NCVYS STRATEGIC INFORMATION SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 435

17 April 2009

Independent Panel report on access to professions

The Panel on Fair Access to the Professions, led by Alan Milburn MP, has published a first research paper highlighting that many of Britain's professions have become more socially exclusive and that, as a consequence, bright children from average income families as well as those from more disadvantaged backgrounds are missing out on a professional career. Findings include that 75% of judges and 45% of top civil servants were independently schooled.

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/newsroom/news_releases/2009/090414_access.aspx

Safe from Bullying guidance

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has published a series of guidance documents on preventing bullying aimed at different areas of work with young people including: cyberbullying, bullying in extended services in and around schools, in children's homes, in play and leisure provision, on journeys and in youth activities. The latter is specifically aimed at managers, staff and volunteers in youth activities, clubs and groups such as third sector providers, and voluntary management committees.

http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=viewlatestadditionstocatalogue&PageMode=publications&Type=LatestAdditions&

Registration call on anniversary of voting age reduction

The Electoral Commission is marking the 40th anniversary of the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 by urging young people to make sure that they are registered to vote. The Representation of the People Act 1969 gave 18 to 20 year olds the right to vote in elections for the first time. However, research by the Electoral Commission has consistently shown that 18-24 year olds are less likely to take part in elections.

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-media/news-releases/electoral-commission-media-centre/news-releases-campaigns/registration-call-on-anniversary-of-voting-age-reduction

Consultation on safer recruitment guidance

A draft version of the safer recruitment guidance has been developed and Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) would like views from those involved in the recruitment of staff and volunteers on whether the guidance is understandable to workers. An online questionnaire is available and CWDC is running a series of workshops in April 2009.

http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/safeguarding/safer-recruitment/consultation-on-guidance

Tackling rising youth unemployment

According to the Independent newspaper, the Government is planning measures to expand help for 18 to 24-year-olds who are at risk of long-term unemployment because of the recession, to be announced in the Budget next week. Youth unemployment stands at 621,000 (14.6%), its highest level for 15 years. NCVYS member the Prince's Trust estimates the real figure is much higher at 1.5 million because the jobless statistics do not include 16 to 18-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/darling-promises-budget-about-jobs-1669957.html

Social Trends annual report

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published its annual report on the latest social trends. The underlying themes are households, families and children. Figures show that since 2001 the number of young adults continuing to live in the family home has increased by 300,000. Also the proportion of the UK population aged under 16 dropped below the proportion over state pension age for the first time in 2007.

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/socialtrends39/

Learning Behaviour: Lessons Learned

The DCSF has published a report presenting the overall conclusions of Sir Alan Steer's review of pupil behaviour issues, announced in the Children's Plan. It builds on findings from the four interim reports between March 2008 and February 2009 and makes a total of 47 recommendations, grouped under three overall themes: legal powers and duties, supporting the development of good behaviour and Raising Standards Higher. The Government has also published its response.

http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00453-2009&

Policy panels on young people in the criminal justice system

The Transition to Adulthood (T2A) Alliance is organising three policy panel events on issues faced by young people in the criminal justice system focusing on: young women (11 May), BME young people (18 May) and on drug and alcohol abuse (27 April). The events will influence the T2A campaign's recommendations. The events will take place from 12-4pm in London. Lunch will be provided and travel bursaries are available. Space is limited so please contact Nathan Dick at support@t2a.org.uk to secure your spot. For more information on the T2A Alliance and campaign: http://www.t2a.org.uk/

50 deprived areas to receive Targeted Support Fund

The Office of the Third Sector has announced the 50 local areas that will benefit from £15 million through the Targeted Support Fund (formerly the Community Resilience Fund) as announced in Real Help for Communities in February 2009. The 50 areas were chosen as those ‘most at risk of increased deprivation' in England and grants will be available to small, local third sector service providers who have experienced increased demand as a result of the recession.

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/news/news_stories/090415_funding.aspx

UN Disability Rights Convention report published

According to the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, the Government should consider changing or scrapping proposed reservations to the UN Disability Rights Convention. The UK Government plans to ratify the Convention shortly but the Committee says there has been insufficient consultation on the proposed reservations and the Government has not made convincing justifications for each of them.

http://news.parliament.uk/2009/04/un-disability-rights-convention-report-published/

Guidance on political parties accepting donations

The Charity Commission has issued a Guidance Update outlining the rules governing charities making donations to political parties from a charity law perspective. General guidance on accepting political donations has been produced by the Electoral Commission.

http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/supportingcharities/guidanceupdates.asp

Electronic CRB applications

The Criminal Records Bureau has launched a new electronic application system. Customers who make more than 3,000 checks a year can now use e-Bulk to send multiple applications and receive the results electronically.

http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=5304

THIS WEEK IN PARLIAMENT