Press release: Global problems to be tackled by UK from Space
Building on a global reputation for expertise in satellite technology, the UK Space Agency will tackle certain environmental isuues with space-based solutions.
Press release: Global problems to be tackled by UK from Space
UK Space Agency
This package of space-based solutions will tackle problems such as illegal deforestation, disaster response and food production.
The new register of specialist products and services delivered by UK space organisations and funded by UK aid, includes innovative ways to tackle issues in agriculture, health and energy with Ghana being one of the beneficiary African countries.
It provides international governments, donors, Non-Governmental Organisations and companies, with information on cost-effective ways to help development goals.
Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:
“The UK space sector makes a real impact on the lives of people all over the world. For the first time this directory provides a global platform to showcase UK expertise in using space to support sustainable development. This ‘one-stop shop’ offers innovative and cost-effective solutions to some of the major problems faced by developing countries and emerging economies”.
The solutions in the new catalogue of services are drawn from the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme, the largest of its kind in the world, which is already working in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia and South America.
The £152 million programme uses UK expertise to benefit communities in developing and emerging economies, while building effective partnerships that can lead to growth and opportunities for the UK’s thriving space sector. It is an example of how UK development spending can tackle serious global challenges and advance common interests.
For further details, contact the UK Space Agency Communications Team on +44 7584 618 269 or email: chris.noble@ukspaceagency.gov.uk
Published 23 April 2019
Last updated 26 April 2019 + show all updates
Last updated 26 April 2019 + show all updates
- We have dited this press release to eliminate minor errors.
- First published.
Press release: From jail to a job: women take bold steps with forward thinking charity
The power of employment was in the spotlight today as Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd discussed how work is helping women offenders turn their lives around.
Press release: From jail to a job: women take bold steps with forward thinking charity
Meeting the women supported into employment by the London based charity Working Chance, Amber Rudd heard about how having a job is offering women the chance to escape their past and secure their future.
While the female employment rate is at a joint record high of 71.8%, with over 1.3 million more women in full-time work since 2010, many women still face barriers to getting a job.
Recent DWP research showed 4 out of 5 employers fail to have special recruitment procedures in place for disadvantaged groups, including women leaving the criminal justice system.
Working Chance supports women in their search for the job they want, while also working with employers to highlight the talent pool they are missing out on if they exclude this group.
Amber Rudd praised the charity for successfully getting businesses to recruit more women leaving the justice system, and highlighted her own priority to do more to support vulnerable women to benefit from the UK’s booming jobs market.
Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said:
Employment is a powerful tool that empowers women economically and means they can take control over their own life.
But for too many women, especially those leaving the criminal justice system, having a job can feel unreachable.
Working Chance proves it can be made a reality. By working with business, as we also do in our jobcentres, we can put opportunities within a woman’s grasp, and support her to seize the chance to change her life.
By supporting women who are leaving the criminal justice system into employment the charity is helping women reduce reoffending, with the reoffending rate for those placed in jobs by Working Chance at just 4%, compared to 58% among all ex-offenders.
Emma Freivogal, Chief Operations Officer, Working Chance said:
Working Chance has transformed the lives of thousands of women and their children to date but it’s vital that we continue to challenge the prejudices and preconceptions prevalent about ex-offenders among many employers and prevent women from becoming trapped in a cycle of poverty and offending. We were delighted to host the Secretary of State today and to show her first hand the difference that having secure employment makes to women who have been in prison.
Amber Rudd’s comments follow her previous announcements to improve support for women including scrapping the 2 child limit on Universal Credit for children born before April 2017, and piloting a more flexible approach to childcare provisions.
The visit to the Working Chance headquarters in London also comes after the Justice Secretary David Gauke announced that community services supporting vulnerable women have been awarded £1.6 million funding, as part of the government’s commitment to reduce the number of women entering the criminal justice system.
Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5144
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Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Guatemala in September 2019
Mr Nick Whittingham has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Guatemala and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras.
Mr Nick Whittingham has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Guatemala and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras.
Mr Nick Whittingham has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras in succession to Ms Carolyn Davidson (Guatemala) and Mr Thomas Carter (Honduras) who will both be transferring to other Diplomatic Service appointments. Mr Whittingham will take up his appointment during September 2019.
CURRICULUM VITAE
| Full name: Nicholas Whittingham |
| Married to: Yuehping Yen |
| 2019 | FCO, Full-time Language Training (Spanish) |
| 2014 to 2018 | Wuhan, Consul-General |
| 2013 to 2014 | Beijing, Counsellor (Network Development) |
| 2012 | FCO, Team Leader, Open Government Partnership |
| 2010 to 2012 | FCO/Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Senior Private Secretary to the Trade Minister |
| 2007 to 2010 | Chongqing, Consul-General |
| 2004 to 2007 | Beijing, First Secretary (Trade and Investment) |
| 2003 to 2004 | Full-time Language Training (Mandarin – Beijing University) |
| 2001 to 2003 | Guangzhou, Consul (Political and Economic) |
| 2000 to 2001 | FCO, Full-time Language Training (Mandarin) |
| 1995 to 2000 | FCO, Information Officer, Information Department |
Further information
Published 26 April 2019
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