TTIP: The Death of Democracy

As the EU Referendum debate gets under way and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership) begins to get some mentions it is worth watching this video in which David Malone reveals the inner workings of TTIP and its repercussions for democracy.

It is a long video, recorded a year ago, but I think deserves wider viewing.

Save Mosaic LGBT Youth Club From Local Government Cuts

From Mosaic LGBT Youth Club due to close at part of Brent Council's overall cuts in the youth service LINK .

 Save Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre from closing down

The Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre in Kilburn is a local government funded LGBT youth centre. It is one of few left in the whole of the capital, it supports teenagers who identify as LGBT or are questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity.

The proposed new structure of the Youth Service would mean that Centre will be closed and only youth clubs still in operation would be just local youth clubs that we never access and don't want to access as they are not meeting our needs as LGBT young people. We do not need or want a space where we have to 'come out' every time, we want space like mosaic where we can be ourselves and be fully accepted, not just tolerated.

This new proposal is a complete disregard to the needs of our community and results of consultation that clearly identified LGBT youth provision as a priority to be safeguarded in the new restructure; even third sector youth organisations agree as they recognise that complexity of that work cannot be met in just any youth club - one size does not fit all!

At the times where schools are still bastions of homophobia and streets are rife with growing homophobic hate crime and parents making LGBT kids like me homeless by kicking them out Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre is something more then just a hang out space, it is home, it is community, it is a listening ear and often non-judgemental advice that we wouldn't otherwise get.

The huge problem with the removal of this Centre would be the impact on the LGBT youth, Mosaic educates us on LGBT history, current community issues, sexual health as well as many other topics. None of these services are currently provided in schools and therefore Mosaic is a vital service which cannot be demolished.

If the Council were to remove the funding for Mosaic who would support a community where 40% of us consider suicide, who would give a community which has a high HIV rate sex education, who would help those struggling to accept their sexuality?

The answer is no-one, as a gay teenager I can tell you that school won't support LGBT students in any significant way and it seems that Section 28 is a piece of legislation that has been repealed, but it is very much alive and well in schools today.

For these and many other reasons that I can't go into here Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre cannot be closed down!

Your sincerely,

Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre Members

Petition HERE

Kensal Rise Library housing units start at £475,000 for a studio

In the same week that the Kensal Rise Library campaign announced a 'night of poetry and readings' by famous actors and writers to help raise £100,000 running costs for their community library in the Kensal Rise building, a studio flat in the building went on sale for £475.000.

The studio is one of two in the building along with one one-bedroomed duplex and 2 two bedroomed duplexes.

In pre-redevelopment attempts to sell the whole building, prices asked were between £1,150,000 and £1,120,00.

Along with the  Willesden Green Library redevelopment LINK it is clear that the 'Brent Libraries Transformation Strategy'  has been very lucrative for developers.

More information on the studio (bedsitter?)  HERE

This is the floor plan:

Foxtons do not mention the community library space in their property details.

New Brent HR Director must ensure equalities are upheld as more job losses loom

Yesterday was the deadline for applications to be the Director of Brent Council Human Relations. The post was of course extremely controversial when held by Cara Davani with the Employment Tribunal judgment finding that the Council racially discriminated against against a member of staff,  victimised her and constructivelyly dismissed her. LINK

Cara Davani later left the Council's employment and attempts to find out the amount of her pay off were unsuccessful.

The new Director will be managing further reductions in Council  staffing  which will have equality implications as this extract from the budget report  LINK shows:
 

.        8.8.  Driving Organisational Efficiency is proposed to save £4.8m. Transformation of the design and delivery of Early Help will streamline Early Help, focusing on a one family, one worker approach to help build resilience and independence, saving £0.9m. Reviewing staff structures and spans of control across Community Services will save £2.3m. Reviewing support service costs: HR, legal, IT, business support and finance for greater efficiency will save £1m. Other savings totalling £0.6m are shown in Appendix D(iii). Service user and staff consultation will of course be essential to shape the detailed plans of how to achieve these savings, but the current expectation is that they will not impact significantly on the delivery of front-line services. 


.        8.9.  Many of the proposals will have an impact on staff, especially where the majority of the saving proposals are made up of staffing costs. Given the scale of staffing reductions, there is potential for these proposals to have a significant impact on the workforce, particularly in Community Services and Resources. The majority of the workforce is from ethnic minority groups (broadly reflecting the ethnic profile of the Borough); there are also some services that due to their nature consist of predominantly female or male members of staff, and it is important that changes are not disproportionate in terms of their impact. Brent’s Managing Change Policy and Procedure provides a framework to be followed during times of organisational change to minimise the risk of a negative impact on any equality groups. The Managing Change Policy requires that staffing changes undergo EA to ensure that the restructure process is conducted in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. 


This is the advertisement on PM Jobs for the HR post:

--> HR Director

LB Brent • to £122k

Right now, there’s no more exciting place to be than Brent. Recent years have seen an unprecedented transformation in what we do, how we do it, and even (with the completion of our remarkable new Civic Centre) where it’s done. This sustained infusion of energy and collaboration has resulted in a singularly ambitious strategic vision, making Brent Just Better: Better Locally, a Better Place, and Better Lives. With strong growth projections for the borough over the years to come, our resource position is stronger than most; and we believe there’s the potential to do more here than at any other council.

Our ambition for the HR service is similarly stretching, and we’re determined that the department will play an increasingly important part in the success of the whole organisation. The role covers the full operational and strategic gamut, and there will be some absorbingly complex issues (such as delivery models and structures) on your desk from day one. We’re open-minded about the options, and are committed to thinking differently – but sound evidence, a full business case, and total alignment with our strategic objectives must underpin everything you do.

Candidates will have been consistently outstanding in their career to date, with excellent practical and conceptual abilities, and a strong grasp of the complexities inherent in our operating environment. You should be intellectually strong, with good communication skills and the ability to forge positive working relationships with everyone from elected members to trade unions; a particular strength in communicating and embedding strategic HR priorities will be a definite advantage. Issues such as traded and shared services, culture change, leadership development and workforce planning will all come into sharp focus over the next 12-18 months, and applicants should be able to bring a demonstrable understanding of these and many other aspects.

Labour Friends of Palestine condemn government's attack on local authority ethical policies

I don't normally publish press releases from the Labour Party but this might be of interest to readers and local councillors in the context of previous postings on this blog regarding proposed government curbs on the rights of councils and other public bodies to make ethical choices regarding procurement and pension fund investments.

This statement was released today by Labour Friends of  Palestine and the Middle East:
 

This week the Cabinet Office (17/2/2016) published new government guidelines intended “to stop inappropriate procurement boycotts by public authorities.”

Principally aimed at the Palestine supporting BDS campaign it intends to remove the freedom from local authorities and other bodies to refuse to buy goods and services from companies involved in the arms trade, fossil fuels, tobacco and other products.

The change in policy has been condemned by politicians, charities, campaigning and church groups and in the press. Many pointed out that these rules, as intended, would have blocked many groups from supporting the campaigns against Apartheid South Africa.

A spokesperson for Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP stated:

People have the right to elect local representatives able to make decisions free of central government political control. That includes withdrawal of investments or procurement on ethical and human rights grounds.

During the General Election LFPME asked candidates to sign up to our 6 election pledges, one of which was - ‘Illegal Settlements: Call for a complete freeze on illegal settlement growth in order to save any hope for a viable two state solution, and end all trade and investment with illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory.’

Boycott campaigners have reacted to the new guidelines as simply re-stating existing policy, which will not stop groups from following an ethical procurement policy that discriminates against companies based on their human rights record or compliance with international law.

Grahame Morris MP Chair of the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East said:

We have reached a contradictory situation in which we in the International Community economically sustain a major obstacle to peace—the illegal settlements.

Settlement products are the proceeds of crime. They are illicit goods, the product of a brutal occupation and the exploitation of the occupied and their resources. By trading with those who produce them, we financially encourage them.

Those settlements are built on the foundations of immense suffering—that of the Palestinians who have seen their homes destroyed, have been expelled from their own land and are living under brutal oppression—yet we make the illegal settlement enterprise profitable for the occupying power.

That seems to me a gross injustice.

Commenting about the BDS movement, Mr Morris added:

 

We should not have to boycott settlement goods; we should not be allowed to buy them in the first place. I am appalled that the government are more focused on preventing boycotts and disinvestment from the illegal settlements rather than attempting to end settlement trade.

This undermines their commitment to international law, human rights and resolving the conflict.

Other job vacancies in Brent (NOT £111k pa)

For balance, having advertised the £111k jobs with Brent Council here are some other opportunities locally


EVENT STEWARDING & CUSTOMER SERVICE

AP Security are recruiting approximately 200 stewards aged 19+ to work on event days of choosing. This very much a customer service job and training is provided. Pay is £7.51 an hour. Aged 19+
Apply preferably by 21st February by emailing hr@apsecurity.co.uk including your postal address and a CV if you have one to receive an application form. You may be given a time to attend a recruitment event at the Yellow Pavilion.

CARE & SUPPORT WORKERS (x10)

Metropolitan is a leading provider of integrated housing services, care and support and community regeneration. We manage over 38,000 affordable homes for rent and sale to those with greatest need, along with a range of care and support services.

We are currently recruiting for a team of care and support workers (on a full time and part time basis) for a new Extra Care contract in Brent.  The service is expected to open in on 1st April 2016 and we are looking for enthusiastic and experienced care and support workers to join the new manager in providing a high quality extra care service our customers aged over 50 years old.

The service is a purpose built 99 unit extra care service located near central Middlesex hospital. We are looking for people who have a good understanding of how to deliver a personalised flexible service and demonstrable skills in enabling people to maintain their independence  to live a fulfilled and happy life. You will identify with understanding the importance of the whole person, ensuring their wellbeing, as well as their direct care needs are met fully. We are looking for flexible people who are creative in their approach to care and support and a “can do” attitude.

Essential criteria

* Experience of delivering personal care with dignity and respect in a  similar setting

* A desire to work with Older persons to maximise their independence and wellbeing

* A “Can Do” attitude and a positive approach to problem solving.

* Excellent communication, team working and report writing skills (incl IT)

* Flexible approach and an ability to work a variety of shift patterns

* Demonstrable understanding of Safeguarding legislation and guidelines

* Demonstrable understanding of working within CQC legislation and outcomes.

* Experience of creating and reviewing support plans & risk assessments

Desirable criteria

* NVQ level 3 in health and Social Care

Key Accountabilities

* Enabling customers to live as independently as possible in their own homes

* Delivering personal care in a dignified and personalised way in line with their support plan

* Creating and reviewing support plans in line with the customer’s needs

* Working to all Metropolitans policies and procedures

* Alerting and recording all safeguarding concerns and incidents in line with all local procedures

* Maintaining your own personal development to remain skilled to fulfil the role

* Working as part of a team to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the care and support to the customers

* Working flexibly to meet the needs of the service including working weekends, bank holidays.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• 25 days paid annual leave plus eight public holidays
• Full training and support
• DBS paid for by us
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to our benefits portal providing discounts on a variety of products and services, including the ability to choose your own flexible benefits package including dental insurance, health cash plan and critical illness cover

The closing date for this role is Sunday 21st February 2016 at 11pm

Face to Face interviews will take place throughout February, March and April as there is a large number of roles available.

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications have been received.

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Cut Trident: Welfare NOT Warfare Sat February 27th

 From the People's Assembly Against Austerity

The day for action against Trident is nearly here. CND has called the Stop Trident National Demonstration Sat 27 Feb. Assemble: 12:00PM Marble Arch.

The People's Assembly Against Austerity is please to support the event and say Welfare not Warfare!

Please follow the Facebook Event and share and invite as widely as you can!

CND's Kate Hudson has written this article in which she makes the case for spending money on building a fairer safer society, not on weapons of mass destruction.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

There are a whole series of events in the run up to the demonstration which will be vital in building for the day. If you're in London tomorrow please join us at The Stop Trident Mobilising Rally, Friends House London Euston, Friday 19 Feb, 6:30PM

 
Speakers include: Tariq Ali • Kate Hudson CND general secretary • Richard Norton Taylor The Guardian • Lindsey German Stop the War • Brian Eno • Shelly Asquith NUS • Bruce Kent, CND vice president • Amelia Womack, Green Party deputy leader

Spread the word and see you on the streets!

The People's Assembly Against Austerity
http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/

Senior jobs at Brent Council available now up to £111,000 pa

Following the latest restructuring Brent Council is advertising the following jobs. A description of the management structure is available HERE

Leading Brent

Brent is a unique, growing and iconic borough, richly diverse and full of possibilities. As a council we take our role as place shaper very seriously and the regeneration of the borough continues at pace.  We want to ensure that this growth, and resulting opportunities, brings about real and lasting benefits for all our residents – young and old.  We have reorganised the council to meet the challenges ahead, reflect a culture of collaboration and improve services even further.  This has created the following senior leadership roles all of which report to our Strategic Directors. 

Children and Young People Services 

Operational Director – Service Integration and Improved Outcomes                   up to £111k

Managing a broad portfolio which includes front line social work, Inclusion, Early Help, Localities and Looked After Children teams you will be a qualified children’s social care professional with a depth of front line practitioner, as well senior management experience.  This is an exciting and challenging role which will drive service integration, better social work practice and improved outcomes for our most vulnerable children, young people and families.   

Operational Director – Safeguarding, Partnerships and Strategy                         up to £111k

This key role will lead our Safeguarding and Quality Assurance service, School Effectiveness and Place Planning, Partnerships and Commissioning.  You will help shape and implement strategies across the service and the council which better prepare us for the future, working with a range of stakeholders including schools, the LSCB and our Children’s Trust. Whatever your background, you will be an effective partnership worker with high level influencing and negotiation skills.   

Community Wellbeing Services

Operational Director – Adult Social Care                    up to £111k

This role will lead adult social care services which include commissioning, assessment support planning and safeguarding, and direct services to vulnerable adults and older people. Delivering high quality and innovation in Adult Social Care is fundamental to supporting and safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community. With senior management experience in a related setting or sector, you will be passionate about promoting independence and choice across the whole health and social care system, both locally and sub regionally. You will bring vision, ambition and an operational focus that will drive the service forward.

For a confidential discussion call our advising consultants at Penna: Maggie Hennessy 07877 004648, Chris Barrow 0203 829 9754, Anita Denton 07725 554802 or Carol Coyle 020 7332 7806.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 18 March 2016