Vaccine Scam Info Available in Multiple Languages

Sadly, as the UK leads the way in terms of Coronavirus vaccines, some scam artists are using this opportunity to commit fraud. It is vital that information regarding this is widely published, which includes making sure warnings are available in an array of diffierent languages.

The BBC Asian Network has created some fabulous resources exploring vaccine scams in Urdu, Sylheti, Punjabi, Tamil & Gujarati.

For more information and to watch the videos see here.

A 'Northen Big Bang'

The Northern Research Group (NRG), with the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), has published a report “A Northern Big Bang”. Authored by Jake Berry MP of the Lancashire seat of Rossendale & Darwen since 2010, and Nick King, who is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies. Both are originally from the North West.

The report highlights the need for investment in the North of England. The challenge that the authors face is to get the legislative changes needed through a parliament where the majority of members are not from the North. It will be a difficult path for party managers to plot. One would hope that, where possible, there would be cross-party co-operation for the benefit of the region. But, that is beyond the remit of this comment piece. This piece is to offer a number of suggestions that may be of benefit to the process.  

 The first of these is to acknowledge three sectors of the economy. These are the public sector; private sector and community sector. The omission of the third of these, particularly when referencing the area of the UK which saw the foundation of the World Wide Co-Operative movement does seem bizzarre. The UK Social and Community Enterprise movement is an increasing player in local economies and has the advantage of retaining and circulating surplus income within those economies. Indeed, this is referenced and encouraged in the Social Value (Procurement) Act which has been on the stature book since 2013. As far as this report is concerned it may as well not be there!  

 The report makes a case for the re-instatement of capital allowances. These were abolished in 1982 yet do have a place for encouraging investment. The report makes it clear that these allowances will need to be geographic specific to have the desired effect in the North. They will encourage investment but, as the overwhelming majority of the community sector does not pay corporation tax (due to governance structures) this proposal will have minimal impact on sector investment. It may be possible to attract investment via leasing agreements where the lessor claims the allowances and discounts the rentals (as was the case when capital allowances were previously in force) but the VAT levied on lease agreements will negate much of the benefit. As the change in capital allowances will require legislation we suggest that the same legislation allows a zero rating of VAT for registered charities; companies limited by guarantee; CIO and CIC operating within the qualifying geographic area.  

 There is no reference to training and employment readiness – an area of the economy where the community sector has, historically, had great success. There are reports that some 750,000 EU citizens have left the UK during the pandemic. This will leave a huge gap in the workforce. Many of the issues highlighted in the report have led to multi-generational household worklessness. Investment, to tackle this, will be needed in order to address the work force gap. Yes, there will some benefit from internal UK migration. Where this has taken place in the past the effect is less than anticipated.  

 Finally, there is a reference to potential investment that can be unlocked from DC pension schemes. If this strategy is seen as contrary to well established risk strategies within the pension industry, how will this impact on the personal liability of charity trustees in the event of a pension scheme becoming under funded? Whilst one would hope that this is a hypothetical question it will have to appear on the risk register for community bodies that employ people and introduce an extra layer of professional advice that is currently not needed. The NEST pension scheme is seen as a sensible default option and more than adequate for needs. Care needs to be taken to ensure that this government created scheme delivers the risk level option desired by community directors/trustees. We live and employ in the communities that will be affected by complications arising from this matter.  

We have invited Rt Hon Jake Berry,  to speak at a to be arranged seminar and hope that he will accept the invitation. In the meantime please read the report and let Mr Berry know of your views.  

Covid-19 Vaccine Comms Pack & Webinar

The Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport have produced a Covid-19 vaccine comms pack to support VCSE sector organisations communicate correct information about the vaccines.

The pack includes:

• Guidance and basic explanations answering “what is a vaccine?”

• Comms assets and resources on vaccines they can use and share

• Vaccine resources for British Sign Language users

• Key messages on Covid-19 Vaccine Scams

• Misinformation- assets and copy they can use to tackle misinformation on vaccines

You may also re-watch the recording of the ‘Facts about the Covid vaccines: Live webinar’ from 30th Jan.

Follow @HMGNorth for updates.

North West DWP Update

Below is an update from the Department of Work and Pensions regarding important information, toolkits and links:

·         Personal Independence Payment Toolkit has been updated to reflect changes following the UK leaving the EU. This toolkit provides a guide for organisations and people in support roles to help explain PIP and changes to Disability Living Allowance to claimants.

·         Guidance has been updated from the 1 January on GOV.UK explaining the rights of benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EEA or Switzerland and benefits and pensions for EEA and Swiss citizens in the UK

·         £7.5 million pound funding to Tackle Loneliness

·         Mayday for Men – employer advice on male victims of domestic abuse

·         Application for a State Pension Forecast  has been updated

·         Funding for Community Champions to give COVID 19 vaccine advice

·         Changes to Kickstart programme https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

·         New legislation to ensure fair treatment for armed forces

·         Face coverings exemptions

·         Support for offenders - DWP working in partnership with HMPPS, Steering Women Away from Crime, Preventing Prison Leaver Homelessness

·         Funding boost to get more Young People into Work

·         Support for the Aviation Sector

·         Carers Allowance Form has been updated 

·         Children in Poverty Enquiry  - evidence for the enquiry to be submitted by 25thFebruary

·         A consultation  has been launched, aimed at extending debt solutions and helping vulnerable people in financial distress get a fresh start. The consultation closes on the 25 February 2021.

·         This report sets out the key findings from the review by BEIS into how victims of domestic abuse can be supported in the workplace and the actions which government will take as a result

·         From 14 January, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK. The government has teamed up with independent pharmacies and Boots to launch a domestic abuse Ask for ANI  codeword scheme. 

·         The Disability Unit in the Cabinet Office has launched a survey to gather views and experiences for the National Strategy of Disabled People. If views are shared by 13 February, they will inform the development of the strategy. The Survey will remain open until 23 April, and views will be used to inform the delivery of the plans.

Job Centre Updates:

To help keep customers and colleagues as safe as possible in the latest phase of the pandemic Jobcentre opening hours will be 10am to 2pm beginning on Monday the 18 January 2021. Thus, the job centre is amble to provide safe, essential services for those who are unable to interact with them via the phone or digitally. Phone line  opening hours remain as they were. In addition, the Relay UK service and the Video relay service  are both still available. Anyone entering a Jobcentre will be required to wear a face covering, unless they are in an exempt category . We will follow the latest government guidance on meeting with others safely  and lockdown restrictions .

The Levelling-up Agenda

Across the UK, there are deep-rooted inequalities reflected in income, skills, living standards and life expectancy. These inequalities are so vast that the UK is recognised as one of the most regionally imbalanced economies in the industrialised world. As the UK embarks on its independence from the EU, tackles climate change and embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), these trends have the potential to expand divisions further, unless harnessed to provide economic opportunities. 

A systemic change is required to ensure that the North West maximises its potential and the “Levelling up Agenda” provides a pathway to success. The Northern Research Group (NRG) is a group of 50 or so Conservative MPs who have big ideas for a “global Britain”, envisaging the North as an attractive landing pad for foreign investors, new business, highly paid jobs and international trade. The government have recognised this with the levelling up fund – a £4.8 billion investment, across the country.   

To promote investment, cities, towns and surrounding areas need to be attractive places to work and live. The levelling up fund can support smaller towns to revive local business and rejuvenate a sense of community. This is especially important for rural towns and coastal villages considered “left behind”, in comparison to the development we see in major towns and cities. And, this is where the VCFSE sector has a part to play.  

Many community facilities are operated by VCFSE bodies. A large number have suffered from a lack of investment and, in 2020, lacked income to meet day to day expenses – let alone embark on an upgrade. The being a good place to live agenda is one that the sector can lead on. 

The North is home to a strong manufacturing base. The manufacturing sector provides a significant portion of the UK economy, contributing over 10% of domestic product, and totalling 44% of the UK’s exports, which translates to a £273 billion contribution to the UK economy. As the world undergoes a fourth industrial revolution, it is vital that the sector receives supportive policy and financial investment via the levelling up fund, in order to innovate and compete globally. If the North has a world-leading manufacturing industry that has embraced IR4.0, the region will see the creation of jobs, new skills and private investment. Again, this is where the VCFSE sector has a part to play.  

There are reports that suggest that unemployment, in the UK, has not increased at the project rate resulting from Covid. Undoubtably the furlough scheme has assisted in this. But there are indications that a lot of migrant workers, from the EU, have returned to their country of origin if they have been made redundant or furloughed. This will have an effect on the ability of industry and commerce to “bounce back” when the upturn comes. The VCFSE sector is well placed to reach “the hard to reach” who will likely to be crucial to recovery of the economy. Those engaged in training and job readiness sectors are encouraged to ascertain the skills that will be needed, in the main workforce, going forward. The levelling up fund could be a route towards funding premises improvements to enable this.  

The levelling up fund will also support physical connectivity in the North. The region has a number of airports with potential to connect the North on a global scale; however, these airports and surrounding communities require investment to capitalise on their potential. A “hub-and-spoke” approach is being advocated to connect business hubs and demonstrate the ease of connectivity, making the region a more attractive place to do business. There are regular announcements of new logistics parks being planned for the North West. How can sector partners engage with the training requirements for these – or even operate cafes etc for hauliers?  

2020 taught us that we are more adaptable and resilient than we thought and accelerated changes to the way we work and live more in one year than had been the case in the previous five years. The North West has the potential to seize opportunities created from agendas such as increased home-working and online shopping to provide the perfect environment for present and future generations to want to live, work and play in. 

Andrew Rainsford 

VSNW with acknowledgement to Rob Elvin, Squire Patton Boggs,  Manchester.  

The Importance of Being MIND-ful of Workplace Well-being

In December we posted a ‘news’ piece exploring ACEVO’s recent report observing well-being of the workforce int he VCSE sector. Workplace well-being is of paramount importance; so-called ‘burnouts’, are explored by Eleanor Ross in her recent Daily Telegraph article. She recounts her story of striving for success in freelance journalism and how continuous pressure contributed to a decline in performance. This led to poorer wellbeing and, in her case, suicidal thoughts. The author is now slouch – she has a Master’s degree and was generally considered a high achiever.   

One of the traits of working in the Voluntary Sector is that we strive to be the best in what we do. This is seemingly a good thing except that we cannot all be the best in what we do unless we are the only person doing it! That is extremely rare. A more realistic option may be to aim to be the best that we can be – and to seek support and help to enable us to do that in a manner which enables continuous effective performance. We still give ourselves the challenge of development but we also give ourselves permission to slow down the treadmill. 

Stress and pressure can be helpful. Some people work best when there are deadlines. However, when it gets out of control it ceases to be helpful. It can become oppressive. So, please 

• Don’t get to the crisis stage 

• Recognise warning signs 

• Seek help at the earliest stage of recognition.  

MIND has an excellent range of resources that can help. Mental health and well being are important matters and should not be ignored. It also vital to be MIND-ful of our colleagues and those around us and offer to support to those in need.

In future years 2020 may be seen as the “year of the pandemic”. 2021 could be the year of greater awareness of all health issues; visible and invisible – physical and mental.  

The Law Family Commission on Civil Society

The Commission on Civil Society was launched at the end of Nov 2020 and will explore many elements of Civil Society. Lord O’Donnell will chair the commission, which has 17 commissioners from across the private, public, voluntary, education and education sectors. Commissioners include: Roots Programme Director, Ruth Ibegbuna; Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, Dr Javed Khan; Clore Social Leadership Chief Executive, Shaks Ghosh; NCVO Chief Executive, Karl Wilding; and Theresa Shearer, the Chief Executive of ENABLE Scotland. The heavy lifting will be undertaken by Pro-Bono Economics, who already undertake a Charity Tracker Survey, and the work is expected to take two years.  

The ears of VSNW were pricked when the Commission was launched with a speech by Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, who stated that the government does not know enough about Civil Society. We explored further to see if this piece of work is (a) connected to the Kruger “Mutual Aid Groups” report and (b) official in terms of status. The answer appears to be no to both questions.  

So, why is the Commission doing what it is doing and how did they get a Cabinet Minister to attend the launch? The answer goes beyond Lord (Gus) O’Donnell – the former Cabinet Secretary. The trail leads all the way back to Stockport.  

The Commission is nothing to do with legal provisions. It is funded by the Law Charitable Trust. This is the same trust that gave the Lowry a donation of £1m towards a gallery, which is now named in its honour. The Trust is the philanthropic vehicle of Andrew Law who was born in Cheadle Hulme and educated there. He has gone on to be a hedge fund manager and now is a hedge fund owner. From his personal wealth (not via the Trust) he is a major donor to the Conservative Party – hence the ability to connect with a Cabinet Minister.  

There will be calls for evidence in the New Year. VSNW will monitor these and share them as they appear. The North West connection is strong (the Trust supports other bodies in the North West) which may create opportunities to influence.  

Please see here for initial brief for the commission.

Andrew Rainsford, Research and Policy Officer VSNW

Health & Social Care Funding Reform

Health and Social Care Funding Reform

The Sunday Telegraph, 22nd November, carried an article from Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, chairman of the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee and who’s employment history includes being a minister under Margaret Thatcher’s government. The Telegraph newspaper is a former employer of the current Prime Minister Boris Johnson (he was a columnist in the period immediately prior to winning the election in 2019) and sometimes used as a kite flying venue.  It is worth exploring what the article says.  

There are two main proposals. Firstly, there should be provision of emergency funding now to meet the growing demand for services and give care workers a much needed pay rise. This is vital in ensuring people get the care they need. 

And, then by the end of the parliament there should be a commitment to making care (as opposed to accommodation costs for residential care) ‘free at the point of need’, just like the NHS. 

The author then goes on to say: 

“Crucially, these changes in funding should be made alongside bold reform in how the system works, with steps taken to join up care with the NHS, and to help keep as many people in their homes for as long as possible. 

Of course, all of this will not come cheap. 

To deliver these two big changes we will need to spend over half as much again on care as we do today by the end of the parliament. In time this will undoubtedly require us to find additional tax revenue. 

But, after decades of underinvestment in care, loosening the purse strings was always going to be required. In truth, the cost of these measures by the end of the parliament would amount to £9bn per year, compared to the furlough scheme which is likely to cost about £6bn per month. 

Moreover, investment in social care will not only cost money but save money too by freeing up capacity in the NHS which can be redeployed to deal with the backlog created by the pandemic.”

Those of us with long memories may recall that we have been somewhere near here before. In the Blair years “local strategic partnerships” were encouraged in which all statutory bodies were encouraged to work together to provide joined up services. So, care beds and care provisions were to be made available which would enable “bed blocking” to be resolved. In turn, this would then mean that hospital beds were available for people who needed them – and not care beds. It will be interesting to see if the second proposal gains traction and, if so, how? It is certainly one for the sector to keep an eye on.  

The first proposal has financial implications. If there is increased funding it will go to commissioning bodies. They will then have the choice to pass on the additional funding, in the form of increased contract prices linked to remuneration of delivery staff or retaining it to use elsewhere. This is something where there does need to be a sector wide approach. Staff remuneration is a key factor in staff retention. Increases at the lower end of pay structures is a good thing in this regard. However, the danger of a flatter pay structure is that there is less willingness to progress, which may affect working experience in key management roles in the future. 

Andrew Rainsford Policy & Research Officer VSNW

To note: The Telegraph operates behind a paywall and therefore access to the article requires membership or signing up for a one month free trial.

The GM VCSE Reference Group is now the GM VCSE Leadership Group

The VCSE Devolution Reference Group was formed in 2016 as a coalition of leaders from the VCSE sector who wanted to promote the role and involvement of the VCSE sector and communities in Greater Manchester devolution.

The group now oversee a number of significant projects/initiatives and feel that they need a name that better reflects the work that they do. After careful consideration the group will now be called the GM VCSE Leadership Group with the strapline: ‘the sector’s voice in Devolution’.

Warren Escadale, Independent Chair of the group, said:

“We believe that our sector plays a critical role in our communities. As a leadership group we want to make sure that voluntary, community, and social enterprise groups and organisations are not taken for granted and that we influence the future of Greater Manchester and the devolution agenda. Greater Manchester’s 16,000 groups cannot engage in everything but we need to make sure, collectively, that our sector is better understood, that where groups can be engaged they are engaged, and that we are fighting for the principles and programmes of activity that benefit and support our communities and beneficiaries.”

A new website will be launched soon that will explain more about the group, who they are, how they operate and what they do. In the meantime you can find out more on Voluntary Sector North West’s website here.