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Scottish Government provides update for social care on face masks, testing and vaccination

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 08 September 2022; Created: 08 September 2022; Hits: 642

Updated Covid-19 face mask guidance for social care including adult care homes

Following a review of advice, the Scottish Government has updated its guidance on the use of face masks in social care settings including adult care homes.

The Cottage Family Centre

Details: Written by: Robert A Hunter; Category: Useful website; Published: 02 September 2022; Created: 02 September 2022; Hits: 790

The Cottage Family Centre was established in 1987. The focus of the work at the Centre is to provide a range of support to those families and individuals within family units who are vulnerable to social exclusion as a result of factors such as poverty, unemployment, poor housing, relationship breakdown, drug and alcohol problems and health related issues.

STAND is to begin operating Dementia Friendly Meeting Centre Spaces across Fife

Details: Written by: STAND Dementia Friendly Meeting Centre Spaces; Category: Useful website; Published: 02 September 2022; Created: 01 September 2022; Hits: 721

STAND is to begin operating Dementia Friendly Meeting Centre Spaces across Fife over the coming weeks. These are excellent spaces for those affected by dementia- directly, or through their connection to someone with dementia- to gain peer support, learn about the services available for further help, and take part in fun and creative activities designed to keep the brain active.

Circles Network - Fife

Details: Written by: Circles Network - Fife; Category: Useful website; Published: 02 September 2022; Created: 02 September 2022; Hits: 821

About Us

The organisation started life in 1994, after the founder and her close allies began introducing and pioneering truly person centred approaches into the UK from learning gained through dear friends and colleagues in Canada and the United States. There was nothing to match these approaches in Britain at the time, where the focus person was truly listened to and given the support to create a life that represented their dreams and aspirations. Most systems in health, social care and education, the three main fields we work in, were based on an authoritarian basis, where people were categorised and separated according to their diagnosis and difference. Circles Network was born out of a desire to create radical, bespoke responses based on peoples’ expressed requirements; taking account of lifestyle preferences, personality, age, experience, background, relationships that mattered and, importantly, laced with a keen sense of social justice.

A series of new Near Me community hubs, which will give patients access to its simple, safe, and secure video appointment service for planned health and social care appointments at sites close to their home, is being launched by NHS Fife.

Details: Written by: Fife Voluntary Action (FVA); Category: Fife Voluntary Action; Published: 01 September 2022; Created: 01 September 2022; Hits: 724

Currently, community hubs are due to launch in four locations and more information will be made available in due course:

Fife Voluntary Action, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy
Fife Voluntary Action, Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre, Glenrothes
Methil Customer Service Centre, Wellesley Road, Methil
St Andrews Community Hospital

The above information is from Fife Voluntary Action (FVA) Health and Social Care e-Bulletin - September 2022 Thu 01/09/2022

Guidance for providers on cyber incident affecting care management systems

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 01 September 2022; Created: 01 September 2022; Hits: 637

In our provider update last week, we featured a letter issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office alerting services about a cyber incident affecting health and social care management systems Further to that letter, NHS National Services Scotland has developed guidance to support affected organisations.

You can access the guidance here.

The above information is from Provider update for adult and older people services from the Care Inspectorate Thu 01/09/2022

Fife Centre for Equalities Equality News Digest Week Commencing Mon 22/08/2022

Details: Written by: Administrator; Category: Fife Centre for Equalities; Published: 23 August 2022; Created: 23 August 2022; Hits: 904

Community Concerns and Support:

Don't tolerate it. Report it. If you or anyone you know have experienced discrimination and harassment, or have any concerns regarding your local community - let us know.

You can report relevant matters via our Community Concerns and Hate Incident Reporting Form.

You can also contact us using This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call us on 01592 645310 or text us using 07800 005 834.

Revised Scottish Code of Practice for international recruitment of health and social care personnel _

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 11 August 2022; Created: 11 August 2022; Hits: 753

The first Scottish Code of Practice for the international recruitment of health and Social Care personnel was published by the Scottish Government in February 2021. It applies to the appointment of all international health and social care personnel in Scotland, including all permanent, temporary, agency and locum staff. The Code demonstrates Scotland’s commitment to ethical recruitment and protecting the healthcare systems of developing countries.

Revised Scottish Code of Practice for international recruitment of health and social care personnel - Care Inspectorate

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 04 August 2022; Created: 04 August 2022; Hits: 757

Tackling online harms: Working with the Information Commissioner's Office

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 29 July 2022; Created: 29 July 2022; Hits: 717

Our Chief Executive, Marcial Boo, and Lauren Coldwell, one of our Data Protection Officers, recently attended the Information Commissioner Office’s (ICO) annual Data Protection Practitioner’s Conference.

Possible race discrimination - Pontins holiday parks investigation

Details: Written by: Administrator; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 29 July 2022; Created: 29 July 2022; Hits: 703

As you may know, we are formally investigating Pontins holiday parks due to continued concerns about discrimination against Gypsies and Travellers.

Highway Code changes: updated sentences for driving offence

Details: Written by: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency; Category: UK Government Articles; Published: 27 July 2022; Created: 27 July 2022; Hits: 907

Highway Code: updated sentences for driving offences

The Highway Code has been updated following a change in the law that affects the sentences for some driving offences. The updates are to the penalties for:

Adviser Support - Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland Equality Law

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 21 July 2022; Created: 21 July 2022; Hits: 687

If you are an adviser, solicitor or anyone else who works with people who might have been discrimination against, EHRC Adviser Support can provide you with expert advice on equality and human rights law. To get in touch with someone in our legal team, you can reach us on 0141 228 5990 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Addressing the equality and human rights impact of digital services and artificial intelligence - Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 21 July 2022; Created: 21 July 2022; Hits: 680

As part of our 2022-25 Strategic Plan we are committed to addressing the impact of digital services and artificial intelligence (AI) on equality and human rights. To help achieve this we will support stakeholders to understand how discrimination might arise from the use of automated decision-making.

Experiences from health and social care: treatment of lower-paid ethnic minority workers - Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 21 July 2022; Created: 21 July 2022; Hits: 667

Last month we published findings from our inquiry into the treatment of lower-paid ethnic minorities working in health and social care. We found a workforce that is treated unequally and who fear reporting concerns about working conditions. This includes reporting their experiences of bullying, racism and harassment at work.

EHRC Annual Report - Yesterday we published our Annual Report for 2021-2022

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 21 July 2022; Created: 21 July 2022; Hits: 704

Yesterday we published our Annual Report for 2021-2022, which summarises our performance, the context within which we operated and what we achieved over the past year.

Could we fund your race discrimination case? - Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland Equality Law Bulletin - July 2022

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland Equality Law; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 21 July 2022; Created: 21 July 2022; Hits: 642

Individuals with a race discrimination case can now access our legal support scheme via the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Apply to the fund

The above information is from the Equality and Human Rights Commission EHRC Scotland Equality Law Bulletin - July 2022 Newsletter Thu 21/07/2022

Census Coverage Survey - National Records of Scotland

Details: Written by: Census Coverage Survey - National Records of Scotland; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 14 July 2022; Created: 14 July 2022; Hits: 744

The Census Coverage Survey (CCS) is the second largest social research exercise in Scotland after the census itself, covering around 1.5% of households nationwide. It is run by National Records of Scotland and, together with census data, it helps to provide an accurate estimate of Scotland’s population and the people within it.

A new section for self-driving vehicles has been added to the Highway Code

Details: Written by: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency; Category: UK Government Articles; Published: 04 July 2022; Created: 01 July 2022; Hits: 848

From today (1 July) new rules on the use of self-driving vehicles in Great Britain have come into force. The changes are included in a new section in The Highway Code which can be accessed for free on GOV.UK.

Parents with special needs children face unique challenges, especially if that child has Down’s Syndrome

Details: Written by: Nicole Reynolds, NewMouth.com; Category: Useful website; Published: 16 June 2022; Created: 09 June 2022; Hits: 640

Hello there,

Parents with special needs children face unique challenges, especially if that child has Down’s Syndrome. Things as mundane as dental appointments, which may not faze a “neurotypical” child, can seem scary and confusing for a child with Down’s Syndrome.

New partnership launched to break down barriers for young people with a learning disability

Details: Written by: Niall Christie, Third Force News (TFN); Category: Third Force News; Published: 09 June 2022; Created: 08 June 2022; Hits: 697

7 June 2022
by Niall Christie

ENABLE's Breaking Barriers programme will now expand across Scotland, establishing itself on the east coast.

Action plan to tackle sexual harassment culture in hospitality workplaces - Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 27 May 2022; Created: 27 May 2022; Hits: 670

Hospitality bosses have agreed a strict zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment of staff in their venues with the launch of a new action plan.

Can we fund your client's race discrimination case? - Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 27 May 2022; Created: 27 May 2022; Hits: 655

As part of our long-standing Legal Support Scheme, we currently have funding available to help victims of race discrimination to access justice. Through this landmark fund we provide vital support for court cases, including funding and legal expertise.

Local authorities and the reasonable adjustment duty to homeless households

Details: Written by: Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 27 May 2022; Created: 27 May 2022; Hits: 686

In the recent case, X v Glasgow City Council (the Council), the Court of Session ruled that local authorities in Scotland have an absolute legal duty to provide suitable temporary accommodation for homeless households, taking into account the needs of the household. The ruling also serves as an important reminder that local authorities must comply with the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and with the public sector equality duty when providing suitable accommodation.

Taking action to improve the treatment of disabled benefit claimants

Details: Written by: Administrator; Category: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Articles); Published: 27 May 2022; Created: 27 May 2022; Hits: 653

We are requiring the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to improve its treatment of disabled benefit claimants. This is in response to serious concerns about failures to meet the needs of customers with mental health impairments and learning disabilities.

Find out more

The above information is from a newsletter from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland Newsletter Fri 27/05/2022

"Catastrophic": Warnings as Ofgem hint at another steep energy price rise

Details: Written by: Niall Christie, Third Force News; Category: Third Force News; Published: 25 May 2022; Created: 25 May 2022; Hits: 650

24 May 2022
by Niall Christie

Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley appeared in front of MPs in Westminster this week.

Charities and campaigners across Scotland have warned a further increase in the energy price cap later this year could be “catastrophic” for working people as the cost of living crisis rages on.

Rethinking Personalised Short Breaks for Unpaid carers

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 25 May 2022; Created: 25 May 2022; Hits: 644

Shared Care Scotland is the national carer organisation focused on improving short breaks for all of Scotland’s unpaid carers. Research is an essential part of this work: it helps ensure that short breaks policy and provision is better informed by the experience of carers and cared-for people and that those responsible for the commissioning and delivery of short breaks have access to the current best evidence on ‘what works’.

Care at Home – Eyes and Ears video resource

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 25 May 2022; Created: 25 May 2022; Hits: 695

A new video resource has been launched to update the original ‘Eyes and Ears’ pocket guide resource developed for care at home workers in 2019. We are aware that there are a growing number of people choosing to continue to live in their own homes, who may have increasingly complex care needs. The aim of a care at home service is to promote independence and support personal care so that the person can continue to do what matters to them whilst living in their own home.

Care Inspectorate - Corporate Plan 2022-25 published

Details: Written by: Care Inspectorate; Category: The Care Inspectorate (Scotland); Published: 25 May 2022; Created: 25 May 2022; Hits: 731

Following a period of consultation, we have finalised and published our Corporate Plan 2022-25.

Progressing the transfer from UK Personal Independence Payment to Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment

Details: Written by: Ben Macpherson, Third Force News; Category: Third Force News; Published: 14 May 2022; Created: 13 May 2022; Hits: 657

10 May 2022
by Ben Macpherson

Ben Macpherson MSP updates on important changes to Scotland's social security system

Scotland’s social security system continues to grow. We have made remarkable progress since the Social Security Act was passed four years ago. In that time we have introduced 12 new benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland, and we have established and developed Social Security Scotland to administer the payments.

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