activities have included initiating its Disability Debate about the future agenda; contributing to the development of proposals for a Commission for Equality and Human Rights; helping thousands of disabled people and those with duties under the DDA to recognise their rights and responsibilities; drafting codes of practice and supporting disabled people in enforcing their rights.”

19 July 2006: Remploy review published

The Department for Work and Pensions has published the national review of Remploy. The report was originally meant to be published in May but was delayed by requests for further work to be completed. The report seems short on recommendations but finds that Remploy could be much more effective if it transferred investment away from factories and into open placements. The report shows that the average annual subsidy for Remploy factory workers is £18,000 per person, with the highest subsidies over £48,000 per person. It uses a figure of £5000 per placement in its comparisons with other provision. The report puts forward a range of possible scenarios for the business – from ‘no change’ to complete closure of the factory network.

Anne McGuire announced that she would not be accepting either of these options, and announced the government would give Remploy additional funding in this financial year to prevent immediate closures. The minister confirmed a five year funding envelope of £111 million per year to enable the company to plan for the future and set a new aspiration of helping significantly more disabled people into work. Read the report...

17 July 2006: Give service users more jobs in mental health, urges report

The NHS should employ more people who have used mental health services, according to a report published yesterday by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and Disability Rights Commission.

It says a more diverse workforce would provide more sensitive services and change the “them and us” culture. Read the report.

A second report by the Sainsbury Centre, in conjunction with the King’s Fund, found that mental health and learning difficulty services users would like more choice between different treatment, care and support options.

14 July 2006: Government announces independent living review for disabled people

A review of Government policy on independent living for disabled people was today announced by Baroness Royall, Government Whip and Health spokesperson.

Speaking during the second reading of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill in Parliament today, Baroness Royall said, “Independent living is a reality for some disabled people in spite of the disabling barriers that still exist. However, in its fullest sense, independent living is still a dream for too many. The Government has made huge strides in enabling more disabled people to live autonomously, but there is a long way still to go before disabled people have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people. That is why we have set up a review to make independent living a possibility for all disabled people. This cross-Government Independent Living Review will identify the practical next steps we need to take and look for creative solutions to the many obstacles faced by disabled people."

The review project will be led by a team in the Office for Disability Issues, with Jenny Morris as its Executive Director. It will be steered and shaped by an Independent Living Expert Panel, chaired by Dame Jane Campbell. The review will regularly report progress to the Independent Living Expert Panel. Detailed proposals are expected to be published in Summer 2007.

The review will initially take 12 months and will:

• Bring together the views and experience of officials from central and local Government, disabled people and organisations of disabled people
• Develop imaginative new solutions in the areas of health, social care, transport, employment and housing
• Develop thinking on the relationship between independent living and individual budgets
• Make practical proposals for activity to support independent living.

13 July 2006: Office for Disability Issues – First Annual Report to the Prime Minister

The Government's Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has today published its first Annual Report to the Prime Minister, detailing the progress that is being made towards realising the Government's ambitious vision for real equality for disabled people by 2025.

Welcoming the report, the Prime Minister said:

“ For too long, disabled people have been marginalised in our society. They have found themselves denied the chance to exercise choice and control over their lives and, too often, been excluded from the workplace.
The Government is determined to put that right. That's why I welcome this first report of the Office for Disability Issues, which shows the progress being made in removing the barriers to a more equal society in which all can play their full part." More...

11 July 2006: New advisory body to tackle ethnic minority unemployment announced

A new independent body has been launched today to help ethnic minorities find work. The Ethnic Minority Advisory Group (EMAG), which is made up of twenty two representatives from across the ethnic community, has been set up as part of the Government’s welfare reform agenda to boost employment opportunities for ethnic minorities. Statistics reveal that, although the employment rate in Great Britain is the highest of all the G8 countries at 75 percent, ethnic minority employment is 15 per cent lower. The EMAG aims to narrow this gap and help get more people closer to the workplace. More...

10 July 2006: New disability body to advise Government

Anne McGuire has announced that the Government is setting up a new mechanism to involve disabled people in the heart of policy-making. An advisory group has identified that there is a need for a new body to work with the Government to help them achieve the aim of equality for disabled people by 2025. It will provide advice and information from disabled people based upon the values underpinning the work of the forum and the views and experiences of disabled people.

The non-departmental public body will be known as "Equality 2025: the United Kingdom Advisory Network on Disability Equality" and will have 20 to 25 members, who will all be disabled people. It will not replace existing Departmental arrangements for involving disabled people in policy-making, but supplement them. It is expected that Equality 2025 will be launched later this year. More...

7 July 2006: Ministerial hearings on services for disabled children

HM Treasury and the Department for Education and Skills have announced a cross-cutting review of services for disabled children and their families. The findings will help the Government to develop its public spending plans for the next three years from 2008. Ministers have asked MPs to gather evidence over the summer and put forward practical recommendations to the cross-cutting review in the autumn. There are a number of Ministerial Hearings in July relating to services for disabled children and young people. On 20th of July there is one focused on transition to adulthood. Professionals and families can submit information to the hearings and forms are available on the Contact a Family website. More...

5 July 2006: Free guidance On making your website accessible

A free guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites is available for people responsible for commissioning or maintaining public-facing websites and web-based services. More...

5 July 2006: At last! Publication of "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability" report

The Government has finally agreed to publish the report of a joint working group that was led by the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions. The report, originally titled "Occupation Supports Participation" was produced in 2003-04 and has been languishing in the corridors of the DWP since December 2004. It is not being badged by DWP or DH, but will instead be published shortly on the Valuing People website, sparking rumours that it was too radical for Government to consider. We have been assured that Government will treat it no less seriously despite it not being badged by the Government departments. BASE was a member of the working group that produced the report. We will forward copies of the report to paid up members over the next week or two. Read the report...

5 July 2006: Welfare Reform Bill published

John Hutton yesterday published the Welfare Reform Bill following consultation on the Green Paper. The Bill aims to encourage one million people off incapacity benefits and into employment. It proposes the introduction of the Employment Support Allowance and a new Personal Capability Assessment (PCA) that will test whether a claimant is exempt from the new Allowance. A higher disability allowance will be paid to people found to be exempt. There has been much discussion about the application of the PCA to people with mental health needs and a subgroup is currently working on proposals around this area. We expect most of the detail to come later as new rules and regulations are drafted to implement the bill.

There will also be a framework to reform and improve the design and administration of Housing Benefit. It will provide for the roll-out of the Local Housing Allowance– a simplified Housing Benefit scheme that is currently being tested in 18 Local Authority areas.More...

5 July 2006: There's money in Government contracting!

The government is creating a new generation of multimillionaires and turning charities into multimillion-pound businesses by contracting out services provided by the state, a report commissioned by the Whitehall trade union the Public and Commercial Services union, reveals today. The report, by Steve Davies, senior research fellow at Cardiff University school of social sciences, shows a swath of companies set up to provide training for disabled people, the unemployed on New Deal programmes, and young offenders are now multimillion-pound enterprises.

The top example is A4e, founded in 1991 by 42-year-old Emma Harrison, which now employs more than 1,500 people and has a turnover of £75m a year, providing training services for the government, private companies and welfare reform programmes in Israel and Poland. The company is now the largest training provider for the government's New Deal programme for the unemployed. Ms Harrison is reputed to be worth £55m and received £1.1m in dividends alone last year. Another multimillionaire is Deborah Fern, who ran Fern Training and Development, set up in 1986 to provide training programmes for unemployed and disabled people. She sold her company to another expanding group, Carter and Carter plc, five months ago for £13.6m, taking £2.9m in shares.

Among the charities highlighted are the Shaw Trust, which provides training programmes for disabled people and has seen its income jump by £18.36m to £63.98m in the last year - with £37.5m coming from Jobcentre Plus and just £1.9m from private fundraising. Other charities funded from government sources include Tomorrow's People, which has strong links through its trustees to the Diageo drink and food conglomerate. Another is a public-private company, Working Links, which is a third owned by Mission Australia, a charity campaigning for Britain to adopt the Australian model of service provision, in which the government contracts out all its services to the private and charitable sectors. The other owners are the management consultants Cap Gemini and the employment firm Manpower. Read the report...

4 July 2006: Evaluation of ESF objective 3 co-financing in England

The Department for Work and Pensions has published an evaluation of the impact of the ESF Objective 3 co-financing (CFO) regime in England in terms of delivery standards, beneficiary participation, quality of outputs and strategic approach. The Objective 3 co-financing approach was introduced in September 2001 and brought ESF and match funding together into a single funding stream. The intention was to reduce bureaucracy on providers and promote a more co-ordinated and targeted approach to Objective 3 provision. The main findings of the research are:

• The implementation of co-financing has developed since previous studies in 2001 and 2003, with increased levels of CFO activity. In the view of many providers and stakeholders CFOs have become more effective, but views vary considerably. The report considers that the standard of ESF delivery under co-financing has been at least maintained or raised in the study areas.
• In terms of provider access – CFOs have made considerable efforts to involve able providers from a wide range of sectors and sizes. However, smaller providers often faced challenges in applying and delivering services due to the potential risks associated with output/outcome related payments, a move towards larger scale contracts and concerns over bureaucracy.
• Beneficiary access appears to be in line with Regional Development Plans (RDPs) and recent policy directives to focus on the harder to reach. It is suggested that providers may, however, be less willing to support these beneficiaries in the 2007-2013 ESF programme due to concerns over outcome related payments.
• There is evidence that co-financing has made progress in using ESF strategically, for example, by planning both within and across-sectors. More...

We'd like to know what you think. What are your views about the ESF co-financing regime? Send us your views

04 July 2006: Jobs on offer to disabled people are poor, low-paid and unsustainable, report finds

Many disabled people want to work but often jobs on offer are “poor quality, low paid and unsustainable”, a report by the Child Poverty Action Group says today. Forty per cent of children with a disabled parent live below the poverty line, according to the charity. The new report includes interviews with disabled parents who have tried to find paid work. Much more must be done to support disabled people if the government’s plans to move a million incapacity benefit claimants into work are to succeed, says CPAG. The report makes the following recommendations and says welfare reform will not work without them.

• The government must make sure that good quality jobs are available for disabled people.
• Much more work needs to be done to overcome discrimination in society at large, and among employers in particular, if disabled people are to find work.
• Significant investment in support for disabled people – not benefit sanctions – is essential.
• An adequate financial safety net to prevent poverty must be provided for disabled people unable to work.
• The additional costs for disabled people who are parents and want to work must be recognised and addressed. More...

29 June 2006: Lottery funding for new advice services

The Big Lottery Fund is launching a £50 million pound initiative, Advice Plus, that will fund advice services to help people avoid or overcome disadvantage and better their quality of life. Advice Plus will be rolled out in England this year and will focus on voluntary and community sector organisations that support people in accessing the services and benefits they may be entitled to, such as housing, education and health services, or welfare benefits. The programme will also strive to develop sustainable services by seeking to fund projects that link with or develop local, regional and national plans or partnerships.

Projects can apply for up to £500,000 in total for capital and revenue projects lasting up to five years. Full eligibility criteria and application packs are available to download from the Big Lottery Fund website from Thursday 29 June. There will be three rounds of Advice Plus. The deadline for the first round is noon on 30 October 2006. The deadline for the following two rounds will be October 2007 and October 2008. More...

21 June 2006: Update on long-awaited learning disability and employment report

In a written reply to Tom Clarke, MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People has talked about the report "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability". This is a report of a working group on learning disabilities and employment which BASE was involved in from 2003 to 2004. She announced that the working group's report is to Ministers and to the Learning Disability Task Force and she expects it to be published shortly. The report, formerly known as "Occupation Supports Participation" has been embargoed since it was completed at the end of 2004, fuelling speculation that the recommendatyions were too far reaching for the Government to consider. More...

20 June 2006: Government publishes response to benefit reform consultation

The Government has published its response to the consultation on incapacity benefit reform. The document is available for downloading at the DWP website. Over 600 responses were received during the consultation. Also available on the same webpage is the Government's reply to the third report of the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

13 June 2006: Pathways to Work from Incapacity Benefits: A study of experience and use of Return to Work Credit

This report presents analysis of depth interviews conducted with 35 Return to Work Credit (RTWC) recipients. The discussion explores people's knowledge and awareness of RTWC in making decisions about work, experiences of using RTWC and the impact it made, and expectations and experiences of the end of RTWC. Read the report

13 June 2006: Entry to Employment

Entry to Employment is an entry to a level 1 work-based programme for young people aged 16-18. More...

13 June 2006: Early Quantitative Evidence on the Impact of the Pathways to Work Pilots

This report focuses on the differences in some early quantitative outcomes between pathways and non-pathways areas. Two empirical techniques are used to investigate the early impact of the pilots on employment, earnings, receipt of incapacity benefits, and a potential indicator of the extent to which individuals' health affects their everyday activities. Read the report

08 June 2006: New code of practice on disability discrimination

A new code of practice from the Disability Rights Commission is laid before Parliament today for its consideration, giving guidance on the application of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, warmly welcomed the “clear advice and guidance” in the new code, saying:
“The Government believes that clear and accessible advice and guidance for those with rights and responsibilities under the DDA is important. The new Code gives practical guidance on the application of the Act, in relation to provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 that come into force on 4 December 2006.”

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has revised the existing guidance on the Disability Discrimination Act for providers of goods, services and facilities, to include the new duties on public authorities, landlords and private members clubs. It explains how to avoid unlawful acts of disability discrimination and provides practical guidance to landlords and tenants on the making of disability-related alterations to rented housing.

Subject to Parliament’s approval of the draft code, the DRC proposes to issue and publish the revised code this summer, giving those with responsibilities under the DDA adequate time to consider it before the new duties come into force.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new code will come into force on 4 December 2006, replacing the existing code from that date.

04 June 2006: Consultants appointed for Independent Living Funds 2006 review

Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, has announced the selection of Melanie Henwood and Bob Hudson to work as independent consultants on the 2006 Review of the Independent Living Funds.
A cross government evaluation panel awarded a six month consultancy contract to Melanie Henwood’s Associates, who will engage as independent consultants to conduct the strategic review.
They will supply independent expert advice and carry out an informal public consultation in order to provide recommendations as to the future direction of the funds.
The consultants are expected to report to Ministers by December 2006.

04 June 2006: Hilary Armstrong appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office and for Social Exclusion by the Prime Minister

In May 2006 Hilary Armstrong became Minister for the Cabinet Office and Social Exclusion and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

This new role will be to co-ordinate the Government's agenda to tackle social exclusion. Hilary Armstrong will also take responsibility for the third sector, supported by a Parliamentary Secretary, drawing together the different parts of Whitehall that currently deal with voluntary and community sector organisations and social enterprises. A new office for the sector in the Cabinet Office will bring greater coherence to the Government's approach to the sector. More...

04 June 2006: Appointment of new Non-Executive Directors for Remploy Ltd

Joe Mann MBE and Ian Thornley have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of Remploy, UK's leading provider of employment opportunities for disabled people.

Announcing the appointment, John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “I am delighted that Joe Mann MBE and Ian Thornley will be joining the Remploy Board. They will bring a wealth of experience to the Company, both in terms of their respective successful careers in Trade Unionism and business and their personal commitment to supporting disabled people”.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said: “ I am very pleased that we have been able to attract such high calibre individuals to work with Remploy and would also like to offer my thanks to both Anna Vinton and Alan Tuffin for their service to Remploy”.

31 May 2006: New TUC report on the employment of people with disabilities

Too few disabled people are being taken on by employers and too many are losing their jobs, according to a report published by the Trade Union Congress. The TUC guide, 'Disability and work: A trade union guide to the law and good practice' sets out how unions can work with employers to make the new Disability Equality Duty become a reality. It puts forward a three point plan on how more disabled people can be helped to stay in employment or to find suitable jobs. It calls on the government to remind employers that they can be taken to court under the Disability Discrimination Act and fined for treating disabled employees or job applicants unfairly. The TUC also asks ministers to put additional resources into the Access to Work scheme, which gives financial help to employers who face extra costs because they employ disabled workers, and to publicise it more. Other recommendations include for every employer to be required to draw up a return to work plan for any member of staff temporarily forced to leave their job through ill health or injury. It also calls for the government to introduce disability leave to give employees the right to take time off while they are undergoing rehabilitation treatment or while changes are being made to their workplace to enable them to continue in their jobs. More...

30 May 2006: Medical mistakes block benefits to disabled people

A BBC investigation for Radio 5 Live has revealed that almost 80,000 sick and disabled people a year are being wrongly denied benefits. The investigation found that medical reports on people claiming some benefits were inaccurate or unreliable. It was found that in some cases where a computer-based medical questionnaire was conducted the information produced was misleading or ridiculous. In other cases medical reports were found to have been altered so that the meaning was totally changed. In one such case a person claiming for Disability Living Allowance had their medical report altered 20 times, with one change being made to the word "unsteady" to alter it to "steady" in the description of her ability to walk. More...

16 May 2006: NUT calls for end to closure of special schools

The National Union of Teachers has called for an end to the closure of special schools and “inclusion on the cheap” which, it claims, is failing children and putting intolerable pressure on teachers. The calls came in the light of a Cambridge University report, published today by the NUT, which said mainstream schools are not properly equipped to deal with pupils with special educational needs. More...

16 May 2006: New List of DTI Ministers

Alistair Darling (Secretary of State for Trade and Industry) has overall responsibility for the Department of Trade and Industry.

Margaret Hodge (Minister of State for Industry and the Regions) has overall responsibility for Business Group issues such as Enterprise; growth and business investment; Strengthening regional economies; Small Business Service; Company Law Reform Bill; Companies House.

Jim Fitzpatrick (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Postal Services) has overall responsibility for Employment Relations including oversight of ACAS; Better Regulation; Shareholder Executive; Royal Mail and Post Office Counters Ltd.

16 May 2006: New List of Department for Health's Ministers

Patricia Hewitt (Secretary of State for Health) has overall responsibility for NHS and social care delivery and system reforms; finance and resources; strategic communications.

Lord Warner of Brockley (Minister of State for Reform) has responsibilities including NHS budget setting; system reform including strategic health authority (SHA)/primary care trust (PCT) reconfigurations; commissioning; choice; plurality; foundation trusts; independent sector treatment centres; contestability; Payment by Results and system management; Our Health Our Care Our Say White Paper (health lead); community hospitals; unscheduled and emergency care; NHS workforce issues including education and training and pay and pensions; primary care and NHS LIFT; chronic disease and NHS IT/NHS Connecting for Health.

Rosie Winterton (Minister of State for Health Services) has responsibilities including cancer, cardiac services, diabetes and renal services; mental health, including Mental Health Bill; prison healthcare; dentistry; patient and public involvement; equality and diversity issues; Midlands and Eastern region.

Caroline Flint (Minister of State for Public Health) has responsibilities including Public Health White Paper implementation; health inequalities; drugs including drug treatment; tobacco and smoking; alcohol; physical activity; diet and nutrition; Health Protection Agency (HPA) and communicable disease; immunisation; sexual health; Food Standards Agency (FSA); sustainable development; Southern region.

CAndy Burnham (Minister of State for Delivery and Quality) has responsibilities including standards; inspection and performance; patient safety including the National Patient Safety Agency; clinical governance and quality issues; clinical negligence; reducing bureaucracy; research and development; counter fraud and departmental management.

Ivan Lewis (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services) has responsibilities including Social care finance, performance and workforce issues, commission for Social Care Inspection, Social Care Institute for Excellence, children's health, maternity services, child and adolescent mental health services. Also responsible for older people's services including intermediate care, physical and learning disabilities, the long-term conditions National Service Framework, services provided by Allied Health professionals, and the voluntary sector.

16 May 2006: New List of Department for Education and Skills Ministers

Alan Johnson (Secretary of State for Education and Skills) has overall responsibility for the Department, its policies and strategy; Finance and public expenditure; Economic issues; Major appointments.

Jim Knight (Minister of State for Schools and 14 - 19 learners) has responsibilities including an overview of all schools strategy with a particular focus on: transforming secondary schools; behaviour; 14-19 learners; school funding and capital including Building Schools for the Future; remodelling the school workforce; the secondary school curriculum; and raising standards across the board.

Beverley Hughes (Minister for Children, Young People and Families) has responsibilities including an overview of all policies for children, young people and families, including overall responsibility for new legislation in this area. She works closely with colleagues across government to ensure that these issues are taken forward in a co-ordinated and joined up way.

Bill Rammell (Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education) has responsibilities including an overview of HE, FE, adult skills, the LSC and lifelong learning ensuring the overall coherence of all post-19 policy. He will take a direct lead on Higher Education issues and the reform of Further Education including the Foster Review, on which Phil Hope will support him. Bill Rammell will also lead on the LSC, its budget and operational performance.

Parmjit Dhanda (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families) has responsibilities including Family Policy, Education Welfare Service, Education Welfare Service, NEETs and NETs ( 16-19 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training and those Not in Education or Training).

Phil Hope (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) has responsibility for adult skills. He will also support Bill Rammell on the reform of FE and the Foster Review.

Lord Andrew Adonis (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools) has a particular focus on Primary schools; the school curriculum (supporting Jim Knight) and SEN/disability and the delivery of the Academies programme and the London Challenge.

16 May 2006: New List of DWP Ministers

John Hutton (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions) has overall responsibility for all work and pensions matters as well as public expenditure issues.

Jim Murphy (Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform) has responsibilities including Welfare Reform; Jobcentre Plus; New Deal; Incapacity Benefit Reform; Ethnic minority employment (Chair of EME task force); Employment programmes; Industrial injuries disability benefit (IIDB); Migrants, refugees & asylum seekers.

James Purnell (Minister of State for Pensions Reform) has responsibilities including Pension Reform; Private Pensions; Pensions Protection Fund; Age Discrimination (retirement).

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Lords)) has responsibilities including all DWP issues in the Lords; Human Rights; Health and Safety Executive/Commission; Departmental Green Issues; Child Support Agency.

Anne McGuire (Parliamentary Under Secretary for Disabled People) has responsibilities including Disability Legislation; Disability Rights Commission/Single Equality Body; Remploy/Workstep/Supported Employment; Disability Living Allowance/Attendance Allowance; Departmental Management Issues.

James Plaskitt (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Commons)) has responsibilities including Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit; Bereavement Benefit; Income Support (Working Age); Jobseekers Allowance; Support on Pensions Legislation; Social Security Advisory Committee.

15 May 2006: New research into employment disadvantage for ethnic minorities

Two new research reports by the DWP have concluded that many ethnic minority groups continue to have higher unemployment rates, greater concentrations in routine and semi-routine work and lower hourly earnings than whites. The patterns for women are broadly similar to those for men, although ethnic minority women tend not to be as disadvantaged relative to the whites. They did however find that qualification levels have improved. More...

15 May 2006: New "Tsar" Appointed at Department of Health

A new "tsar" has been appointed at the Department of Health to help lead government policy on the lives of people with learning disabilities. Nicola Smith, from West Sussex, will work alongside the current National Director for Learning Disabilities, Rob Greig. She takes up her salaried post with immediate effect. More...

4 May 2006: Nordis Industries threatened with closure

Up to 11 staff face losing their jobs on assembly lines or making road signs at Duston-based Nordis Industries, owned by Northants County Council. Campaigners trying to save a sheltered workplace for people with physical or learning difficulties say they expect a decision by the end of the week. A report to the council proposed saving £150,000 a year by closing the packing line, making 11 staff redundant. Councillors are to meet management on Friday to look at future options. Unions have been trying to persuade the council not to make anyone redundant and have suggested a management buyout. Parents and carers of workers at Nordis say they have had a meeting with county councillors about the possibility of some of the work being kept on.

3 May 2006: Review of Independent Living Funds announced

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, today announced a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs) saying “The ILFs enable thousands of severely disabled people to live independently and we need to consider the future direction of the funds in the light of our goal of equality for disabled people. A consultant will be engaged to conduct a strategic review of the Independent Living Funds, supplying independent expert advice and carrying out an informal public consultation, in order to make recommendations for the future direction of the Funds. The Independent Living Funds will allocate £263 million of public funds in 2006/07 so it is essential that we have an independent and informed review of their role.”

Regular reviews of Non Departmental Public Bodies are required by Cabinet Office guidance. This one will be carried out in the context of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People', and the Department of Health’s White Paper ‘Our health, Our care, Our say’. The Government’s overarching aim is to provide more person-centred and coherent support for disabled people. The review is expected to report to Ministers by December 2006. More...

3 May 2006: Response to A New Deal for Welfare

If you wish to read the BASE response to a New Deal for Welfare please click here.

3 May 2006: New DH Doc re Service User Remuneration

Government policy actively encourages the involvement of service users in the development and delivery of local services. The purpose of involvement is to improve service user and carer experience of services and to make services more responsive to local needs.

Involvement of service users is a central element of health and social care activity. The NHS is required to consult and involve service users under Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. Service users and carers contribute their time and expertise into improving services. This has raised issues concerning the reimbursement of expenses that have been incurred, but also clarification on circumstances where a service user should be offered payment for their involvement.

Service user involvement can be on a voluntary basis. Volunteering is when people give their time and skills for the benefit of society and the community. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain. It is good practice to reimburse volunteers’ out of pocket expenses.

This guide aims to support local health and social care organisations with the principles and practice of reimbursing and paying service users for their involvement. It aims to provide some consistency of approach and ensure that service users are treated fairly and appropriately according to their circumstances, so that they are able to make an informed choice about the arrangements concerning their involvement.

This guide sets out:

• The principles of best practice for reimbursement and payment for involvement.
• The roles and responsibilities for service users and NHS and social care organisations.
• Advice on the implications of paying and reimbursing service users who are in receipt of benefits.

The focus of this guide is on enabling and ensuring equitable access for service users to involvement activities. It is not intended to be a technical or detailed guide on benefits advice but it does provide information on benefit rules considered to be most relevant. Further expert advice on benefits should be sought where necessary.

Who is this guide for?

• This guide is for local health and social care organisations which are involving service users and carers in the development and delivery of local services. It may be of particular interest to managers, front line staff, service user involvement leads, welfare rights advisors, finance, legal and HR staff.
• This guide is also for service users and carers who are involved, or are considering their involvement in improving health or social care services.
• This guide is principally aimed at local rather than national organisations. The appointment of disabled people on benefits to public bodies is outside the remit of this guide. However, the advice and best practice principles set out can be used by national organisations and for public appointments where relevant and practicable. Read the guide

27 April 2006: New Director named for Health and Work

Professor Dame Carol Black, one of the nation's top doctors and President of the Royal College of Physicians, was today named as the Government's first ever National Director for Health and Work. She will spearhead initiatives promoting and improving health in the workplace, ensuring that people with health conditions and disabilities are supported to enter, return to and continue in work. More...

24 April 2006: National Employment and Health Innovations Network new web site

The Network’s website and email list have moved from NICE to The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (SCMH). The new website is at www.scmh.org.uk/nehin

Contact details: For any queries about the website, please contact Katherine Hall on 020 7827 8376 or email Katherine Hall.

Email list: The email list format has also changed. If you want to send a message to the network members, please send it to Katherine and she will pass it on. You should also contact Katherine to change your membership details or join / leave the group.

13 April 2006: DWP publishes Workstep evaluation

New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents findings from the evaluation of the WORKSTEP programme. The research was undertaken by the Centre for Public Policy, Northumbria University and the reports authors were Ann Purvis, James Lowrey and Lynn Dobbs. Both the full report and a summary are available at the DWP website. They are listed as report 348.

The report presents findings and recommendations from 17 qualitative case studies that examined the design, delivery and performance of WORKSTEP. The case studies involved interviews with a range of stakeholders, linked to the selected providers across Britain during 2005. These interviews included WORKSTEP supported employees, staff from both provider organisations and Jobcentre Plus and employers involved in the Programme. Data was also collected through the analysis of management information on the outputs of the Programme and other documentary review.

The main findings are:

• Since its introduction in 2001 the programme has made significant progress
• The main strength of current Programme design is the flexibility it offers to meet the needs of individual supported employees
• For most supported employees, these positive outcomes are due to the commitment of staff within many Providers, and the positive and supportive cultures within most of these organisations. The evaluation found this to be one of the most striking features of WORKSTEP Programme
• Supported employees were mostly very positive about their involvement with the Programme. Many highlighted numerous personal and social benefits, in addition to the financial rewards they derive from their work. More...

12 April: Eden director resigns over disability row

The director of horticulture at the Eden Project has resigned after claiming disabled workers were "placed behind the scenes". Sue Minter has handed in her notice following comments she made to a gardening magazine after giving a presentation in London. Horticulture Week quoted her as saying: "We place disabled people behind the scenes. We have a responsibility for professional horticulture's image". More...

12 April 2006: £165m in Lottery funding for wellbeing

The Big Lottery Fund is pumping £165 million of Lottery money into helping communities build healthier lifestyles through its new Well-being programme. The Fund’s new Lottery good cause programme has a three-pronged focus, which aims to improve mental wellbeing, make people more physically active, and encourage children, parents and the wider community to eat more healthily.

The Fund plans to maximise the impact of the £165 million by encouraging organisations to work across the programme’s three strands and work in partnership to deliver regional and national portfolios of projects in England dedicated to making communities healthier. The programme aims to promote and encourage partnership working within the health sector and across other sectors to increase participation and innovation. Grants will range from £1 million upwards and be made for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. Changing attitudes and the stigma associated with mental health will be tackled along with developing preventative approaches to common mental health problems, including stress, depression and anxiety disorders. More...

11 April 2006: Consultation on professionalising the learning and skills sector

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is to seek views on how best to implement reforms which bring forward regulations to support the development of a fully qualified and professional workforce in the learning and skills sector. The deadline for submitting views is the 4 July 2006. More...

11 April 2006: Discrimination Law 2006: Special Report

Workplace Law has announced the publication of a special report to help employers tackle the complex legal issues surrounding discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination Law 2006 is a plain English guide to the law and practice of managing people, which examines not only the regulations but also the practical steps that employers need to take to make sure they comply. To view the full article click here

7 April 2006: Research on public sector and equality of disabled people

This new research published by the Department for Work and Pensions examines public bodies’ approach to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 and provides evidence for a baseline against which to assess the extent to which the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 prompts authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

The main findings are:

• The DDA was a major factor that influenced the changes made by organisations who took part in the survey in terms of employment and service provision, accessibility of information and buildings strategy. It was also the main reason given by respondents for integrating disability issues into their mainstream plans.
• The vast majority of participating organisations had adapted their work environment, implemented flexible working time and flexible work organisation to help disabled employees. Many had conducted Disability Equality Impact Assessments and of those that had most had changed their employment and service policies and practices, as a result. Nearly all public bodies also had an Action Plan to meet the needs of disabled employees and service users.
• Although a large number of organisations in the survey had a Disability Equality Scheme in place, a minority had involved disabled employees or service users in drafting it. Also the vast majority of organisations had acted to improve access to premises for disabled people, but few had engaged with disability organisations to review the extent to which the services met the needs of disabled people.
• Participating organisations were unlikely to provide information in specialist formats for disabled employees and service users as part of their standard procedures, although they were much more likely to provide it on request.
• Almost all the organisations felt they were committed to improving the experience of their disabled employees, and most also felt they were currently meeting the needs of their disabled employees. In contrast though slightly fewer organisations felt they were meeting the needs of their disabled service-users. Read the report...

4 April 2006: Guidance about epilepsy at work

The Epilepsy Research Foundation has produced a leaflet about epilepsy and safety at work. The guidance offers useful tips on adjustements, health and safety considerations and suggestions for employees. Read the leaflet...

4 April 2006: DEAC seeks to appoint new Chair

The Government's Disability Employment Advisory Committee are seeking to appoint a part-time Chair. The appointment will be for 44 days per year and paid pro-rata. The closing date for applications is 4 May and application forms are available by ringing 0114 267 7234 or emailing pat.farrar@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

3 April 2006: DWP research into job retention and rehabilitation pilots

The Department for Work and Pensions has published research that provides final results from the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilot (JRRP), a trial which looked to test out boosting the usual help for those off work due to sickness and ill health to return to and retain their job. The two reports provide information about the experience of participating in the trial and a quantitative assessment of the impacts of the trial on return-to-work rates, health, and other measures.

It shows that this particular method of recruiting and assisting people to retain employment was not effective. Overall, the interventions had no significant impact on the group of people recruited into the trial across key return-to-work measures. Similar rates of return to work were observed in the intervention groups as in the control group. There were however some minor impacts, both positive and negative, on certain subgroups: specifically, improved return-to-work rates for those off work because of an injury; and lower return-to-work rates for those with mental health issues. More...

30 March 2006: Guidance on Local Area Agreements

Local area agreements (LLAs) are a way of striking a deal between central government, local authorities and major local delivery partners. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a webpage with links to guidance, advice notes and a prospectus. The site sets out the department's proposals to pilot LLAs as part of the strategy to build a new relationship between central and local government. More...

30 March 2006: New website about noise at work

The Health & Safety Executive has launched a new area of their website to address the problem of noise at work. Over 1 million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise which put their hearing at risk and new regulations come into force in April 2006. The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed. More...

24 March 2006: BASE meets with Shadow Minister

Huw Davies and Martin Davies, Joint Chairs of BASE, had a meeting this week with Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People. The meeting was very productive and allowed us to express our concerns about the future of employment support for jobseekers with disabilities. BASE has been invited to attend a series of five Conservative policy seminars this summer, covering transport, education, social care, welfare reform and housing. We will also be arranging for the Shadow Minister to visit a supported employment service in the South East. We hope that this will become the start of an ongoing dialogue between BASE and the Conservative party and we are greatly encouraged by the reception we had from Jeremy Hunt.

20 March 2006: Community groups hit by a 'contract culture'

Large swathes of the community sector are under threat because of the Government's desire to corral groups into delivering public services, new research suggests. Traditional grant support is being replaced by a contract culture that is squeezing out small community bodies and the services they provide, according to a survey of 55 members of the umbrella body Bassac. Fifty-eight per cent said funders had reduced the grants available for community-led activities in the past three years, often replacing them with contracts and service level agreements. More...

17 March 2006: Anne McGuire Launches Review of Remploy

Anne McGuire has announced a review of Remploy Ltd to look at how to open up more employment opportunities for disabled people. The review will look at how Remploy operates and suggest ways to both improve the opportunities for the 9,000 disabled people it presently supports and provide better value for money. It follows the publication of a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) last autumn which recognised that some of Remploy’s factory businesses were not financially sustainable. More...

16 March 2006: New report looks at makeup of employment rates for disabled people

As many as 2.5 million disabled men and women are without work in Britain. The number claiming benefits has increased three-fold since the 1970s. The main aim of this new research has been to unpack the large group of 'disabled people', to show that they are not all in the same labour market position. Among all adults (disabled and non-disabled combined), demographic characteristics were the most important influence on employment rates. Disability characteristics (condition, impairment and severity about equally) were the second most important factor. Economic characteristics (mainly education) were the least important. Within the group of disabled people, disability characteristics overtook demographic characteristics as the main determinants of employment rates, but economic characteristics remained least influential. Read the report...

16 March 2006: NDDP evaluation

As part of a comprehensive evaluation, the survey of the eligible population has been conducted to obtain information about people who were eligible and invited to take part in NDDP. DWP have published a survey that aims to establish the characteristics of this population, their work aspirations and their awareness of, attitudes to and involvement with NDDP. Read the report...

15 March 2006: BASE meeting with Jobcentre Plus

BASE met with officials from the Workstep Division of Jobcentre Plus in Sheffield today. The meeting was also attended by officials from the DWP. It was a constructive meeting where we were able to air our concerns about the uncertainty regarding the future of the Workstep programme. Jobcentre Plus is reviewing its range of programmes and will be consulting on this in the summer. We also discussed the inspection regime and how we can contribute to improved practice. We hope to meet regularly with them to discuss operational and strategic issues. A tripartite meeting has been arranged for April where we'll meet with Workstep managers and the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

10 March 2006: Funding boost for volunteering

A new Home Office programme to break down barriers to volunteering received a £3 million boost today. Volunteering For All will be a two-year strategy led by the Home Office and reaching across Government to identify and remove barriers to volunteering and to promote these opportunities to potential volunteers. It will specifically target three groups less likely to volunteer, as identified by the biennial Home Office Citizenship Survey (HOCS):

• people with disabilities or limiting long-term illness;
• people with no formal qualifications; and
• people from black and minority ethnic communities.

9 March 2006: New appointments to DEAC announced

Six new and eight existing members have been appointed to the Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC) to take forward its work during its second term. The committee now includes Cath Graham, Chair of the Scottish Union of Supported Employment and representatives of three BASE member agencies, Breakthrough UK, Bromley Mencap and Enham. More...

8 March 2006: Research published on Action Teams for Jobs

New research recently published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings of a review of Action Teams for Jobs. Action Teams were introduced in June 2000 in three pathfinder areas and currently operate in 64 areas. They operate in disadvantaged areas with particular problems of labour market disadvantage and aim to increase the employment rate amongst disadvantaged groups. Action Teams are a voluntary programme providing an adviser led service, often based in local communities and working in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors. At the time of the research in 2005 there were 40 Jobcentre Plus led Action teams and 25 Private Sector led Action Teams.

• Action Teams have been effective in helping people from deprived areas find jobs. From June 2000 to September 2005 Action Teams helped over 150,000 people into work.
• Flexibility in funding has been important in enabling Action Teams to prioritise resources effectively, to co-finance projects with partners and address client needs in deprived areas. Flexibility also allowed the secondment of employees from specialist partners and the ability to offer a tailored and client centred approach.
• Action Teams examined were involved in Local Strategic Partnerships and had built good working relationships with community partners reporting a ‘win-win’ situation with: joint funding for projects, premises and events, improved access to specialist help, fostering a joined up service, better communication between partners and the sharing of information and referrals with local job brokers, substance counsellors and training course providers.
• Overall Jobcentre Plus Action Teams tended to work with harder to help customers with more barriers to work who had been unemployed for over three years. Private Sector Led Action Teams operating under outcome related funding, tended to focus on customers with fewer barriers to work who had been unemployed for less than six months.
• More...

6 March 2006: Severe mental health - Vocational guidance issued

The Department of Health has issued commissioning guidance for vocational services for people with severe mental health problems. Guidance has also been issued on modernising day services, commissioning womens services and using direct payments. Read the guidance...

3 March 2006: Valuing People employment conference

Valuing People employment conference aims to "start the debate about what best practice looks like, and calls for an end to bad practice". It features a speech by Anne McGuire MP and 5 workshops on various aspects of best practice. Shame we don't get a conference to tell us what good funding looks like but I suppose we can't be too greedy. Details of the event are on our events page.

28 February 2006: BASE meets with Adult Learning Inspectorate

BASE met with Nigel Evans and Pat Higginbottom from the ALI today. It was another productive meeting and details of the discussion are available on our policy pages.

28 February 2006: Worktrain website moves to DirectGov

The Worktrain jobfinder website has moved to the DirectGov website and can now be found at jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

28 February 2006: Inadequate training is holding back

The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) has called for greater recognition of learners with disabilities in Government Policy. Inadequate training and support is preventing people with disabilities from achieving their potential in the workplace, according to the Greater Expectations report published today by the ALI. They are calling for the Government to do more to ensure that learners with disabilities experience better quality training, to improve their prospects of gaining meaningful employment. More...

21 February 2006: New H&S pages on sickness absence

The Health and Safety Executive now has pages on its website offering guidance about the management of sickness absence. Long term sickness absence represents only 5% of absence cases, but accounts for 33% of working days lost due to sickness. The site offers case studies, guidance for employers and a range of links to ongoing projects. More...

21 February 2006: Investing in Volunteers Support Grant (England)

Voluntary Organisations in England with an income of less than £1 million per year are able to apply for grants of up to £1,500 towards the Investing in Volunteers standard. The Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations which involve volunteers in their work. The Standard enables organisations to comprhenensively review their volunteer management, and also publicity that demonstrates their commitment to volunteering. The grants are offered to cover registration and contribute to organisations costs in working to achieve the standard. The deadline for applications is 5 pm on Monday the 16th March 2006. Further information and guidance...

21 February 2006: Funding still available through Awards for All

The Awards for All scheme apparently has a large underspend for this financial year and still need to allocate it by the end of March. Grants of £500 - £5,000 are still available for community projects and applications are being encouraged. Awards for All is actively encouraging Schools, health bodies, local groups, and parish or town councils with projects that support education, sport, the arts, heritage, health and the environment in their community to apply for funding under this scheme. Money is now available through a straightforward application process and you will be advised within eight weeks if you have been successful. For further details see their brochure

17 February 2006: New equality and human rights body gets the go ahead

The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) got the go-ahead today as the Equality Act gained Royal Assent. Individuals experiencing discrimination and prejudice on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, religion and belief or sexual orientation will have easier access to help and support and businesses will have improved advice and information through the single Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) from October 2007.

The CEHR will work with individuals, communities, businesses and public services to find new, more effective ways to give everyone in society the chance to achieve their full potential. The CEHR will bring together the work of the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission from October 2007; and that of the Commission for Racial Equality from 2009, putting expertise on equality, diversity and human rights in one place.

17 February 2006: DRC launches new guide to knowing your rights

The Disability Rights Commission has produced a new step by step guide to providing disabled people – and employment rights advisers – with up to date advice. It explains what rights disabled people have at work, including the different types of unlawful discrimination and time limits for taking a tribunal claim. There’s practical advice on how to try and resolve workplace problems without legal action.
Read the guide...

17 February 2006: Important changes to permitted work

The rules on permitted work are going to change from the start of April 2006. The allowed period before an extension is approved has been extended from 26 to 52 weeks. Those clients who are exempted from medicals due to the particular nature of their incapacity will be able to continue on permitted work indefinitely. We understand that there will be no requirement to receive support from a community-based organisation for any permitted work up to 52 weeks.

Supported permitted work will continue and revised guidance will be issued to providers shortly. The major change is that there will be a requirement to undertake a work-focused interview with Jobcentre Plus soon after starting permitted work.

16 February 2006: Government announces NRF funding allocation for 2006-07

The Government has confirmed the allocation of £525 million Neighbourhood Renewal Funds for the majority of the areas who are serving their communities well and making a difference. In total 86 areas are to benefit from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s NRF in 2006/7. The Government is to withhold 10 per cent of the indicative NRF allocation for the financial year 2006/7 from three LSPs – Birmingham, Nottingham, and Kingston upon Hull. This action has only been taken after the LSPs were given an extension to meet the ODPM’s requirements. More...

14 February 2006: £17 million in grants available to voluntary organisations

Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes today announced a £17 million grant boost for voluntary organisations working with children, young people and families. The newly formed Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme will help fund voluntary organisations to do work of national significance that supports the outcomes of the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme. Grants of up to £1.9 million were awarded to 65 organisations for 2006-07. More...

14 February 2006: New website for teenagers with learning disabilities

Mencap has produced a new website for teenagers with learning disabilities. The Trans-active site contains, resources and information, an e-zine and games. Visit the site...

14 February 2006: Private member's bill on disability leave

The RNIB is backing a 10 minute private member's bill on disability leave. John Robertson MP has got leave to introduce this with a provisional Second Reading debate scheduled for March 10, 2006. More...

13 February 2006: New figures for numbers of people with disabilities in the UK

The Department for Work and Pensions has updated its estimates which show there are over 10 million disabled people in Britain, including people with limiting longstanding illnesses; of which, 4.6 million are over State Pension Age and 700,000 are children. The annual spending power of disabled adults is unchanged and remains at around £80 billion. More...

2 February 2006: Health White Paper published

The Department of Health has published "Our Health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services", the new White Paper on community health services. The paper's propsals aim to:

• change the way these services are provided in communities and make them as flexible as possible
• provide a more personal service that is tailored to the specific health or social care needs of individuals
• give patients and service users more control over the treatment they receive
• work with health and social care professionals and services to get the most appropriate treatment or care for their needs.

The proposals include extending the availability of individualised budgets, developing better preventative services and practice based commissioning. More...

1 February 2006: DEAC annual report published

DEAC, the Disability Employment Advisory Committee has published its annual report for 2004-05. The report is available on the DEAC website. DEAC has just accepted a few new members and these include Cath Graham, Chair of the Scottish Union of Supported Employment. Our congratulations go to her.

1 February 2006: Absence costs UK economy £12 billion annually

The latest estimate puts the cost of sickness absence to the economy at around £12 billion per year, with absenteeism in the private sector making up around £8 billion of the total. Stress is among the biggest problems in British workplaces, with the cost to the British economy being estimated at £3.7 billion per year, but added to this figure is the immeasurable amount of personal cost that stress and economic inactivity brings. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Department for Work and Pension (DWP) and Department of Health (DH) recently launched a new strategy, Health Work and Well-Being, aimed at tackling sickness absence across the public and private sectors to improve the occupational health of the British workforce. More...

27 January 2006: BASE attends Turning Point and National Employment Panel seminar

Base Chair, Huw Davies, attended a seminar on connecting employment and health services for people with complex needs this week. The event was organised by Turning Point and the National Employment Panel. The event was led by Lord Victor Adebowale, Chief Executive of Turning Point. Details of the event and a powerpoint presentation are available at the event organiser's website. Beware - the powerpoint file is over 6Mb in size and will take a while to download.

26 January 2006: Consultation period extended for LSC review

The consulttation period on Peter Little's review of LSC funded provision, "Through Inclusion to Excellence", has been extended until the end of February. Members are encouraged to respond to the review team using the consultation document on the LSC website. Peter Little has been asked to oversee the implementation of the review's recommendations.

25 January 2006: BASE meeting with Scottish Union

BASE met with officers of the Scottish Union of Supported Employment yesterday in Edinburgh to explore ways of improving communications and collaboration. The meeting was very productive and we will maintain quarterly contact between the two associations. We decided to collaborate on responses to Government consultations, the future direction of the European Union of Supported Employment and on quality standards. The Scottish Executive is supporting the development of a quality standards blueprint for the sector. SUSE is holding its annual general meeting in Edinburgh on 31 March.

24 January 2006: New incapacity benefit green paper launched

The Government has published the long awaited Green Paper on on welfare benefit reform. The paper, entitled "Empowering People to Work", says the major challenges are to reduce the number of people who leave the workplace due to illness; increase the number leaving benefits; and better address the needs of all those on the benefit, with additional payments to the most severely disabled people.

The paper contains proposals to improve workplace health; improve the gateway to benefits; gain GP involvement; and reform benefit entitlements. Many of these proposals are contentious and BASE has concerns that resources may be removed from supporting those who the Government may consider to be incapable of work. We will be fully consulting with members before submitting a detailed response to the Department for Work and Pensions. Read the Green Paper

16 January 2006: Incapacity benefit reform to include existing claimants

Work and Pensions Secretary, John Hutton, has confirmed that the incapacity benefit reform will affect existing claimants as well as new claimants. The Government had originally said that changes would only affect new claimants but there has been increasing talk of conditionality - a Government euphemism for making it compulsory - and it is clear that the reforms may yet go wider than anticipated. It is widely expected that there will be benefit sanctions for those who refuse to engage in seeking work. Meanwhile, the Government is anxious to get the reforms through Parliament and seems to have ruled out time limits on incapacity benefit claims. Read the speech

16 January 2006: New CIPD factsheet on disability and employment

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has issued a revised a factsheet about disability and employment. The factsheet outlines the legal background to disability discrimination; highlights key factors in terms of employment practice; and sets out an action plan for employers. Read the factsheet

13 December 2005: A single inspection for children, young people and adult learners is confirmed.

Ruth Kelly, Education Secretary, has confirmed that a single organisation will be created by bringing together the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) with Ofsted, the children's social care remit of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and other organisations concerned with child protection.

The new inspectorate will be formed through legislation expected in the New Year. Its provisional name will be the Office for Standards in Education, Childrens Services and Skills.

Kelly said "It will be able to follow learning from early years right through to adult and work-based settings, and to understand and support the needs of employers and business whilst at the same time sustaining focussed, high-quality inspections of standards in our schools and across wider services for children.

The current chair of the Adult Learning Inspectorate, Richard Handover, has agreed to head a strategy Board to oversee the transition.

7th December 2005: Adult Learning Inspectorate publish Annual Report

David Sherlock, Chief Inspector of the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) published his annual report today. His report recognises that whilst Workstep is still a cause for concern it shows encouraging signs of improvement with 93% of providers improved from indaequate to satisfactory or better when reinspected.

The overall adequacy rate for providers is still poor at 46% although factory provision out performed other Workstep provision with an adequacy rate of 59%. Sherlock recommends that the programme needs a transition from a focus on social support for disabled learners to one of developing skills and real job outcomes leading to more independent living. He also states that those successfully reinspected offer hope for other initiatives with persistently poor performance. Read the report...

5 December 2005: New laws free thousands from discrimination

From today new rights extend legal protection to thousands more people against discrimination. Some quarter of a million more people now have protection under disability discrimination laws, effectively from the point they are diagnosed with cancer, multiple sclerosis or HIV, freeing them from pre-symptomatic discrimination. In addition, people with mental illness will no longer have to prove their condition is clinically well-recognised to be afforded their rights under the DDA.

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, heralded today's new duties under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005.

"Tackling inequality is right at the heart of the Government's social agenda. I'm delighted to announce that today we are delivering on our commitment to extend and strengthen disability rights to protect people from discrimination. "We have worked closely with disability organisations and across Government to bring about change in legislation to break down social and institutional barriers so people can enjoy fuller, enforceable rights. This is an important step in the Government's ongoing commitment to end discrimination."

"Next year we will bring in a new duty on the public sector so disabled people are central to the policy making process across local and central government"

4 December 2005: Valuing People launch new guides on getting jobs.

The valuing People Support Team have launched 3 new guides to help people with learning disabilities find work:

• Vauled in Public: A guide to help the public sector have more jobs for people with learning disabilities
• I can get a job: A step by step guide about how to get a job
• I want to work: a guide about work and benefits

Read the guides...

1 December 2005: NDDP survey of employers

DWP have published a report presenting the main findings from a representative national survey of employers who had recruited individuals registered under the New Deal for Disabled People during the period July 2002 to July 2003. It aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the nature and scale of employer involvement with the programme. 42% felt that there were advantages to having employed disabled people and 57% of employers saw benefits in retaining existing employees who became disabled. The most common benefits anticipated related to improved image of the organisation to customers; improved staff relations and morale; and improved staff retention rates.

1 December 2005: New office for disability issues launched

The Office for Disability Issues was launched today. It is a new cross-Government office with a focus across government on improving outcomes and securing equal opportunities for disabled individuals and families, for example in education and employment. The ODI will also develop and support a new National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People and establish a Task Force for Independent Living as recommended in the report. The National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People will feed disabled people’s views into the policy-making process and delivery.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire said, "The Life Chances report identified the need for a champion for disabled people within government – and we have acted quickly on their recommendation. The new Office for Disability Issues will drive forward our overall strategy, and will play the central role in ensuring that all government departments work together more effectively on issues relevant to disabled people."

The Office for Disability Issues is launched alongside a new campaign which begins today to encourage small businesses to make themselves more accessible to their disabled customers and staff. The campaign explains how they may only need to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of disabled people and fulfil their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. More...

1 December 2005: Learning disability annual report published

The Government has published its 2005 annual report of learning disability. Despite weighing in at 60 pages, it again says nothing new about employment and is greatly disappointing. Read the report...

30 November 2005: Research shows European websites inaccessible

Almost every government website in Europe fails to meet basic standards for accessibility, a study shows. The report by the UK Cabinet Office found that 97% of official sites were unusable by disabled people, largely because they ignored well-known techniques for making data accessible. The survey was released to coincide with the UK's EU Presidency and surveyed 436 public service websites across many European nations. According to the study, 48.1% of Europe's population of 460 million people use the net and approximately 39 million people in Europe have some form of disability. The survey found that only 3% of the sites it looked at passed basic tests on accessibility set down by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These ensure that the data in web pages can be translated by software into a form usable by deaf, blind or otherwise disabled people.

30 November 2005: New Workstep research reports from DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions has published two further reports on the Workstep programme. The first, Desirable Outcomes of Workstep: User and Provider Views looks at what providers and users want from the Workstep programme. It's light on recommendations but interesting to view. The second, Workstep Evaluation Case Studies: Early Findings, is an interim report from some of the work undertaken by Northumbria University and into which BASE members have contributed.

28 November 2005: New strategy for learning disability health care

The Healthcare Commission has launched a broad-ranging plan to improve services for people with learning disabilities. The plan, which is out for consultation, proposes a series of measures to improve the health and healthcare of this potentially vulnerable group of people. It follows the Commission's announcement last month of a national audit into learning disability services. People with a learning disability die younger and are more likely to suffer from cancer and respiratory disease than the general population. The Healthcare Commission is seeking views on its three-year strategic plan.

25 November 2005: New tsar with learning disability to be appointed

The Department of Health is to appoint a new 'tsar' with learning disabilities. They will work alongside the current National Director for Learning Disabilities Rob Greig and will co-chair the Learning Disabilities Taskforce. As part of the change to his role, from 1 April 2006, Rob Greig will hand over the management of the Valuing People Support Team (VPST) to the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP), where the VPST are based. CSIP has appointed a new 'National Programme Lead' for learning disabilities to champion the learning disability agenda within their organisation. Sue Carmichael and Debra Moore, both currently Regional Advisors within the VPST, will job share this role.

24 November 2005: BASE at Learning Disability Today conference

BASE had a stand at the Learning Disability Today conference in London on 23 December. We were kept busy throughout the day with many visitors seeking information about supported employment and the role of BASE. We now have a new exhibition stand and publicity leaflets describing the association.

Minister Liam Byrne spoke at the Learning Disabilities Today conference and confirmed that £40m would continue to be identified for people with Learning Disabilities through the Learning Disability Development Fund, which will be kept in its present form until at least March 2008. Read Liam Byrne's speech...

24 November 2005: Support for 16-25 transitions

The Social Exclusion Unit has published a report into the difficulties faced by 16 to 25 year olds, particularly those who misuse drugs, are homeless or have mental health problems. The report, "Transitions: Young Adults with Complex Lives", published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, shows how the cross-government action aims to:

• Reinforce responsibility, respect and raise aspirations;
• Help more disadvantaged young adults into jobs by providing training in the basic life skills that they need; and
• Blur the artificial age boundaries and promote the benefits of one-stop holistic services so that young adults get the help they need when they need it

Read the report...

24 November 2005: Social Inclusion Programme - First annual report

The National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) have published the first annual report of the National Social Inclusion Programme. The report looks at progress in implementing the Social Exclusion Unit report into mental health and social exclusion. We eagerly await the imminent guidance on commissioning vocational services for people with severe mental health problems. Read the report...

24 November 2005: New report on employment for young disabled people

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a new paper in its Findings series about the education and employment of young disabled people. The study compared employment aspirations of young disabled and non-disabled people, and examined the extent to which those aspirations were achieved. Read the findings...

23 November 2005: Lottery Fund announces funding opportunities

The Big Lottery Fund is launching a major £100 million programme of funding for communities on 7 December. The Reaching Communities programme will support projects that improve the quality of life in communities across England, offering help to those most in need. The programme will provide funding of £100 million in its first year, with up to £500,000 available for individual projects. The maximum length of funding under this programme will be five years to allow projects more time to develop and become sustainable.

The new Reaching Communities programme was developed to offer a lightly prescribed, demand-led funding programme that allowed communities to bring real improvements to the lives of those most in need. The programme is largely aimed at benefiting the work of voluntary and community organisations.

Under Reaching Communities, the Big Lottery Fund will give out grants of up to £500,000 over five years for projects that:

• offer people better chances in life, including being able to get better access to training and development to improve their life skills;
• build strong communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems;
• develop improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy; and
• create healthier and more active people and communities.

Further details of this scheme are available at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/publications.htm

23 November 2005: BASE meets with Anne McGuire

BASE had a very productive meeting with the Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, yesterday. We expressed our concerns about the future of disability-specific employment programmes such as Workstep and reinforced the dangers of local authorities reducing their investment in employment pathways if contracts are not renewed. We are very concerned about the threat to smaller providers and the perception that larger geographical contracts will be more effective. The meeting also discussed quality standards, provider support and the dissemination of best practice. We will also be making specific proposals to DWP regarding linking the permitted work lower limit (PWLL) to the national minimum wage.

21 November 2005: Travel training guide published by GMPTE

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has published a guide to travel training. The guide is available on the GMPTE website as a glossy pdf or word document. GMPTE is making funding available to local organisations to deliver travel training. Read the guide

21 November 2005: Survey of what employers look for in recruitment

The DWP has published a survey of what employers look for when recruiting people who are unemployed or inactive. The survey highlights that employers' skills requirements vary by region, sector and occupation and that the definition and understanding of the term skills can be complex with overlaps between skills, qualifications and characteristics. Nevertheless, employers are less demanding of technical skills, considering them trainable, if candidates exhibit employability and soft skills, and positive attributes. There is then a greater emphasis on soft skills (e.g. interpersonal and communication skills) but assessing how these are measured precisely is problematic. Often measurement is based on employers’ perceptions of their interaction with candidates at interview. Amongst core characteristics employers look for are motivation and flexibility. These include willingness to work and learn, and appearance, behaviour, confidence, and positive gestures and mannerisms. Qualifications do not appear to be important for a large number of employers and jobs, consistently ranking beneath characteristics and soft skills in recruitment frameworks. Read the report...

15 November 2005: Valuing People Team organising welfare benefit seminar

The Valuing People Support Team is organising a free seminar to discuss welfare benefit reform. The details are on our Events page.

14 November 2005: The Equalities Review: Call For Evidence

Building on more than 30 years' experience of equality legislation, a comprehensive programme of reform is under way that will create a new framework to challenge discrimination and inequality. The Equalities Review Panel is seeking the submission of initial evidence to help guide it in its work. This call for evidence asks for views on the progress that has been made, what organisations do to tackle inequality and where Great Britain should be in the future. The Panel would like to hear from interested individuals and groups by 26 November. Please send your responses to equalitiesreview@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:
The Equalities Review Team, Room 3.32, 22–26 Whitehall, London SW1A 2WH
More...

14 November 2005: LSDA look for learner participation in DVD

The Learning and Skills Development Agency is looking for learners in work-based training who would be willing to be featured in a DVD about their experiences. More information is available about the project. They are particularly looking for people from minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities other than a learning disability. If you would like more information or have any clients that may be interested you can contact Dr Gill O'Toole on 020 7297 9108 or by email at gotoole@lsda.org.uk.

11 November 2005: RADAR run a myth-busting Incapacity Benefit Campaign

Over the next two weeks RADAR will be refuting 8 key myths of Incapacity Benefit in an effort to frame the debate in a positive manner prior to the release of the Green Paper on Incapacity Benefit reform. RADAR challenge the myth that people on incapacity benefit are fraudsters, lazy and live a life of luxury with lots of help from the Government. They also challenge that employing disabled people is expensive and that disabled people are less productive than non disabled employees. More...

9 November 2005: Peter Little Report published by LSC

The LSC has published Peter Little's independent review into LSC funded provision for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. The report, entitled "Through Inclusion to Excellence", is now out for consultation and makes a number of points about funding mechanisms, residential learning provision and transitions to employment. Members are encouraged to respond to the consultation which ends on 31 January 2006. View the report and consultation document...

7 November 2005: John Hutton embarks on renewal of welfare and pensions

Newly Appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton spoke today of his determination to press on with the renewal of our welfare and pension system to make it fit for the modern challenges and opportunities of a 21st century society. In his first Ministerial visit to Manchester, he visited Jobcentre Plus to learn about Stepping Stones into Work project, meeting staff, advisers and a current incapacity benefit recipient being helped back in to work. Read the press release...

3 November 2005: DH secondment opportunity for public sector duties work

Surinder Sharma, National Director of Equality and Human Rights, has written to Strategic Health Authorities about a secondee opportunity in the Equality and Human Rights Group at the Department of Health. The secondment is initially for 6 months and aimed at focusing efforts in the health service to meet the public duty requirements. Read the letter...

2 November 2005: Blunkett resigns

Secretary of State at the DWP, David Blunkett MP, has today resigned from his post following the controversy over paid work he undertook while not being in the cabinet. He has been replaced by John Hutton MP, a loyal Blairite. John Hutton was previously Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster and originally became a Health minister in 1998. He said: "The prime minister has made clear my job is to press ahead with the government's radical welfare reform agenda so that rights are properly matched with responsibilities; I am very much looking forward to that challenge. We will reform incapacity benefit so it continues to support those who genuinely cannot work, but can better help and support those who are able to return to work."

31 October 2005: DTI launches anti-bullying initiative

Amicus, the largest private sector union in the country, has joined forces with DTI to launch Dignity at Work. Funded to the tune of just under £1 million by DTI, Dignity at Work will work with major employers including British Airways, Legal & General, BAE systems, Royal Mail, Ford and BT. More than two million people are bullied at work in the UK. The issue not only damages individuals, but also business; it is estimated that bullying costs the UK economy £1.3 million a year. Dignity at Work aims to eradicate bullying and create a culture of respect in the workplace, through partnership work between staff and employers to develop policies that will suit individual workplaces. More...

28 October 2005: Work Focused Interviews For Lone Parents

Lone parents will have to attend quarterly work focused interviews to help them keep in touch with the world of work. From today, lone parents whose youngest child is 14 will be required to attend the interviews to get information, advice and guidance about choices open to them, as well as opportunities for work and the range of help on offer. Lone parents in areas of the South East can also benefit from an extra £40 a week on top of their wages if they find work, as In-Work Credit pilots became available in those parts of the country.

24 October 2005: New website for resources on worklessness

Worklessness is a term used to describe those who are out of work, but who would like a job. The Government is supporting a website called renewal.net which brings together resources about economic regeneration. This section of the web site looks at getting people into work, overcoming barriers to work, improving employability and employers' attitudes. Visit the website...

24 October 2005: Health, Work and Well-being strategy announced

The health and well-being of people of working age is of fundamental importance to the country's future in terms of reducing health inequalities and improving the economy. This strategy aims to break the link between ill health and inactivity, to advance the prevention of ill health and injury, to encourage good management of occupational health, and to transform opportunities for people to recover from illness while at work. Read the report...

21 October 2005: Report finds people with learning disabilities still excluded from mainstream jobs

A new report, 'The Rights of People with Intellectual Disabilities: Access to Education and Employment in the UK' reports continuing inadequacies in the UK's mainstream education and employment systems. The report, written by the Open Society Institute and Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, identifies a difficult transition from school to employment with many people not prepared for employment opportunities, leaving school or college with no skills or experience. This makes it virtually impossible for them to find a job. Despite policy by the Government to provide opportunities specifically for people with learning disabilities, the Valuing People Support Team estimates that only 11% of people with learning disabilities in England are in paid employment. Read the press release...

21 October 2005: Equalities Panel call for evidence

As part of a fundamental review of equality of opportunity and programme reform, the Equal Opportunities Panel is requesting help in understanding the issues facing disadvantaged groups of people across England, Scotland and Wales. The panel is seeking submission of intitial evidence to help guide it in its work. This will feed into an interim report for publication in early 2006 which will be subject to full public consultation. More...

21 October 2005: Social Policy Research Unit publishes report on Desirable Outcomes of WORKSTEP; User and Provider Views

The Social Policy Research Unit has published research into the effects WORKSTEP has on the quality of life of disabled people and how it helps them to achieve their goals. Read the report...

18 October 2005: DWP publishes annual report

The DWP has published its annual report, Opportunity For All. The report takes stock of the progress the department has made on key elements of its strategy. It also focuses on two specific aspects of the poverty and social exclusion agenda: women and the European dimension. Read the report...

13 October 2005: JCP announces new Chief Executive

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Lesley Strathie as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. The appointment follows an open competition and was approved by the Prime Minister with the agreement of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Lesley has been Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus since David Anderson’s departure in May of this year and was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Jobcentre Plus. She will take up post with immediate effect.

13 October 2005: National Audit Office report published

The National Audit Office has published a report into its examination of Jobcentre Plus funded programmes that support disabled jobseekers into work. Itv acknowledges that there remain strong financial and social incentives to ensure there are opportunities for disabled people to work if they can. It says that "assessing the success of provision is made harder because data for some programmes and schemes is either incomplete or unreliable. Not all Jobcentre Plus regions know how much they have spent on some schemes, nor the exact number of participants, and departmental internal audit reports suggest that value for money may be compromised through marked variations in price or inexplicably high levels of use." It makes a number of recommendations aimed at encouraging efficiency, including:

• Reducing the administrative burden associated with managing too many small value contracts with providers who do not perform well.
• Adopting a more modular approach to all of the disability and employment-related provision by only providing the elements of support that are relevant to the individual client, although the Department (DWP) will need to manage the risk that such an approach could incur increased administrative costs.
• Use the power of the bulk customer to develop supplier frameworks for goods and services and reduce unwarranted price variations.
• Review the nature of provision by Remploy to reduce the emphasis on the less cost effective factory based businesses and concentrate more on the commercially viable businesses and Remploy Interwork.

Read the report...

12 October 2005: Valuing People update

The Valuing People Support Team has been bolstered by the involvement of Susan Boddy from Mencap who's assisting them with their employment programme and a series of activities have been planned from now to March. The programme includes details of events, guides and regional activity though it's not clear how any of this is likely to fundamentally change the employment prospects of jobseekers with learning disabilities without major Government backing. View the programme...

12 October 2005: People First announces Lottery funding

People First is receiving a £208,500 Big Lottery Fund grant for a campaigning project run by people with learning difficulties. People First is a national charity run by and for people with learning difficulties. Their work includes influencing policy and practice, supporting local self advocacy groups, providing accessible information and training for people with learning difficulties and campaigning. The project will develop and support the work of self-advocacy groups and individuals. The grant will provide opportunities to link up and campaign together and develop the campaigning aspects of self advocacy. It will also offer people with learning difficulties an opportunity to participate fully in government consultation and strengthen user-led self advocacy.

10 October 2005: Equality, opportunity, fairness and social justice to underpin the welfare state

David Blunkett has launched his vision for the future of the welfare state. “Principles of Welfare Reform” sets out the guiding values that will shape the direction of the Welfare State. The eight core principles are based on the belief that social progress and economic prosperity go hand in hand. They are to:

• Help people to help themselves by offering a ladder to self-reliance and self-determination, not merely a safety net in time of need.
• See work as the best route out of welfare.
• Promote understanding and enable people to make informed choices for themselves.
• Balance rights with responsibilities, while recognising the need for support and care where appropriate.
• Recognise our mutual interdependence and obligation to each other, promoting solidarity between generations, and the importance of using the resources of Government to help people cope with rapid economic and social change.
• Ensure the role of the state is active, liberating and enabling.
• Address the root causes of poverty and overcome intergenerational disadvantage and exclusion.
• Contribute to a stable and growing economy through investment in the potential of every individual, and flexibility of support in and out of work.

Further information is available at www.dwp.gov.uk/aboutus/welfarereform/

10 October 2005: WORKSTEP Specialist Advisors sought

The Adult Learning Inspectorate is seeking expressions of interest from successful WORKSTEP practitioners who wish to be considered for the ALI specialist advisor register. In the first instance individuals should write, enclosing a CV, to:
Pat Higginbottom, Inspection Manager, Adult Learning Inspectorate,
Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UD.
Alternatively email details to Pat.Higginbottom@ali.gov.uk

7 October 2005: DEFRA funds learning for Community Development Workers

Defra (the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs) has commissioned several different projects to put the Community Action 2020 programme into action. They are finding ways to develop the skills of Community Development Workers so that they can encourage and support communities to contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. They plan to do this by increasing the skills, knowledge and resources of trainers who deliver workshops, short courses, and longer programmes to people active in communities and community development work. We want to build on what already exists, to promote good practice examples and develop new resources for trainers. More...

7 October 2005: Views sought on Ofsted takeover of ALI

As part of its public service reforms, the government is currently consulting on a single inspectorate for “children and learners”. The consultation document puts forward only one option: that the Adult Learning Inspectorate be taken over by Ofsted to form a single statutory regulator for the inspection of childcare, child protection, schools, further education colleges and adult skills. Any provider or employer offering government-funded training programmes for adults or young people would be subject to statutory Ofsted inspection.

The new Ofsted would be a £0.25 billion government department whose sole function would be statutory regulation. Its “adult” remit would represent less than a tenth of its child protection and school inspection work: It will cover only further education and adult learning funded by the Department for Education & Skills (DfES) and it is not clear what will happen to inspection of Jobcentre Plus funded programmes.

BASE is very concerned at these proposals and you are encouraged to submit your views to the DfES by 4 November using the DfES consultation pages.
More...

7 October 2005: Wales takes the lead in providing long term security for voluntary sector

An agreement that ensures longer term funding and more security for the key organisations that support the voluntary sector in Wales has been signed between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). The partnership agreement, which will provide a five year core funding commitment rather than the current three year arrangement, comes into force on October 1, 2005. It covers the Assembly Government's core funding to the WCVA, and to the 19 County Voluntary Councils and the 34 Volunteer Bureaux. The Assembly Government is increasing its grant to the WCVA from £672,498 to £800,000 to meet additional costs of implementing the agreement.

30 September 2005: National Minimum Wage rises on 1 October

The adult rate of the National Minimum Wage will increase from £4.85 to £5.05 per hour, while the youth rate, paid to 18-21 year-olds, will go up from £4.10 per hour to £4.25. The rate for 16 and 17 year old workers, introduced last year, will remain at £3.00 an hour, to enable it to be fully reviewed by the Low Pay Commission in its annual Report to Government in February 2006.

28 September 2005: DH publishes survey on learning difficulties

A survey has been published showing a picture of the life experiences of people with learning difficulties in England. The survey of 2900 people showed that a surprisingly high 17% of people of working age were in paid employment. Full details of the servey are available at the Department of Health website

28 September 2005: Government to appoint national director for occupational health

The Departments of Work and Pensions and Health are to jointly appoint a National Director to focus on the health and well being of people of working age. The new National Director will oversee the implementation of the Health, Work and Well being Strategy to be published later in the autumn, raise the profile of work and its relationship with health and wellbeing, and help develop specific outcomes with all stakeholders to ensure people of working age get the help and support they need to stay in work.

David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said, "Patricia Hewitt and I are committed to work with the Health and Safety Commission, with business and the Trade Unions, to create a new occupational health programme for Britain. This is a programme to prevent ill-health, to help rehabilitate those in ill-health, to reduce absence from work, and to avoid people relying on benefits out of work."

27 September 2005: Jobcentre Plus to work closer with voluntary sector

David Blunkett has announced his intention to ensure Jobcentre Plus works more closely in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said he was determined to make sure communities were at the heart of plans to help those facing the greatest barriers in society get into work and transform their lives. "If people want to re-enter the labour market and escape dependence, we should support them, and I want the voluntary sector in particular to help us do that. They have the commitment, expertise, and local knowledge to help us change lives and turn around communities. That is why today I can announce that every Jobcentre Plus district manager will be asked to look at developing imaginative partnerships with the voluntary and community sector. Not to replace existing services but to provide additional flexible approaches, such as mentoring, support for those entering work, and help with ex-offenders or drug misusers."

26 September 2005: Disability Employment Coalition releases statement of intent

BASE is going to be working closely with the Disability Employment Coalition to improve access to employment for disabled workers. The coalition represents a range of interested organisations including charities and trade unions. A BASE representative will be attending their meetings. The DEC has published a statement of intent which is available on the members' pages.

26 September 2005: Anne McGuire reminds public sector of its duties

Anne McGuire Minister for Disabled People said the ‘bottom line’ for the public sector was to think about disabled people’s needs ahead of time and not as an after thought. In her keynote speech to representatives across the public sector, Anne McGuire said, "While there has been progress towards equality for disabled people, the pace of change has been slow, the challenges are still enormous. Wherever you look, you will find that disabled people are worse off. We need to do things differently. Think ahead, plan and give confidence to millions of disabled people that are no longer an afterthought but central to the design of public services." Read the press release...

20 September 2005: Glossary of health and social care terms

The Centre for Policy on Ageing is hosting, as part of the Single Assessment Process website, a glossary of terms used by health and social care agencies when working with adults. The glossary also includes terms from information technology and long-term conditions. In addition to providing an explanation of terms, the glossary provides links to websites, factsheets, a UK Google search and a search of the CPA SAP resource for each of the topics covered. The glossary can be found at www.cpa.org.uk/sap/glossary/glossary.html

19 September 2005: Consultation on age discrimination

The Department for Trade and Industry has issued the 'Coming of Age' consultation to seek views on the draft Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. The consultation ends on 17 October 2005 and the documents are available at the DTI website

19 September 2005: DfES issues employer toolkit on literacy and numeracy

The DfES has produced an 'Employer Toolkit' designed to help employers address issues, face challenges and find solutions to business problems arising from poor literacy and numeracy skills. The toolkit is available free of charge through the DfES website

19 September 2005: FPLD seeks pioneering organisations for new project

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is offering an opportunity for voluntary organisations in partnership with their local authorities to become part of the” Life In The Community” project. They are looking for pioneering organisations in the UK who are enthusiastic about the changes needed so that people with high support needs can be fully included in their communities. The project will explore ways in which ten people with high support needs in each of four development sites can be supported in day activities. Choice, community inclusion, employment, and the arts are some of the areas the project aims to promote. Each of the four project sites will benefit from a small grant, consultancy and advice from the Foundation over a two-year period. An evaluation and support team will monitor and evaluate progress so that the findings can be disseminated widely and bring about change across the UK. If you are interested in learning more about this project please go to the Foundation website www.learningdisabilities.org.uk The closing date for applications is Friday October 14.

19 September 2005: Blunkett announces new Office for Disability Issues

David Blunkett has announced that a new Office for Disability Issues will be established later this year as part of ensuring services are fit around the individual, rather than the individual having to fit rigid services. He said there were lessons to be shared and one way forward was to put decision making and, where possible, the finance to achieve this, into the hands of people with disabilities. He added, "We want to ensure individuals have control where possible over budgets so they themselves can handpick services. This is a key driver in our ambitious strategy to tackle inequality for people with disabilities within a generation."

"This programme will be co-ordinated by an Office for Disability Issues which will be established later this year. This new unit will be responsible for driving action and delivery across the whole of Government and linking with the work of the Disability Rights Commission in ensuring equality across society. Crucially it will be working with organisations of and for people with disabilities, businesses and public services in changing attitudes and facilitating inclusion."

12 September 2005: New Guide from MCCH on Pay in Work Projects

Judy Scott, Helen Lockett and MCCH Society Ltd have just published the guide "Paying a Real Wage to People in Work Projects". It's described as being a good practice guide for work projects, day services and social enterprises on enabling service users to become employees. Production of the Guide was funded through a Department of Health Section 64 grant and it is therefore available free of charge from MCCH. For further information about the guide and to obtain a copy please visit http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/pdfs/Pay_Real_Wage_Flyer.doc

9 September 2005: New DWP reports on disability issues

DWP has issued two reports on disability issues. The first reviews the evidence on the extra costs of disability and is available at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/WP21.pdf. The second provides advice on research design options for addressing DWP’s likely information and evidence needs in the area of disability and is available at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2005-2006/rrep267.pdf.

8 September 2005: URGENT- Opportunity to advertise products on Article 19 website

DWP have agreed to support a new database for members to market their products to procurement officers. The site will be sponsored by DWP with BASE and Remploy featuring as the main contributors and will be launched in Feb 2006. Services wishing to market their products and services should contact Dave Honeybill by 16 September.

7 September 2005: New series of workshops for Workstep providers

A further series of meetings have been planned to assist providers on the issues of quality improvement and equal opportunities. The workshops on quality improvement are scheduled for Newcastle (6 Oct); Manchester (10 Oct); London (13 Oct); Cambridge (2 Nov); Nottingham (7 Dec); Sheffield (13 Dec) and London (18 Jan 2006). The workshops on equal opportunities are scheduled for Newcastle (17 Nov); London (23 Nov); Manchester (28 Nov) and London (19 Jan 2006). The workshops will run from approximately 10.00am until 3.30pm. If you would like to attend, and did not attend the events earlier in the year, please send your details to your regional Workstep managers by Friday 16 September.

5 September 2005: Consultation on definitions of disability

DWP has issued a consultation document on updating the guidance on determining questions relating to the definition of disability. The deadline for responses is 31 October 2005. Read the document...

5 September 2005: Jobcentre Plus launches DVD

A new DVD has been launched to promote Jobcentre Plus services to disabled people and those with health conditions. The ‘We Can Help’ DVD shows the range of services available throughout Jobcentre Plus, following a character, Sarah, from her first interview with a Jobcentre Plus adviser through to finding work. Aimed at disabled people and people with health conditions wanting to know more about Jobcentre Plus services, the DVD will also help disability organisations, health professionals and employers who are looking at employing a more diverse workforce. The DVD is available in several versions including British Sign Language, English audio description for people with visual impairments and has been translated into 14 languages. It is available from your local Disability Employment Adviser>

2 September 2005: National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People (NFDP)

The Government is inviting applications for members of an interim Advisory Group to work with disability organisations, disabled people, Ministers and government officials to drive forward the work to create this new Forum. They wish to encourage applications from disabled people, including disabled people from all ethnic minority backgrounds. The creation of the National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People (NFDP) is a recommendation in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit report ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People’. Initial consultations are underway to gain insight into how disability organisations and disabled people want the Forum to operate. The results of this and future consultations will inform the ongoing work of the Advisory Group.

The remit of the Advisory Group will be to offer strategic, confidential advice to Ministers and officials across government on the creation, composition, role, remit and reporting mechanisms of the new Forum. Applicants must:

• have experience in disability issues and an understanding of the diverse range of concerns within the disabled people’s community;
• be able to identify, commission and drive forward specific projects;
• be able to use research material provided to formulate proposals and measure outcomes;
• be able to work as part of a team;
• have credibility with disability organisations and disabled people; and
• have a basic understanding of how large organisations/the public sector works.

It is anticipated that the Advisory Group will be in place for 6 months and that there will be approximately 18 working days required within the 6 month period. This will include meetings and preparation time. The ability to be flexible regarding days of work is essential. An amount equivalent to loss of earnings will be paid and expenses will be reimbursed. If you have any questions about the NFDP or being an Advisory Group member, or you want further information and application details, please telephone 020 7962 8278 or text phone 020 7712 2492.

30 August 2005: Work related stress - new guide for employers

The DTI have published a document providing guidelines for employers and employees on work-related stress. It summarises the legislation around stress at work and offers sources of further information and help. Read the report...

30 August 2005: DWP research into permitted work

DWP have published a report presenting the findings from a final wave of research at the end of a three year evaluation of the Permitted Work Rules. Read the report...

30 August 2005: Research into employer awareness of the DDA

New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions examines small employers’ awareness of the DDA and measures how they were responding to the new duties under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) introduced on 1 October 2004. The research looks at issues mainly relating to the employers’ awareness of, and responses to, the employment provisions in Part 2 of the DDA though it also picks up on some issues from the customer service provisions in Part 3 of the DDA. Read the report...

30 August 2005: FPLD now hosting the Health & Learning Disability Network

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities will begin hosting the UK Health and Learning Disability Network on 1 October 2005, with funding from the Valuing People Support Team, because it has grown too large for the North West Training and Development Team. The e-mail based network, which began in 2000, is an open forum with 1,200 members from across the globe, including nurses, GPs, psychologists, professors and researchers. Membership of the UK Health and Learning Disability Network is free. Those interested in joining can contact Janet Cobb at janet.cobb@nwtdt.com

Janet Cobb, a learning disability nurse, who runs the network says, "Moving from a regional development team to a national organisation with the Foundation's infrastructure and experience will do wonders to support further development of the network." The Valuing People Support Team has pledged over £60,000 to fund the network for two years. Rob Greig, National Director, Valuing People said, "One of the best ways to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities is for local people and practitioners to work together and learn from one another about positive practice. The network is an excellent example of this way of working. I'm really pleased that the Valuing People Support Team has been able to step in and underwrite the funding for the network for a period of time in order to help establish it in its new home at the Foundation."

30 August 2005: Valuing People summer newsletter available

The Valuing People Support Team have issued their Summer 2005 newsletter and it's available on the VPST website. In it they say that this autumn they will be concentrating on how to work together to help more people get jobs. This will include bringing out a guide for people with learning disabilities about how to get a job and who can help; producing a DVD to help councils and health services give more people jobs; and preparing a paper for Job Centres to say how they could help more people with learning disabilities.

30 August 2005: New research into employment provision

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities and the Norah Fry Research Centre are starting a programme of work to evaluate what contributes to and hinders the successful provision of employment opportunities and community-based day activities for people with learning disabilities. "Having a good day? What needs to happen to get it right for people with learning disabilities" has been commissioned and funded by the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Evidence will be gathered through a research review, visits to services, and regional workshops which will involve people with learning disabilities and family carers. The FPLD are organising a consultation workshop in Birmingham on 8 September.

The project team are keen to hear from people who know of:

• Unpublished evaluations of community-based day services, employment schemes, social firms, learning and leisure projects serving people with learning disabilities from across the UK;
• Services considered to be delivering 'good' models of community-based support that help people with learning disabilities to do the things they want to do;
• Projects working in mainstream community settings with people with learning disabilities from ethnic minority communities, and those who need high levels of support.

Barbara McIntosh, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, says: "The research will assist services to manage and achieve the changes required by the Valuing People policy agenda. It will also be used to develop a practice guide to inform day service modernisation strategy and implementation, demonstrating some of the steps that can be taken to achieve successful employment and community-based day opportunities for people with learning disabilities."

The evaluation will produce a final report in February 2006. People who would like to contribute materials or ideas, or who simply want to know more should contact Angela Cole on 01621 869340 or email angela.cole11@virgin.net

10 August 2005: DRC seeks disability experts for health and safety events

The DRC is hosting working seminars from October 2005 to January 2006 on risk assessment and disabled people. The DRC is seeking expressions of interest from disability experts who can help us make these events a success. The events will be held in England, Scotland and Wales. Experts would be expected to bid for no more than four events. Proposals must be submitted electronically to: good.practice@drc-gb.org by 2 September 2005. For a full specification, please click on the following link: www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/newsdetails.asp?id=835§ion=1

10 August 2005: NIMHE August bulletin

The August NIMHE bulletin for the south west has been placed on the member pages for the south west. Read the bulletin...

10 August 2005: NIACE Seminar to look at learning disability and English as second language

NIACE are organising a consultative seminar for people who are working with adults who have a learning disability and whose first language is not English. The event takes place at Manchester Conference Centre on 28 September. Read the seminar brochure and booking form...

9 August 2005: Charities join forces to launch disability task force

Remploy, RADAR and Mencap have joined forces to set up pilot training and mentoring programmes for disabled jobseekers. If they prove to be successful, the projects will be rolled out across the country. A task force has been launched to help people with mental health problems and learning difficulties to find work. The group will meet for the first time next month to draw up programmes, including ways to help adults with moderate learning disabilities. One idea that is likely to be tested is for workers to be appointed as a "buddy" to offer help and reassurance to people with a learning disability when they begin a new job. Workers may be offered training on how to help colleagues with disabilities.

2 August 2005: Valuing People latest

We recently wrote to Rob Greig of the Valuing People Support Team to ask for an update on their work around employment issues. This is Rob's reply:
"What is currently happening is a substantial piece of planning with a view to having a major (indeed almost exclusive) focus on jobs and employment in the last quarter of the calendar year. Susan Boddy from Mencap has been seconded to work with us to develop this programme of work and she is doing a great job at putting it all together. This will include events, the publications of advice materials and so on. We also are specifically aiming to encourage local people to have an employment focus at the same time, and every Partnership Bard lead is/should be aware of these plans and starting to think locally about how they can fit into this initiative. As part of this, we are discussing with the DWP how they can both be publicly seen to be supportive of this work and also how they can invest resources in helping taking the agenda forward."

The VPST has produced a programme of activity for Autumn 2005, largely centred around the Learning Disability Today exhibition in London, but including regional events. AfSE will maintain contact with the VPST through their employment lead, Simon Whitehead, as well as Rob himself. Read the VPST employment programme...

2 August 2005: Longitudinal study of post 16 transitions - wave 3 report

The DfES has published the third wave report of the longitudinal study into transitions. The report comments on the types of support received, outcomes achieved and satisfaction levels. Read the research summary...

2 August 2005: £5million available for business incubation

Businesses expanding in disadvantaged areas could gain from a £150,000 grant in a £5 million giveaway by the Business Incubation Development Fund, a new Gordon Brown initiative backed by the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA). The Business Incubation Development Fund will develop new, and assist existing, incubators in supporting and growing early stage businesses in disadvantaged areas and communities. The three year funding programme will see awards of up to £150,000 made to business incubators towards 50 per cent of eligible project costs. Applications need to be made to UK Business Incubation by 30 September 2005. More...

2 August 2005: National Social Inclusion Programme (NSIP) newsletter

The second NISP newsletter has been published and carries updates on the implementation of the Social Exclusion Unit report on mental health; permitted work; and advisors in health centres. Read the newsletter...

2 August 2005: PCTs to be halved and ensure provision is contested

The NHS has just over a year to reduce the number of primary care trusts by around half and slash 'at least' 15 per cent of 'management and administrative costs' to deliver the government's promised £250m savings. PCTs will also be told to abandon direct provision of services unless no practical alternative can be found. NHS chief executive Sir Nigel Crisp said the aim was to ensure contestability in healthcare provision in primary, as well as secondary, care. If PCTs did have to manage services, they would have to ensure decision-making on commissioning and provision were separated.

Sir Nigel said new structures would require 'greater co-ordination' of PCTs with local authority social service boundaries. Sir Nigel repeatedly stressed the need for 'a clear relationship' between local authorities and PCTs. But he said this 'does not mean 150' PCTs, as local factors may not make it practical for a PCT to be coterminous with a local authority. Strategic health authorities have between now and mid-October to review their PCTs against the criteria set out in the document, and the Department of Health expects to agree proposals for PCT reconfiguration with each by mid-November.

28 July 2005: New guide to the Equality Bill published

An easy read guide has been published by the Women and Equality Unit at the DTI. The guide gives a basic overview of the Equality Bill and the establishment of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. Read the guide...

28 July 2005: Funding to support the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation, Religion or Belief) Regulations

A £2.5 million two-year programme has been announced to provide support for the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation, Religion or Belief) Regulations. The Government has issued an application form, and an application pack that contains details of the fund, summaries of projects funded 2003-05, priorities for this round of funding, and the process for submitting proposals. Link to further information...

28 July 2005: New DRC guide to knowing your work rights

The DRC has produced a new web-based guide for people who feel they have been discriminated against at work because of their disability. The guide is also aimed at employment advisors and offers easy to read information about solving workplace problems and using employment tribunals. Link to the guide...

26 July 2005: Tendering opportunities in Wandsworth and Nottingham

Both Wandsworth and Nottinghamshire Councils are currently seeking expressions of interest in tendering for the provision of employment related services for people with disabilities.

In Wandsworth, the Council is seeking expressions of interest to run disability employment services and will award contracts on the basis of an ability to demonstrate experience of the provision of employment training services and services to the target user groups; experience of the provision of high quality services; commitment to user involvement and to the promotion of independence; financial stability; consistency of proposals with the overall service requirements set out in the specification; and cost. Contracts will run for three years Information packs should be requested by 9 August from Yetunde Aregbesola on 020 8871 6238 or by email at yaregbesola@wandsworth.gov.uk or online at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/sstenders.

Nottinghamshire County Council are seeking expressions of interest in providing a range of day services and employment related services for people with a learning disability. They are looking to award contracts to provide day services with associated transport in the Rushcliffe district of south Nottinghamshire; a work training project with associated transport in the Rushcliffe district; job coaching in the Rushcliffe district; and job coaching in the Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood districts of north Nottinghamshire. Successful applicants will be awarded contracts for a fixed volume of business with additional volume purchased on a Call-Off basis. Application packs are available from Helen Turner on 0115 977 3317 or at helen.turner@nottscc.gov.uk. The closing date for return of applications is noon on 26 August.

25 July 2005: New NHS guide to promoting equality and human rights

The Department of Health, the NHS Appointments Commission and the NHS Confederation have published a new Guide to help promote equality and human rights in the NHS. The Guide, targeted at NHS Boards and Non-Executive Directors in particular, contains details of current and imminent legislation, vital statistical information on communities, patients and the workforce, and a set of 15 prompts to enable Boards to embed good equality and human rights practices into their decision-making and the performance of their organisations. Read the guide...

22 July 2005: Liam Byrne announces new White Paper to integrate health and social care services

A joint White Paper, designed to deliver integrated health and social care systems, has been announced by Care Services Minister Liam Byrne. It will bring together proposals for both adult social care and all care received outside of hospitals. The consultation on the White Paper will begin later this year.

He also announced three brand new initiatives as part of his work plan as Care Services Minister:

• That the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) and the Local Government Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) develop a joined-up national improvement strategy for adult social care. This strategy will offer practical support through a range of regionally tailored methods and approaches. It will be developed in collaboration with SCIE, LGA and the ADSS to ensure future work programmes are based on local need.
• A new taskforce, linked to the existing National Strategic Partnership Forum, will identify the obstacles the sector experiences in delivering services in partnership with health.
• A joint review with the DfES will identify further workforce development options, which will be known as Options for Excellence. This will include recruitment and retention, education and development, leadership and expanding professional regulation.

In addition, pilots on individual budgets and how they work with older people and people with learning or physical difficulties will be up and running from the end of 2005. Individual budgets are designed to bring together a number of income streams to enable a person to make real choices about how they will design and manage their care or support in a way which best suits their own needs.

The Minister confirmed his commitment to working with the voluntary sector on health matters by establishing a taskforce to identify the obstacles that stand in the way of effective partnership between the voluntary sector and health. The Taskforce’s programme aims to identify and address the specific barriers to a strong commercial relationship between the voluntary and public sectors. It will pay specific attention to how administration costs for voluntary and community service providers can be reduced. It will report by November 2005.

22 July 2005: Select Committee inquiry into reform of incapacity benefits and Pathways to Work

The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee have announced an inquiry "to examine the Government's strategy to help more people who are not in work due to ill-health or disability move into employment through a reformed system of incapacity benefits and the lessons learned from the Pathwaysd to Work pilot schemes." The Committee is seeking written contributions on this issue by 3 October 2005. A guide for written submissions is available at www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm and submissions should be sent to workpencom@parliament.uk More...

22 July 2005: Timetable for implementation of new disability rights

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, has announced the timetable for the implementation of new disability rights. Landlords, private clubs, transport and qualification bodies will come under the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005. Government departments, local authorities and public bodies will lead by example with a specific duty to integrate the needs of disabled people into their policies and plans from the outset. The Act will also extend its protection to people with HIV, multiple sclerosis and all types of cancers, effectively from the point of diagnosis.

From 5 December 2005, the following provisions will come into force:

• Extend the DDA 1995 to cover, effectively from the point of diagnosis, people with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.
• End the requirement that a mental illness must be “clinically well-recognised” before it can be regarded as an impairment under the DDA 1995.
• Make third party publishers (e.g. newspapers) liable for publishing discriminatory advertisements.
• Amend the way that the DDA 1995 applies to group insurance to clarify the responsibilities of those concerned with its provisions.
• Introduce for Part 3 of the DDA 1995 (i.e. access to goods and services, public authorities, private clubs and premises) a Questions Procedure similar to that which already exists in Part 2 (i.e. employment and occupation).
• Make it unlawful for private clubs with 25 or more members to treat disabled people less favourably.
• Make it unlawful for local authorities and the Greater London Authority to treat their disabled members less favourably.
• Clarify where liability falls if police officers discriminate under Part 3 of the DDA 1995.

From 4 December 2006, the following provisions will be implemented:

• Duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
• Functions of public authorities not already covered by the DDA 1995 to be brought within its scope.
• Land based public transport vehicles to be brought within scope of Part 3 of the DDA 1995.
• Provide for all rail vehicles to comply with rail vehicle accessibility regulations by 1 January 2020, apply accessibility regulations to refurbishment of rail vehicles and introduce certification and enforcement provisions.
• Subject to consultation, formalise recognition of disabled persons’ parking badges issued by other countries.
• Extend the duty of reasonable adjustment, other than in respect of physical features, to those who let or manage rented premises, and to commonhold premises.
• Ensure landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent for a disability-related improvement to certain rented dwelling houses.
Extend duties of reasonable adjustment to private clubs with 25 or more members. Extend duties of reasonable adjustment to local authorities and the Greater London Authority in respect of their disabled members.

20 July 2005: NDDP extended until 2007

The New Deal for Disabled People will be extended for a further year to 31 March 2007. Margaret Hodge said that this would provide continuity of support to priority customers and allow emerging evaluation evidence, from this and other initiatives, to be taken into consideration in the development of future provision. All existing Job Brokers will have the opportunity to bid to participate in the extended programme, details of which will be published in the autumn. In a letter to providers, DWP states that once a procurement team has been appointed, they will contact all existing Job Brokers to discuss how this will be taken forward and what you will need to do to apply for an extension.

13 July 2005: New booklet on dealing with work related stress

The DTI, working with HSE, CBI, TUC, Local Government Employers and the Forum of Private Business, have helped to faciliate the production of new guidelines for employers and employees on work-related stress. A handy booklet summarising the legislation around stress at work and offering sources of further information and help has been produced. Read the booklet...

7 July 2005: DWP research reports into GPs signing of Incapacity Benefit medical forms and working with people on sick leave

DWP have published a research report giving findings from an evaluation of the communications strategy which formed part of the Engaging Physicians, Benefiting Patients pilot. The study also presents GPs' views towards their role in the provision of medical evidence for the Department to process a claim for Incapacity Benefit, focusing on the completion of the IB113 form. It highlights the low priority and lack of understanding among GPs and the difficulty of completing forms relating to ‘subjective’ health conditions such as mental health problems and musculoskeletal disorders. Read the report...

A separate report from the Department for Work and Pensions provides findings from research to explore GPs' approaches to managing sickness absence and assisting patients to return to work. The report covers the roles that GPs play in managing sickness absence, GPs' perceptions of the extent of their remit in sickness absence management, the types of discussions they have with patients, the factors that influence their approaches and how they work with other specialists and organisations. Read the report...

4 July 2005: DEAC recruiting to member vacancies

The Government's Disability Employment Advisory Committee is recruiting to several posts as members of DEAC. The closing date is 1 August and interviews will be held in London in October. The posts are for 3 years from 1 January 2006. Application packs are availabler from Pat Farrar on 0114 267 7242 or at pat.farrar@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.

30 June 2005: Jobcentre Plus evaluation published

The Department for Work and Pensions has published a 230 page evaluation of Jobcentre Plus services. The in-house report covers a wide range of programmes and processes involving analysis of administrative data on service delivery,d labour market outcomes and social research. Expect a fairly hefty pat on the back and a "keep up the good work"! Read the report...

30 June 2005: Literature review of workless people and communities

This literature review examines existing evidence of the psychological and social influences on workless people living in deprived areas. Read the report...

30 June 2005: Study of NDDP Job Broking Service Delivery

This report presents findings from the second wave of qualitative research carried out in late 2003/early 2004. This element of the research forms part of a larger programme aimed at providing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with a comprehensive evaluation of NDDP. The report sets out the important factors in successful job placement, what makes an effective job broking service and considers policy implications. Worth a read. Read the report...

29 June 2005: Mindful Employer website launched

A network of employers and support organisations based in the south west of England have launched a new website, Mindful Employer. The site offers a range of information to employers, health partners and provider organisations with a focus on mental healh issues. You can view the site at www.mindfulemployer.net

29 June 2005: Free RNID training for small businesses

Small companies have until November to access free deaf awareness training to help them meet their obligations under the DDA. Further information at the RNID website.

29 June 2005: Workstep Improvement Project announced

Jobcentre Plus has circulated a letter to all Workstep providers announcing the launch of their Workstep improvement project. JCP want to improve standards within the programme following the negative comments in last year's ALI annual report. The Adult Learning Inspectorate have since seconded two senior inspectors to Jobcentre Plus to contribute to the development of JCP contract management. The project will see the introduction of a number of activities aimed at supporting providers more effectively. BASE is working closely with the ALI to improve provider support and will be involved in some of the actions announced. Read the letter...

27 June 2005: 2007 to be "Year of Equal Opportunity for All"

2007 is to be designated European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. If agreed the Year will have a budget of £9m which will fund preparatory activities in 2006 and various activities taking place during the Year itself. These will be centred around four themes: rights, representation, recognition and respect and tolerance. As well as the European Year, the Commissions framework strategy on non-discrimination and equal opportunities will ensure that EU anti-discrimination legislation is fully implemented and enforced. More...

23 June 2005: DWP produces study of NDDP job broker service delivery

This report presents findings from the second wave of qualitative research carried out in late 2003/early 2004, as part of the wider evaluation of NDDP. The overall aim of this qualitative strand was to explore the organisation, operation and impacts of the Job Broker service from the perspective of key stakeholders, including users and providers of Job Broker services, and staff of Jobcentre Plus offices. This second report uses a longitudinal approach to concentrate on the longer-term impact of participating in the service, and developments in the delivery of Job Broker services and relationships with Jobcentre Plus. Read the report...

23 June 2005: Hampshire tenders for supported employment provision

Hampshire County Council has announced its intention to seek expressions of interest for tendering for the provision of supported employment contracts for adults with a learning disability living in Hampshire. Applicants should "have a strong track record in providing high quaslity supported employment services and be able to demonstrate a commitment to person centred approaches and achieving the Valuing People agenda. Applications will be considered for one or more than one regional contract". The contract will be for a period of three years from April 2006 and a restricted tendering procedure will be followed.

Applications must be made in writing not later than midday on 8th July 2005 quoting ref: CC to Chris Gaston, Commissioning Officer (LD), Social Services, Trafalgar House, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UQ, Tel: 01962 847218. A pre-qualification questionnaire and specimen contract will be supplied during the week beginning 11th July 2005 to be returned by 10th August 2005.

22 June 2005: EUSE launches quality standards document and new website

The European Association for Supported Employment launched their quality standards and information booklet at the recent conference in Barcelona. The document is the result of a European funded project and contains a wealth of useful and thought provoking information about supported employment. It looks at methodology, ethics & values as well as quality standards and is available on our members' resources pages. EUSE has also launched its own website at www.euse.org. Some of the content needs bringing up to date and we've been told that this will take place shortly.

22 June 2005: EDGE Employer Awards

Do you or any organisations that you know of provide practical learning for 14-25 year olds? The Edge Employer Awards are giving a massive £460,000 to organisations that provide great learning by doing opportunities for young people, including, work experience, apprenticeships, giving learning opportunities to young people in the community - any opportunities that allows young people to build skills through doing. The awards are open to all employers but they need to submit an application by 15 July. More...

16 June 2005: Third Learning Disability Task Force annual report published

The Learning Disability Task Force have published their third annual report. Interestingly, employment barely gets a mention in the whole document though the Task Force does say that they are going to "talk about (it) at our meetings in 2005". The report is available at the Department of Health website.

14 June 2005: Blunkett recognises health benefits of employment

Work and Pensions minister, David Blunkett, has released a statement recognising that work has its health benefits and has pledged to help employers and the medical profession work together and help disabled people back into work. In his first disability speech as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, he insisted that he and the Department of Health were determined to support disabled people back into work and that the Government had already made great progress.

"Attitudes must change. I will be working closely with colleagues across Government and in particular the Department of Health. We know that the best form of welfare is work. So the task is to put common sense into practice." Mr Blunkett also gave reassurances about the Government’s plans for IB reform. "We will not write you off if you don’t write yourself off. IB reform is a promise not a threat. We are aware that there are uncertainties, fears, and apprehension. We will listen and ask people to speak for themselves. We are all in this together". We will be seeking a meeting shortly with the new Secretary of State.

13 June 2005: New Government website for information on disability issues

The Government has provided "clearly-written, useful and easy-to-find information all in one place” on its Directgov website at www.direct.gov.uk/disability.

10 June 2005: DRC launches national debate on disability equality

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has launched a major national debate on the future of disabled people's equality in Britain with its discussion paper, Shaping the Future of Equality. The Disability Debate seeks to identify and articulate the big priorities for a new disability agenda and provide a roadmap for both the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) and Government over the next 10-15 years. More...

6 June 2005: Report published into micro enterprise in the South West

The Valuing People Support Team (South West) has published a report into micro-enterprise in the South West of England. The report by Jo Hogg looks at the viability of the US micro-enterprise model, the likely scope for development; possible barriers to implementation and offers potential solutions. You can read it here.

27 May 2005: NDT urges companies to employ more people with learning disabilities

The National Development Team has published a leaflet aimed at showing employers to recruit more people with a learning disability. The leaflet focuses on hints and tips identified through talking to employers in the Manchester area during a research project. The leaflet and a project report can be downloaded from the NDT website.

20 May 2005: Funding opportunities

The following funding opportunities may be of interest to members. Note that each will have eligibility criteria that you need to check on the website of each funding organisation.

Diana Princess Of Wales Memorial Fund (UK)

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund has announced that for 2005, the closing date for its UK funding programme is the 24th June, 2005. The themes of the funding are Transition to Adulthood and Independence. Applications are invited by organisations who work with young people between the ages of 12 and 25 within three categories; Those at risk of developing or who experience mental ill health; Young refugees and asylum seekers; Young people who are part of a family where a person of that family has been imprisoned. Funding ranges from £15,000 to £80,000 for a period of three years. The fund will only support projects of a national significance.

Closing date: 24 June 2005
Website link

Transforming Lives (UK) - Camelot Foundation

The Camelot Foundation has announced that the next deadline for applications under its Transforming Lives programme is the 11th July 2005. The Foundation is seeking to fund innovative projects from small or medium sized organisations that work with young people. In particular the Foundation is seeking to fund innovative projects that target young parents or those at risk of becoming young parents; young asylum seekers; young people with mental health problems and young disabled people.

Closing date: 11 July 2005
Website link

Changing Lives Programme (UK)

Crisis, the charity for tackling homelessness is offering awards of up to £2,000 to solitary people who are homeless or settling into a home and looking for support so that they may achieve their vocational goals. The award has been set up to help solitary people aged 18+ who are homeless, vulnerably housed or settling into a home. They must also be free from alcohol, drug or other substance misuse, unemployed or underemployed and working with a support worker who is involved in helping them work out vocational goals and will act as a referee.

Closing date: 15 July 2005
Website link

18 May 2005: LSC review subgroup update

AfSE today attended the employment subgroup of the independent review of LSC funded provision for people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties. The meeting addressed issues affecting successful transitions and sought examples of good collaborative practice. It also looked at how the LSC could support the transition to sustainable employment for learners. The review is veruy keen to hear the views of supported employment providers and is taking consultative views for a short while before producing its draft report. Members are strongly urged to take part in this consultation. AfSE believes that a more efficient and focused use of existing resources could support transition to employment if the LSC worked with Jobcentre Plus to fund appropriate pathways rather than focusing on the funding of foundation level or level 1 qualifications. We flagged up the importance of supported work experience as part of vocational courses and the need for flexible and creative funding of individual pathways from education into work.

You can view the consultation statement here. You can view the interim report of the review group on the LSC website.

18 May 2005: DRC and Development Agencies organise breakfast briefings

The Disability Rights Commission is organising a series of free events hosted by Regional Development Agencies. The events are aimed at professionals who provide advice to small businesses. They will provide an opportunity to learn about how to make recruitment practices more inclusive, and how to attract applicants with a disability to posts that may be difficult to fill. The briefing will also explain what support is available in the regions from voluntary and statutory organisations, in the form of advice, guidance or grants for supporting disabled employees.

The events take place from May 20 to June 10 in London, Birmingham, Newmarket, Manchester and Nottingham. More details are available on the DRC website

17 May 2005: EUSE conference programme finalised

The conference programme for the 2005 conference of the European Union of Supported Employment has been finalised and published. The event takes place in Barcelona on 16-17 June and delegate places are still available by visiting the conference website.

17 May 2005: Notes of DWP meeting about Employment Advisors in GP surgeries

AfSE attended a recent DWP seminar on the use of employment advisors within health centres. The seminar was led by Simon Francis of DWP who is leading on the Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation. Summary notes of the meeting are available for downloading here.

16 May 2005: ODPM ministerial responsibilities announced

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced ministerial responsibilities for the new Government. Phil Woolas MP has been named as Minister for Local Government. Amongst many other tasks, he will be responsible for social exclusion, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, New Deal for Communities and Supporting People.

16 May 2005: Important consultation on LSC's LDD provision

The independent review team led by Peter Little OBE are inviting views on the future of LSC funded provision for people with learning disabilities and difficulties. This affects all disabled learners in further education ansd work-based learning and AfSE urges its members to submit their views to the review team as soon as possible. The review asks 3 questions:

• What practices should be kept and built upon in developing LLDD provision?
• What barriers and gaps are currently present in LLDD provision?
• What solutions/plans are required to address these problems or to more widely implement successful practice?

You can view the consultation statement here. You can view the LSC interim report on the LSC website. AfSE is represented on one of the five subgroups: "Working with Partners - Learner Transition (including employment)".

11 May 2005: Anne McGuire announced as new Minister for Disabled People

Anne McGuire MP has been announced as the new Minister with responsibility for disability issues. Anne is MP for Stirling and is a former teacher and Deputy Director for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

11 May 2005: Changes to JCP Advisor Discretionary Fund rules

The maximum amount a customer can access via the Adviser Discretionary fund (ADF) in any rolling 12 month period has been reduced from £300 to £100 from 4th May 2005. The fund is payable at the Discretion of a Jobcentre Plus Adviser.

10 May 2005: New LSC approach to recording success in non-accredited learning

The LSC have published some briefing papers about RARPA - Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement in non-accredited learning. RARPA is an approach for assuring the quality of learners’ experience on learning programmes and activities. It is intended to raise learning providers’ capacity to monitor their effectiveness and impact at an individual learner level and to provide a framework and principles for managing the quality of learning. The LSC is currently exploring with the QCA, Inspectorates and others the possibility of incorporating RARPA into the proposed shared process of approval for providers wishing to offer awards within the new Framework for Achievement. This will form the basis of a Distance Travelled (DT) measure for adults, learners on Entry to Employment (e2e) provision and learners on provision at Entry level and below. The papers are available on the LSC website.

9 May 2005: Full Government team announced

Tony Blair has announced changes within Government following the general election. David Blunkett moves to the Department for Work and Pensions as Secretary of State in place of Alan Johnson and Patricia Hewitt takes over as Secretary of State for Health. Ruth Kelly remains at the Department for Education and Skills. Margaret Hodge becomes Minister for Work. There have been a number of changes to junior ministers with Maria Eagle moving to the DfES and Ivan Lewis to the Treasury. The Parliamentary Private Secretaries at DWP are now Lord Hunt OBE, James Plaskitt MP and Liz Blackman MP.

Full list of Government appointments

23 March 2005: Valuing People report published

The Valuing People team have published a progress update on the Valuing People initiative. You can download from the Valuing People website. It promises that employment issues will be a priority for 2005 with actions including providing bene?ts advice in more accessible forms, advice on de?nitions of work, training and volunteering, and help for public sector employers.

22 March 2005: LDDF funding boost for employment

Stephen Ladyman has announced that £700,000 of the Learning Disabilities Development Fund (LDDF) will be used for individual budgets and self-directed services, self-advocate and family leadership; increasing employment opportunities and preventing people being sent to live away from home. Check with your Learning Disability Partnership Board for details.

22 March 2005: Green Paper on adult social care published

The Department of Health has published the Green Paper on adult social care. Key recommendations include:

• individual budgets - Care brokers would help people assess their needs, manage their own budget and could act as care navigators
• the development of new responsive models of care including extracare housing and telecare
• strengthening arrangements for greater co-operation and collaboration between the NHS and voluntary and community sector
• new directors of adult social services will provide strategic leadership not just in social care but across all adult services
• greater streamlining of assessments between agencies including local authorities and across government
• engaging the whole of local government to make sure all services are accessible for those with the greatest need and encourage a shift to more preventative services

22 March 2005: Revised Skills Strategy published

The DfES has revised its skills strategy with the publication of the White Paper, "Skills: Getting on in business, getting on at work". They are inviting comments and responses in a consultation period lasting to 24 June. The White Paper is available on the DfES website.

17 March 2005: Budget changes announced

More action to make it easier for people on incapacity benefit to return to work was announced in the Budget, as national statistics released show 22,000 people came off incapacity benefits last year.

Changes to "linking rules" announced in the Budget will mean someone on Incapacity Benefit will be able to return to the same benefit they were on if the job does not work out for up to two years. In further simplifying rules that remove disincentives to work, claimants will no longer have to wait six months before they can try out work again if they do have to go back on benefits.

15 March 2005: Summer Green Paper to reform incapacity benefit

Alan Johnson has announced that the Government will publish its radical plans to scrap Incapacity Benefit (IB) and replace it with a system focused on helping people into work this summer. His comments came as it was announced over 10,000 people on IB have been helped back to work since last year by the radical Pathways to Work programme.

"In the summer we will set out in detail in a Green Paper how we will radically change the benefit system so it reflects all that we have learnt about the needs of those on IB. Together - working with employers, GPs, special interest groups and claimants themselves - we can replace the sicknote culture with one of hope and opportunity. Incapacity Benefit is out of date - our radical plans will sweep aside a system that branded people incapable and help claimants focus on what they can do, not what they can't."

Calling on interested groups Mr Johnson emphasised the need to start developing a consensus. He laid out four key areas for consideration:

• Fairness - what should be the content of the "return to work activities" that we recognise as beneficial in helping people with health conditions to get back to work.
• Security - how to minimise the risks people face when they want to move into work and ensure people have every incentive possible to try out work.
• Inclusion - how to ensure that the Disability Sickness Allowance doesn't mean someone is written off or has no interest in working but recognises the severity of their condition.
• Results for all - what key features does the system need to ensure that it works effectively for people with mental health conditions.

The Green Paper in the summer will kick start a formal consultation on how the new benefit system will operate, the role of Personal Advisers and what people will be required to do in the future to access the higher rates of benefit. It will also explore what safeguards and appeals processes should be in the system. To inform the Green Paper, interested parties are asked to write with comments to the Incapacity Benefit Reform Team at Room 220, Adelphi, 1-11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.

15 March 2005: Qualitative research on employers and NDDP published

DWP has published the second wave of qualitative research into employers and New Deal for Disabled People. The research paints a generally positive picture of close links between employers and job brokers, improved awareness, support with reasonable adjustments and a greater willingness to employ people with disabilities. The lack of financial support to employers was cited as a possible obstacle. More...

15 March 2005: Amendments to Common Inspection Framework

Following the recent consultation exercise, the Common Inspection Framework has been revised and will be issued to providers before Easter. The revised framework can be viewed at the ALI website

14 March 2005: First DEAC annual report published

The Government's Disability Employment Advisory Committee has published its first annual report. The report summarises the work undertaken in the first year of DEAC and hints at some of the action planned for next year. Further information about DEAC can be found at the DEAC website.

12 March 2005: New RNIB Publication Helps Employers

“See to IT at work" is a new, practical guide that explains how Information Technology (IT) can enable Employers to meet the needs of employees and job applicants with sight problems. This new publication is designed to provide advice, guidance and practical help for employers and contains information about the range of assistive technologies that blind and partially sighted people use to do their jobs. More...

9 March 2005: SEU interim report on transitions

The Social Exclusion Unit has published an interim report looking at 16 to 25 year-olds with severe or multiple problems. It sets out the project team's interim findings and three areas of future work: We have identified three key areas for further work based on our emerging findings - age boundaries; holistic services and the trusted adult; and thinking and behaviour. The emerging findings will form the basis of the second phase of the project, together with more consultation with 16-25 year olds. The report is available at the SEU website.

4 March 2005: AfSE meeting with Maria Eagle MP

Huw Davies (Chair, AfSE) and Martin Davies (Secretary, NASE) yesterdaymet with Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle to discuss issues relating to the sustainable employment of disabled jobseekers. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss a number of issues including our concerns regarding the reported comments about Workstep providers by David Sherlock, Chief Executive of the Adult Learning Inspectorate, in his 2004 annual report.

The discussion was very positive and we reported on the outcomes of our recent meeting with David Sherlock and Pat Higginbottom from ALI. We were also able to raise a number of issues with the Minister relating to our poor experiences of ESF co-financing, our concerns regarding the priorities for LSC funding, Jobcentre Plus contracting arrangements and the role of local authority funded providers within the vision of the Strategy Unit’s report into Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People.

We discussed the planned merger of AfSE and NASE and highlighted the potential role of a national association as a forum for communications between Government and providers and as a medium for exchanging best practice. It is clear that raising quality standards within the Workstep programme is a high priority.

The Minister recognised the potential for a unified association and accepted that the sector’s knowledge and experience had a place within national policy discussions on areas such as the future of permitted work, a possible 5-15 hours support programme, and the successor to NDDP and Workstep. We will of course be following this up with DWP officials.

Given the likelihood of a May election, it seems unlikely now that Maria Eagle will be able to address the membership at our Swansea conference but she agreed to arrange an appropriate replacement. She also offered to speak at a future event after the election.

28 February 2005: Improving Life Chances conference announced for 28 April

A conference has been called to look at the recommendations in the Government's Strategy Unit report on, 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People'. In particular it will focus on the recommendations for access to education and employment and will examine models of best practice. The report has been widely welcomed and signals a 20 year vision to improve the lives of disabled people. In terms of employment, the strategy aims to increase the numbers of disabled people in work, improve the employment prospects of disabled people through personalised support and to provide security for those unable to work.

The conference is organised by Capita who are charging a disgraceful £350 + VAT to attend the one day event. Further details for those who can afford to get involved in Government strategy these days are at the Capita website.

25 February 2005: "Root and branch review" into causes of discrimination

Equality Minister, Jacqui Smith, and Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Miliband, have announced a root and branch review to investigate the causes of persistent discrimination and inequality in British society. The Equalities Review, which will be chaired by Trevor Phillips and report to the Prime Minister by the summer of 2006, will:

• investigate the social, economic, cultural and other factors that limit or deny people the opportunity to make the best of their abilities;
• provide an understanding of the long term and underlying causes of disadvantage that need to be addressed by public policy;
• make practical recommendations on key policy priorities for: the Government and public sector; employers and trade unions; civic society and the voluntary sector; and
• inform both the modernisation of equality legislation, towards a Single Equality Act; and the development of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

24 February 2005: New NDT forum on micro-enterprise

The National Development Team has just launched an email forum where people who are working to develop micro-enterprises can share experiences, ideas, and information. This is part of the NDT's work to promote micro-enterprises - they believe these are a largely overlooked opportunity for people with learning disabilities. More information about the forum is at www.ndt.org.uk/projectsN/MEDN.htm

23 February 2005: New research shows doubling of youth mental health problems

Mental health problems in teenagers have mushroomed over the past 25 years, according to a study from London’s Institute of Psychiatry. There have been “substantial” increases in the proportions of both children with conduct problems and those with emotional problems, affecting girls and boys, all social classes and all family types. The proportion with conduct problems more than doubled between 1974 and 1999 from 6.8 per cent to 14.9 percent, and the proportion with emotional problems jumped from 10.2 per cent to 16.9 per cent. Full details of the research are available on the zero2nineteen website.

17 February 2005: Increased funding for learning disability services

Services for people with learning disabilities are set to receive over £41 million in Government funding, Stephen Ladyman, Minister with responsibility for community care has announced. This boost in funding has been allocated to Primary Care Trusts to provide services through the Learning Disabilities Development Fund (LDDF) and is almost double the amount received last year.

Priority areas earmarked for funding in previous years have been:

• Advocacy - developing and expanding services to support people to speak up,
• Person Centred Planning - a way of helping people get what they want in their life, starting with the person, their wishes and aspirations, and
• Leadership - developing and supporting leadership, including people with learning disabilities, families and others providing support.

For 2005-06 there are 3 additional priorities which reflect the significant increases in funding. These are:

• Day services modernisation
• NHS Campuses reprovision - redevelopment of the residential services developed by the NHS as a result of the contraction or closure of NHS hospitals, and
• Support for people with learning disabilities from black and minority ethnic communities.

4 February 2005: Johnson announces reform of Incapacity Benefits

The biggest change in incapacity benefits since they were created has been unveiled by Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson in a bid to replace "sickness" culture with work focus. The reformed benefit aims to provide enhanced financial security for the most severely sick and disabled as well as more money than now for all those claimants who take part in work focused activity. Those who completely refuse to engage - failing even to attend interviews - will receive JobSeekers Allowance rates.

Alan Johnson said, "We know that a million people on Incapacity Benefits want to work. So we must end the stifling of ambition caused by a system which for too long has assumed that all people with health conditions and disabilities are condemned not to work and instead live in isolation as passive recipients of benefits".

The strategy makes clear that benefit reforms will only work if they are part of a much bigger programme of change - involving the role of employers, GPs and full civil rights for disabled people. The key elements of benefit reforms for new claimants are:

• The name 'Incapacity Benefit' will be scrapped so that people are not immediately classed as incapable
• Initially people will be put on a holding benefit paid at JSA rates, accessing the new reformed benefits only once they have been through a proper medical assessment. This will take place within 12 weeks, and be accompanied by a new Employment and Support Assessment
• Two new benefits "Rehabilitation Support Allowance" and "Disability and Sickness Allowance" will differentiate between those who have a severe condition and those with more potentially more manageable conditions
• The majority who have more manageable conditions will receive the "Rehabilitation Support Allowance". It will offer everyone a basic benefit at JSA levels (about £55), but then ensure that they can build up to get more than today's long-term IB rate by giving them extra money, first for attending Work Focused Interviews, and then also for taking steps to get them back towards the labour market
• Those with the most severe conditions will automatically receive more money than now on the "Disability and Sickness Allowance". They will be able to volunteer to take up employment support.

Full details of the changes are available in the DWP 5 year strategy document.

27 January 2005: Pathways to Work extension announced

DWP has announced the areas to be covered by the expansion of the Pathways to Work initiative (see news story 3 December 2004). Phase 1 will include Cumbria; Glasgow; Lanarkshire West; Tees Valley by October 2005; Phase 2 will be in April 2006 and will cover Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster; Sunderland; County Durham; Lanarkshire and East Dumbarton; Liverpool and the Wirral; Manchester and Salford; Swansea and West Wales. Phase 3 in October 2006 will cover Eastern Valleys; Greater Mersey; and Staffordshire.

20 January 2005: No. 10 releases disability strategy report

The Prime Minister's Strategy Unit has released it's report into "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People". The comprehensive report runs to 210 pages and is available at the Strategy Unit website.

The report looks at five main areas of intervention:

• providing effective early support and guidance to those who need it to overcome barriers to work;
• improving the skills and access to in-work support needed to enhance disabled people’s employability;
• connecting disabled people with work by making transition to employment less risky and complicated;
• engaging employers to improve their attitudes towards disabled people and their understanding of what it means to employ a disabled person; and
• building information networks to bring together and disseminate important information to disabled people, their employers, family, friends and carers.

16 December 2004: Evaluation of Permitted Work Rules released

The DWP has issued an evaluation of the Permitted Work Rules. The report examines:

• identify the characteristics and experiences of people who make use of the new rules
• explore the extent to which the new Permitted Work Rules provide a ‘stepping stone’ to employment
• explore the use of the new rules by Jobcentre Plus staff

Both the summary report and the full report are available on the DWP website.

15 December 2004: LSC Review of provision for people with learning disabilities and difficulties

The LSC has announced a comprehensive review of LDD provision with an interim report due to be presented in January 2005 and a final report in the following August. The steering group will be led by Peter Little of Rathbones Training but does not appear to contain any employment perspective. AfSE has written to ask for a place on the steering group. Further info is available at the LSC website.

10 December 2004: Free PSL guide to disability testing

PSL has produced a free best practice guide on the contentious issue of testing disabled candidates during recruitment. Testing Disabled People provides practical guidelines on the legal considerations for recruiting disabled people and the implications for testing. It shows how tests can be ‘reasonably adjusted’ to meet the needs of candidates with visual, hearing, motor impairment, dyslexia, speech impediment and learning disabilities. It also provides advice on the scoring and interpretation of tests and how to undertake successful on-line testing. For a free copy call 020 8585 2345 or e-mail info@psl.com. Further info at the PSL website.

3 December 2004: Changes announced in pre-budget report

The Chancellor yesterday announced some changes to welfare to work provision in his pre-budget report. These include:

• an extra £30 million to boost funding within New Deal for Disabled People
  
• a £40 per week return to work credit for one year for lone parents and people returning to work through the Pathways to Work programme
  
• an expansion of Pathways to Work to cover one third of the country by adding 14 Jobcentre Plus districts
  
• asking the National Employment Panel to report with ideas for encouraging employment, self-employment and business growth within minority ethnic communities, and
  
• locating employment advisors within some GP practices to advise on fitness for work.

There have also been changes announced to the permitted work rules. We are trying to find out more detail on what these mean in practice and when they will come in to force, but the changes announced are:

• Alongside new guidance and training materials, people undertaking permitted work will be required to sign up to an action plan committing them to consider the prospects of a move into full time employment, with support where necessary;
  
• The initial period of permitted work will be extended to 52 weeks in all cases and the 26 week point used as an opportunity to ensure an ongoing commitment to, or a revision of, the action plan combined with fresh material on the help available to make the transition to full-time work; and
  
• People with the most limiting conditions, for example advanced, progressive conditions will be covered by a widened version of the permitted work provisions, and enabled to work for a longer period of time while maintaining their entitlement to benefit.

AfSE has discussed these comments with DWP and we have been advised that they are looking to April 2006 before changes come into effect. It seems unlikely at this stage that people on supported permitted work will be put under any more pressure to move into 16+ hours work than they are now, though there may be more input from Jobcentre Plus personal advisors.

29 November 2004: Unison demands break down of barriers to employment for disabled people

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has called for more resources to break down the barriers to employment for disabled people. He made the demand at the union's disabled members' conference, calling for "more investment in the government's Access to Work scheme, greater choice in public and private housing, accessible transport and inclusive education."

29 November 2004: ALI annual report slates Workstep provision

The Adult Learning Inspectorate has issued its 2003/04 annual report and it is available from the ALI website. The report found that 16 out of 30 Workstep programmes inspected were unsatisfactory. 11 are delivered by local authorities. The Chief Inspector went on the BBC to say that more training was needed for "teachers" on the programme and that, "Caring is not enough in circumstances of that kind; you need some very particular skills, it is not an easy job to teach somebody to read and write who hasn’t perhaps been able to do so before. It’s not something that one can entrust to a caring amateur like me, put it that way."

AfSE has written to complain about Mr Sherlock's comments and you can read our letter and ALI's response.

25 November 2004: Tendering opportunity in Surrey

Mid and East Surrey PCT (EEMS), in partnership with East Surrey PCT, Surrey Oaklands NHS Trust and Surrey County Council Adults & Community Care, are seeking to select and appoint a suitably experienced contractor(s) to build on some of the current mental health services in the Mid and East Surrey area to provide:

• 1-to-1 Employment Support Services, to help and support people in finding and keeping open employment
  
• Vocational Training and Development Services, providing opportunities for developing work related skills and obtaining recognised vocational qualifications
  
• Community Connections Services providing opportunities for meaningful occupation and self-development (i.e. education, leisure, art and design)

19 November 2004: Conference pages added to AfSE website

We have added a conference section to the website. This contains details of our 2005 conference in Swansea. You can submit proposals for workshops and we'll be adding more information about the conference as we finalise the programme.

16 November 2004: Public Health paper released

The Department of Health has released the new public health white paper, Choosing Health. The document contains a 22 page section on work and health that looks at occupational health, vocational rehabilitation and the employment of people with disabilities, particularly those with mental health needs. The report is available at the DoH site but the work chapter can be quickly downloaded from the Department of Health website. It makes recommended reading.

15 November 2004: Call for EUSE conference papers - deadline extended

The call for papers and presentations to the EUSE conference has been extended to the end of December. The conference is an excellent opportunity for disseminating best practice, particularly for projects and services funded through the European Social Fund. Details of the conference are available at the EUSE conference website.

15 November 2004: New report by Learning Disability Task Force

A report by the Learning Disability Task Force this week exposes the difficulties in pulling together demographic and financial information that would enable central and local Government to plan future services. It highlights the Task Force's concern that plans for improvements in provision of housing and support, day services, fulfilling lives and better healthcare are not being realised because there is a lack of information about what is actually spent and, therefore, what the future investment needs to be.

The report draws together new research into demographics and financial information. It reveals the extent to which levels of demand for services are increasing and where deficits in funding will occur. Copies of the report and the key recommendations are available from Francesca Deakin 0207 696 6949.

15 November 2004: Sign of the times - the future of social care workforce

The social care workforce of the future will be self-employed and provide personalised care for a small number of clients, the community care minister, Stephen Ladyman, has said. The minister signalled a radical shift in the provision of social care with nearly all staff employed by private companies or working directly for one or more individuals. More...

10 November 2004: Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation to be developed

The Department for Work and Pensions recently launched the Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation in response to concerns about the spiraling costs of employer liability insurance.

It is a first step towards providing direction and leadership on vocational rehabilitation by:
* producing a working description of vocational rehabilitation
* taking appropriate action to ensure that Government initiatives complement each other and contain consistent messages
* setting up a Vocational Rehabilitation Steering Group so stakeholders can contribute to the development of the new approach to vocational rehabilitation
* establishing a Research Working Group and a Standards and Accreditation Working Group to take forward these important issues

DWP is making other claims about the document which is available at the DWP website but it was described by delegates at the Manchester launch as “a zero document” that contained nothing new. It is clear that this is a stalling exercise as no funding will be available until at least 2006. Work Minister, Jane Kennedy, said that this was because more research was needed into effective models of vocational rehabilitation. We believe that there is ample evidence that case management techniques have a proven effectiveness within vocational rehabilitation and there is UK and international evidence to back this up.

1 November 2004: 2005 Conference - dates finalised

The dates for next year's annual conference have been announced. The event will take place on 21 and 22 April, 2005 at Swansea's Guildhall. The conference is the first joint event by AfSE and NASE, the National Association for Supported Employment and is to be sponsored by the City and County Council of Swansea (Dinas a Sir Abertawe).

The conference will feature a range of practical workshops and we hope to feature three keynote speakers. Peter White, the BBC's Disability Correspondent, has agreed to speak and we are inviting Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

AfSE is inviting expressions of interest in presenting workshops to the conference, which will also feature the annual general meetings of both associations.

1 November 2004: Valuing People "gets to grips" with consulting smaller organisations

The Valuing People Support Team has acknowledged that many smaller and independent organisations are not being talked to by their local Learning Disability Partnership Boards. They are organising a series of "getting to grips" conferences aimed at smaller provider organisations to boost their knowledge of what is going on. The conferences take place through November and December at Birmingham (Nov 5th), London (Nov 23rd and Dec 8th), Newmarket (Nov 30th), Doncaster (Dec 2nd), Newcastle (Dec 15th) and Manchester (Dec 17th). A future event is planned for Taunton in January 2005. Further information is available from them on 01273 441676 or 020 8922 1135 but note that they are charging £30 for the priviledge of getting informed!.

26 October 2004: New Transport website for disabled people

A new website has been set up to help people with disabilities and low mobility to access information about transport. You can find it at www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/

22 October 2004: DRC seeks case studies for new campaign.

The Disability Rights Commission has approached AfSE to identify some case studies regarding the employment of disabled people in small businesses. They are looking for owners of small businesses who currently employ a disabled person and who would be prepared to talk to them about their experience. By ‘disabled’ they mean people with a wide range of conditions - from a visual impairment to arthritis, diabetes and depression. The stories will be used as a beacon of good practice in the media to support a forthcoming campaign by the Disability Rights Commission and will benefit agencies by providing positive public relations.

This is a good opportunity to get some excellent press for your agencies and the small businesses that you work with. Please contact Huw Davies on 0161 761 4662 as soon as possible if you are able to help.

19 October 2004: Online consultation on delivering equality for disabled people

DWP is running an online consultation regarding the proposed extension of the Disability Discrimination Act to functions of public authorities, and the introduction of a duty to promote equality for disabled people. It seems a snap consultation though - you have to get your comments in by midnight of October 21st.

15 October 2004: Action on Mental Health - a guide to promoting social inclusion

Launched to coincide with World Mental Health Day, Action on Mental Health - A Guide to Promoting Social Inclusion sets out the key issues on mental health and social inclusion and provides practical tips for action.

Action on mental health is a short guide for:
* frontline staff and service providers;
* people affected by mental health problems;
* local agencies; and
* employers.

Action on mental health sets out the key issues on mental health and social inclusion and provides practical tips for action. There are 12 individual fact sheets on themes such as families and carers, discrimination and employment. AfSE has contributed to the factsheet on employment and this specifically refers to supported employment as an option.

You can download the pack shortly from the Social Exclusion Unit. Extra copies of this guide or the individual fact sheets can be obtained from:
ODPM Publications, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7NB. Tel: 0870 1226 236 Fax: 0870 1226 237 Text phone: 0870 1207 405

12 October 2004: New video - Working for a Living

The video is available at a cost price of £10 to organizations and £6 to individuals and is available from Alastair Wilson at Applied Educational Research Centre, Department of Educational Studies, University of Strathclyde, Crawford Building, 76 Southbrae Drive, GLASGOW G13 1PP. You can also contact him on 0141-950-3140.

12 October 2004: New Mencap partnerships

Citigroup and Pitney Bowes have joined forces with Mencap to launch WorkRight this October. They say that this partnership builds upon the DDA by giving employers the tools to go beyond their legal duties and target those with the most excluded status. Mencap have also launched a partnership with Remploy Interwork to create new employment opportunities with Somerfield/KwikSave.

12 October 2004: New guidance on permitted work

The barristers Steve Donnison & Holiday Whitehead have produced an updated guide to permitted work. The guide is available on their website at www.benefitsandwork.co.uk. You can also view the permitted work guidance here.

12 October 2004: Tax allowances announced to help business serve their disabled customers

The Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, has announced new guidance on tax allowances available to business to help them make their premises more accessible to disabled people. Many of the adjustments that businesses may make to their premises already qualify for tax relief. The new guidance clarifies the reliefs available in relation to several of the most common types of adjustment in order to assist businesses and encourage them to comply fully with the new law.

The new tax guidance is available on the Inland Revenue's website.

11 October 2004: Joseph Rowntree Foundation produces employer handbook

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a handbook for employers on employing people with learning disabilities. The handbook, "Employing people with learning disabilities", has been written by Susan Hemmings and Jenny Morris, both freelance researchers and disability equality consultants.

According to JRF, the handbook is written from an employer's point of view, contains a wealth of information about how employers can get advice and support about employing people with learning disabilities and is full of real-life practical examples of how employers and workers in private, voluntary and local authority sectors have made a success of this important area of equality and diversity. The handbook covers everything employers need to know and goes through all the stages from recruiting to supervision, and from dealing with problems to helping career development. There are ‘key information’ sections on sources of support and a series of training cards.

Employing people with learning disabilities is available as a free PDF download or can be purchased in paperback, price £14.95 each plus postage and packing, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

8 October 2004: Valuing People update

Rob Greig, the National Director for Valuing People, has been asked by the Minister to write a report about how Valuing People's going and the Valuing People Support Team will be inviting people to contribute to this. There are a number of ways people can be part of this:
* There is a downloadable form plus a web form on the website at www.valuingpeople.gov.uk/tellushow.htm that individuals, or people on behalf of groups, can fill in
* There is a pack for groups (Eg self advocacy groups) to go through as a facilitated session - you can find out more from www.valuingpeople.gov.uk/tellRob.htm and download the pack or order a hard copy
* The Team will be asking the networks it runs in the region to input from their particular area of expertise
The team will be collecting info until 10th December, with a plan to have the report written and made public in the Spring.

Rob Grieg has written an update on the priorities for Valuing People and this is available as an acrobat document.

This is a good opportunity for members of AfSE to make their views known to the Valuing People Support Team. In our opinion, they have been barely visible over the last couple of years. The update talks of employment being a main objective for 2002/03 and again for 2004/05 but has anyone noticed the difference? This is your chance to make your views known - please use it!

30 September 2004: Changes to the National Minimum Wage

The rates for the national minimum wage change with effect from 1 October. The new rates are as follows:
* the adult rate rises from £4.50 to £4.85 - an eight per cent increase;
* the 18 to 21 year olds rate increase from £3.80 to £4.10 - also an eight per cent increase
* for the first time 16 and 17 year olds who are no longer of compulsory school age will be paid at least £3.00 per hour.

30 September 2004: Joint AfSE/NASE conference announced for 2005

AfSE and NASE are organising a joint conference for the first time. The event will be held at Swansea Guildhall on 10-11 March 2005 and we are currently working on the programme for the two days. Further information will be posted on our events pages but keep the days clear in your diaries!

30 September 2004: Equality made practical

The Commission for Racial Equality has produced a CD-ROM guide to the law on racial equality. "Racial Equality and the Smaller Business - A Practical Guide" is designed to help smaller organisations work out how to ensure fair treatment for everyone and is available for download at the website of the Commission for Racial Equality

28 September 2004: Employment law updates

You can now subscribe to an email update from the Department of Trade and Industry to keep you up to date on employment law issues.

2 September 2004: Camden project advertising for Employment Development Coordinator

Camden's Integrated Employment Project is advertsing for an Employment Development Coordinator for their learning disability service. See our jobs page for more info.

20 August 2004: Changes announced to European funding for 2007-2013

The European Commission has announced changes to the funding regimes for 2007-2013. The proposals are designed to streamline and target spending on EU employment and social policy. A new programme called "Progress" will replace the EQUAL transnational initiative. More...

16 August 2004: A new vision for adult care announced

The new vision for adult social care: Following the results of the social care institute for excellence (SCIE) survey, health minister Stephen Ladyman has announced the development of a Green Paper outlining the development of a new vision for social care. More...

13 August 2004: Renewal time for AfSE membership

Membership renewal forms have been sent to current and previous members of AfSE. AfSE's membership year runs from July 1 to June 30 and we are encouraging membership for the current year. If you have not received a reminder and wish to join AfSE, click onto the "Join Us" page on the website and submit the form to us.

6 August 2004: NMW consultation

The Low Pay Commission has been asked to report on the national minimum wage, review the rates and make recommendations about any changes. The deadline for responses is 25 October. More information at the Low Pay Commission website.

6 August 2004: Consultation on DDA extension to cover LA functions

The Department for Work and Pensions is consulting on two key provisions of this forthcoming Act: the way it covers the functions of public bodies and the duty to promote equality. The document includes details of the proposed scope of Disability Equality Schemes. More...

2 August 2004: Tackling Mental Health Issues Through Enterprise

The Small Business Service has produced a document outlining the findings from a study led by MIND and Social Firms UK. The aim of the study was to find out: the scope for people with mental health problems to become involved in enterprise; the availability and quality of current enterprise support at local level; and the provision of intermediate workplaces. The document is available on the Small Business Service website.

22 July 2004: National Standards, Local Action : Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005 - 2008

This DoH document sets out a standard-based planning framework for health and social care and standards for NHS health care to be used in planning, commissioning and delivering services. It covers the core and development standards covering NHS health care and the health and social care planning framework and targets for 2005–2008.

19 July 2004: Businesses Asked Their Views on Tackling Workplace Stress

The leaders of the top 350 companies have been urged by Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission, to give their views on how to prevent sickness absence caused by work-related stress. The HSE is preparing Management Standards to provide a yardstick against which organisations can measure their progress in tackling work-related stress and can target action where it is most needed. HSE is running a Consultation Campaign on the draft management standards. Responses are required by 27 August 2004. More...

19 July 2004: Phoenix Fund grants available

New funding is being made available for 2004-2006 through the Small Business Service's Phoenix Fund. The service has around £1million to support about 10 schemes to assist people with mental health needs to become self-employed. Applications must be received by 10 September and detailed guidance is available at the Phoenix Fund website.

19 July 2004: Changes to the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill

Following scrutiny of the draft Disability Discrimination Bill by a joint select committee, the government has announced changes it will make to the draft Bill and published an indicative implementation timetable. The Bill includes provisions to support participation by disabled councillors in council business. More...

The government proposals can be found at:
http://www.disability.gov.uk/legislation/ddb/response.asp

19 July 2004: Good Practice Guide Issued by LABOr

Steve Beyer of the Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities has issued a Good Practice Guide to Vocational Training and Employment for people with learmning disabilities. The guide is produced by a partnership working under the ESF Leonardo Da Vinci programme. More...

19 July 2004: 3 Workshops Announced for Gemma Users

Castle Personnel have announced 3 workshops across England for users of their Gemma database. The workshops are planned for Newcastle (26 July), Coventry (28 July) and Bristol (29 July). Castle Personnel are looking to establish a user group so that the database, and its reports, can be further developed for the UK market. More...

16 July 2004: Jobcentre Plus tenders

There are two national tendering opportunities on the Jobcentre Plus website which could be of interest to members:
Direct Payment Service; Direct Advice
Direct Payment Service; Training Organisations
For more information, visit the Jobcentre Plus website

8 July 2004: Ruling on Reasonable Adjustments

The Disability Rights Commission has welcomed a law Lords ruling that employers should have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people if they are unable to carry out their job due to their disability, writes Clare Jerrom. The DRC took the case of Susan Archibald to the House of Lords after she was unable to carry out her job as a road sweeper with Fife Council following surgery which left her unable to walk. More...

2 July 2004: Open4All campaign

The DRC has set up a campaign website to publicise October's changes to the Disability Discrimination Act. The site www.drc.org.uk/open4all/ should tell you all you need to know about the changes.

2 July 2004: Employer Discrimination Against Blind People

Nine out of ten employers may be breaking the law by discriminating against blind and partially sighted job-seekers, according to a new report published today by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB).

The report, Beyond the Stereotypes, reveals how 92 per cent of employers believe that it would be 'difficult or impossible' to employ someone with a sight problem. Despite discrimination on the basis of disability being illegal under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (1995) employers put blind and partially sighted individuals top on a list of people impossible to employ. More...

2 July 2004: Consultation on the Positive Action Duty on Disability

The DWP are planning a round of consultations on the positive duty on disability in late July and September. Invitations will be sent to all Chief Executives at the end of June asking for nominations, but they are happy to accept self-nomination also.

The exact dates and venues are not finalised at this stage, but will be by the time the invitations go out. There are consultation events in eight areas of the country, so there should be one near to you. The contact for more details at the DWP is Sue Hammond.

25 June 2004: Building on New Deal - new delivery framework to be implemented

The Government has released a new report, "Building on New Deal", that will guide changes to the framework for New Deal delivery. The report advocates central control but increased flexibility in local delivery of the programme. The report calls for closer working with the private and voluntary sector as a way of targeting the most disadvantaged people. Jobcentre Plus Personal Advisors will be supported to make cost-benefit jusgements and will have access to a "menu of provision". The new approach will be tested in"prototype districts" from October. DWP is not consulting on this report but is welcoming comments. More...

21 June 2004: Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People

The Strategy Unit of the Number 10 has been asked to provide supporting analysis and a strategic assessment of disabled people's life chances - the opportunities available to disabled people, both children and adults, to improve their quality of life. The Unit is working with disabled people and their representatives, with other interested organisations and with Government Departments, and reports to the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle. The Unit's analysis is feeding into Spending Review 2004. More...

15 June 2004: Mental Health and Social Exclusion Report (Social Exclusion Unit)

A new report, published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Social Exclusion Unit, outlines how for the first time, action will be taken to address the full range of issues affecting people with mental health problems, rather than focusing solely on medical needs. The report examines employment options in some detail and concludes, "Many people with mental health problems want to work. Unemployment is associated with worsening mental health. Health and social care services have an important role in promoting employment, and currently provide a range of employment services, particularly in secondary care. GPs and occupational health services can have a crucial role in promoting job retention, working with individuals and their employers. There is significant scope to improve current provision by using existing funding to convert less effective programmes into Individual Placement and Support projects or other forms of supported employment. This would bring broader social benefits as well as reduced healthcare costs. As a result of this report, the National Institute for Mental Health in England, in liaison with the Department for Work and Pensions, will work with health and social care services to implement evidence-based practice, in particular the Individual Placement and Support approach." Click here to access the report

14 June 2004: Evaluation of Equality Mainstreaming in European Social Fund Objective 3

The Department for Work and Pensions has published a report reviewing the effectiveness of the implementation of equality mainstreaming in the English Objective Three Programme at national, regional and project levels. Click here to access the report

It has also published a report presenting the results of a study into the impact of the European Social Fund (ESF) Objective Three in England at the local level. Click here to access the report

14 June 2004: Boost to Direct Payments

Health Minister Stephen Ladyman, today allocated funding of £4.5 million to 44 charities to create and boost schemes encouraging people to take up direct payments (cash in lieu of social services). This announcement marks the completion of the second round of successful bids for the Direct Payments Development Fund. Working in partnership with local councils, voluntary organisations over the next 18 months will encourage people to exercise choice and control through the use of direct payments. The partnerships are expected to be up and running by 1 September 2004. The first round of successful bids was announced in August 2003.

Direct payments are key in the Government's commitment to promoting independence and freedom of choice for those needing care and support. By giving individuals money in lieu of social services people have greater choice and control over their lives, and are able to make their own decisions about how their care is delivered. More...

11 June 2004: £1.3m to spread the word on equality

Industry Minister Jacqui Smith has announced that voluntary organisations are being offered the chance to share in £1.3m to raise awareness of new employment equality measures. The cash aims to support voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in their work to raise awareness and understanding of the new sexual orientation and religion or belief legislation. A range of organisations will be able to benefit from this funding and applications should be submitted by 21 July. Jacqui Smith said, "These new regulations outlaw discrimination at work on the grounds of sexual orientation and religion for the first time and offers basic rights to people who experience discrimination. The £1.3m I'm announcing will help ensure the increased awareness of the new legislation and reflect our commitment to equality." More...

28 May 2004: Consultation on vocational rehabilitation qualifications framework

DWP is consulting on a new qualifications framework around vocational rehabilitation. They have set out their thoughts in a discussion document and are seeking responses by 12 July. The final report is due for publication in late summer 2004. The documents are available on the DWP website.

26-05-04 New report into transitions barriers

The Department for Work and Pensions has released a new report into the barriers faced by people as they make the transition to adult life and have to take up adult services. This qualitative study was commissioned in response to the Disability Rights Task Force's recommendations on the need to tackle barriers to joint working in the provision of services and support to disabled people. The report, Making the Transition: Addressing barriers in services for disabled people, is available on the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/summ2003-2004/204summ.pdf.

18-07-03 New Deal extended

The Government has announced an extension of New Deal for Disabled People until March 2006. Existing job brokers will have their contracts extended as long as they agree to meet new standards of performance and service. The main changes are:

• Job Brokers will receive an initial £300 payment when they register new customers, providing that they have appropriate 'back to work' plans in place to support people wanting to move into work.
• A reduction in the qualifying period for claiming payment for sustained job outcomes from 26 weeks to 13 weeks.
• Job Brokers will still be expected to provide ongoing support for a minimum of six months after someone has moved into work.

A new open invitation to tender is expected later this year and this is likely to be restricted to particular geographical areas.

16-07-03 Mental Health and Social Exclusion

The Social Exclusion Unit is consulting on how best to encourage the economic and social participation of people with mental health needs. Click here to see their Scoping Note - in Microsoft Word format. Other documents relating to this project can be viewed at the Social Exclusion Unit's website. A series of consultation events is being planned for this summer.

24-03-03 National Minimum Wage and therapeutic earnings

The Government has announced changes to the National Minimum Wage from October 2003. The minimum wage will rise from £4.20 to £4.50 for workers aged 22 and over while it will rise from £3.20 to £3.50 for workers aged 18 to 21 inclusive. Further information is available at the DTI website. Their information note The Minimum Wage and Therapeutic Work - in Adobe Acrobat format has been updated.

09-12-02 2003 AGM & Conference

AfSE's 2003 conference is now confirmed for May 15 and 16 at the Royal Moat House Hotel in Nottingham. We are waiting for confirmation of key speakers but hope to match the excellent conference in Bournemouth last year. We are now inviting online expressions of interest in delivering presentations and workshops. Please complete and forward the form by the end of January if you are interested in presenting at the conference and we'll get back to you shortly.

20-11-02 Pathways to Work

The Department of Work & Pensions has published a consultation document on pathways to work - in Adobe Acrobat format - for people on Incapacity Benefit. The document can be viewed on the DWP website. Comments and responses are sought before 10 February 2003.

16-09-02 Mapping of services

The Department of Work & Pensions has issued Social Research Branch report no. 93 - an inhouse report detailing employment-focussed services - in Adobe Acrobat format. The report follows on from the submission of Welfare to Work JIPs and contains a great deal of information about the spread of employment-focussed services across the UK. The report, "Mapping Employment Focussed Services For Disabled People", was written by Hilary Arksey, Patricia Thornton and Julie Williams and is published by HMSO (ISBN 185197 974 3).

European Year of People with Disabilities

Guidance and application forms for participating in the 2003 European Year of People with Disabilities are now available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The theme will be 'Promoting rights and participation'. Grants of up to £50,000 are available for national and regional projects and up to £10,000 for local schemes. There is also funding for voluntary and community organisations. Competition for grants is expected to be high. Projects may apply under three categories:

• Raising awareness
• Participation
• Advocacy/mentoring

Applications should be submitted to the DWP by 27 September and a decision on which projects to be funded will be taken by 14 November. Projects must start in 2003 and be completed by 31 March 2004. Forms can be found on the disability website at: www.disability.gov.uk

The Year will be launched in England on 22 January, with separate events for the devolved administrations. Further information about the UK's input to the Year is available from:

Ratnam Maheswaran
Disability Unit, DWP, The Adelphi
1-11 John Adam St., London WC2N 6HT
Email Ratnam.Maheswaran@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Tel 020 7962 8539

19-08-02 Guidance on Permitted Work

The Department of Health has issued a guidance note to local authorities about permitted work. The note also asks for feedback from local authorities about the possibility of them holding application forms for permitted work. The Department of Work and Pensions is also offering copies of the IBIS "better-off" welfare benefits calculator software and is considering offering training in its use.

14-08-02 Promoting Independence Grant announced

Details of the allocation of the Promoting Independence Grant have been announced. The grant is meant to encourage joint working between Social Services and Health. This is the final year of the grant before the money is included in Local Authorities' standard spending assessments. Amongst the priorities, there is an emphasis on supporting disabled people into employment and promoting the rehabilitation of people so that they can remain in or re-enter employment.
Details of the grant and the allocations to each authority are available at www.doh.gov.uk/scg/independencegrant/index.htm

08-08-02 Learning Disability Employment Strategies

Guidance has been issued to local authorities about the employment strategies that they are having to produce by this winter. The strategies are being prepared as part of the implementation of the Valuing People White Paper. The Department has issued a guide, summary, easy to read guide, resources guide and example of an action plan. They can be downloaded from www.doh.gov.uk/vpst/latestnews.htm

22-02-02 JIP update

The Department of Health has issued a letter to local authorities and health trusts outlining its current thinking on the welfare to Work JIP process. Click here for the full text of the DoH letter - in Adobe Acrobat format.