The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance weekly e-bulletin
Friday 2nd October
If this e-bulletin was forwarded to you click here to subscribe and get future e-bulletins sent directly to you.
SIAA CONSULTATIONS
Independent Advocacy: A guide for Commissioners
Anyone interested in commenting on the updated ‘Independent Advocacy: A Guide for Commissioners’ should return their feedback form by Friday 9th October. To look at the draft document click here. If you have any feedback on the document please complete the Feedback Form and return it to mmowat@siaa.org.uk.
Evaluation Framework for Independent Advocacy
Anyone interested in commenting on the SIAA ‘Evaluation Framework for Independent Advocacy’ should return their feedback form by Friday 16th October. To look at the draft document click here. If you have any feedback on the document please complete the Feedback Form and return it to mmowat@siaa.org.uk.
SIAA TRAINING
Introduction to Elder
Abuse *** LAST BOOKINGS BY 12.00 MONDAY 5th
OCT***
Free one day training for
independent advocates working with older people providing a general
introduction to elder abuse. The dates for this training are 21st October
in Dundee and 28th October in Glasgow. For more information and to
book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk
or telephone 0131 260 5380.
Misuse of anti-psychotic
medication ***LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES LEFT***
A free workshop for advocates working with older people, exploring issues
around the misuse of anti-psychotic medication. This one day event will be
facilitated by an expert in the field on Thursday 26th November in Glasgow. To book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk or download
a booking form from our website at www.siaa.org.uk
Elder Abuse: the Scottish
Legal Context
Free one day training for
independent advocates working with older people - providing an opportunity to
explore key pieces of legislation, and how they can be used when advocating for
a person experiencing elder abuse. The dates for this training are 11th
November in Dundee and 18th November in Glasgow. For more
information and to book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk or telephone 0131 260
5380.
GENERAL NEWS
General Medical Council - new guidance for doctors on confidentiality launched on 28th September
‘Confidentiality’ is the product of more than two years work involving extensive consultation with doctors, patients and the public, and others with an interest. In addition to the main guidance, the GMC is providing supplementary guidance on a range of related issues. ‘Confidentiality’ and the supplementary guidance are being sent to all doctors on the medical register. The guidance comes into effect on 12 October 2009. You can access the guidance online at www.gmc-uk.org/confidentiality. Case studies and other complementary material will be added soon. For queries or to order hard copies please contact Jackie Bell at jbell@gmc-uk.org
Scottish Human Rights Law Group
Formed in May 2009, the Scottish Human Rights Law Group is a non-affiliated, independent, professional network for those engaged in legal practice and study, in academia and politics, in campaigning and in the provision of advice. It exists to raise awareness and knowledge of human rights law in Scotland, and to provide a forum for discussion of matters of interest across the field. The group organises seminars and roundtable discussions on human rights and is accredited for the purposes of CPD. More information can be found on their website.
EVENTS
Self-directed support training
Self-Directed Support Scotland has developed a free training programme for advocacy organisations across Scotland. The training will aim to familiarise advocates with direct payments and other forms of self-directed support leading to greater choice, control, flexibility and independence to service users. Advocacy organisations interested in this training should e-mail: john@gcil.org.uk phone John Dever c/o GCIL 0141 550 4455 or visit www.sdsscotland.org.uk
Annual Social Work Lecture - 11th November 2009
Peter Gilroy, Chief Executive of Kent County Council will be speaking on the “Personalisation Agenda - support that is tailored to individuals' choices, enabling more people to plan and choose their own support and, where they wish to, have a direct role in managing this support (for example through Self-Directed Support/Direct Payments)” This free event is hosted by Councillor Paul Edie, Convenor for Health, Social Care and Housing Committee in the main Council Chamber, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh at 5.30pm (for 6pm). For further information contact - socialworklecture@edinburgh.gov.uk by 2nd November or call 529 3244 / 529 4050
PUBLICATIONS
Joseph Rowntree Foundation report – ‘Poverty, inequality and human rights’ by Alice Donald and Elizabeth Mottershaw
A recent report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation explores how other countries have used human rights to tackle poverty and how this could be applied in the UK. People working to tackle poverty in the UK are increasingly interested in using human rights in their work. This study looks at how this has been done in other countries, its impact on affected communities, debate, policy and government programmes, and its relevance for the UK. This report and others published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation can be viewed on their website.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman 2008-09 Annual Report
According to its annual report, which has just been published, in the past year the SPSO has dealt with 1,165 enquiries; received 2,953 complaints (22% more than last year); determined 2,875 complaints; and made over 300 recommendations about almost 500 issues in almost 90 different bodies. In the report, the Ombudsman, Mr Jim Martin, writes: “I would like us to work together to ensure that people have an accessible and fair process for airing grievances, and that legitimate complaints are heard and lead to changes for the better”. The annual report is published on the website of the SPSO.
RECRUITMENT
Advocacy Worker FBS Advocacy, North Lanarkshire
FBS Advocacy are looking to recruit an advocacy worker to provide professional advocacy and group support to children and young people with a wide range of disabilities and support needs. Flexible working is required with some evening and weekend work. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and experience (paid or unpaid) in advocacy. The position is based in Coatbridge with a salary of £20,388 to £21,036 (SJC Scale AP3, Pts 23/24). Closing date is 9am on Friday 9th October. For more information go to www.goodmoves.org.uk or e-mail fbs.advocacy@btconnect.com.
Please note that the SIAA is not responsible for the content of external websites. If you have any questions about the e-bulletin please contact us
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, Melrose House, 69a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JG. Telephone: 0131 260 5380. Fax: 0131 260 5381. Email: enquiry@siaa.org.uk Website: www.siaa.org.uk
Scottish Charity No. SCO33576 Company No. 236526