News story: Health and Safety Manager at MAIB, Southampton

Key responsibilities will include:

  • reviewing and updating the H&S management policy and documentation
  • on those occasions when the scale of disruption or level of hazards warrants a dedicated H&S presence at the accident site, you will be required to deploy as part of the MAIB team
  • arranging the purchase, maintenance, testing, repair and replacement of safety equipment and personal protective equipment as necessary
  • organising H&S training for inspectors

For further information about this position and how to apply see Civil Service Jobs, Health and Safety Manager.

Closing date: 16 April 2018.




Press release: International Trade Secretary urges UK business to show off the best of Britain at Expo 2020 Dubai

Speaking today (Thursday 29 March), Dr Fox announced that the Department for International Trade (DIT) is looking for an innovative, award-winning design concept for the UK’s pavilion at Expo 2020, which creates the most original, inspiring and memorable visitor experience possible.

The Expo 2020 theme will be ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the future’ with an expected footfall of 25 million visitors from around the world, providing an ideal platform to project Britain as a global force for prosperity, innovation, creativity and thought leadership. As this is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, the opportunities to connect with one of the most dynamic, young, and fastest growing regions in the world are immense.

The UK’s participation will consist of a self-build pavilion, supported by an accompanying programme of business and cultural events all related to the theme: Global Britain – Innovating for a Shared Future.

Britain has a proud tradition in supporting global expos, hosting the first ever Expo, The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry at Crystal Palace in 1851, with previous winning entries at Shanghai 2010 and Milan 2015. This historic expertise was a key factor in British companies, including Foster and Partners and Grimshaw Architects, winning contracts worth £1 billion to help build and deliver Expo 2020 Dubai itself.

International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:

I am delighted to announce that the UK will be participating in Expo 2020 Dubai which will offer UK businesses a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of British innovation, over 150 years on from the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, the world’s first ever expo.

As an international economic department, DIT is ensuring British businesses make the most of growing markets and export their goods around the world. The festival will be a major showcase for the UK in the Middle East, and a shop window for the best of our creativity and innovation.

Further information

  • Expo 2020 Dubai takes place between 20 October 2020 and 10 April 2021 and is based on the theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the future. This will be the first Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA). 180 nations will take part in Expo 2020 Dubai alongside NGOs and sponsors.

  • Six million visitors attended the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851. This gave rise to the development of the area now known as ‘Albertopolis’ in London, which contains a large number of educational and cultural sites including the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall and the V&A.

  • Companies have until the 24 April to apply to design the pavilion – applications should be made online

  • Companies interested in wider Expo supply opportunities should visit the Expo procurement portal for further information

  • DIT is holding a series of events across Britain for everyone interested in the design tender.

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our economy. We are a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.




News story: OISC launches webinar

We are introducing seminars on line. The practical consideration is that since we initiated the workshop programme our reach has been limited. While hundreds of advisers have been able to attend our workshops and seminars, we recognise that many have not had the opportunity to do so. Hence, we have wanted to improve access, especially in our world of remote access and digital devices.

We have now published a webinar, which focuses on personal contact in Consumer Satisfaction. While the presentation is not as detailed or interactive as the seminar the webinar will give you more than a flavour of the content of the seminar, give a clear insight to what the OISC expects, and what you can do to help your own organisations.

After you have completed the webinar we would be grateful for your feedback. Please complete the evaluation which is accessed via the link on our website. Your feedback is very important to us, and will help shape future webinars.




News story: Lionel Barber reappointented as a Trustee of Tate

Lionel Barber

Lionel Barber is the editor of the Financial Times, appointed in November 2005. Previously, he was the newspaper’s US managing editor, based in New York, responsible for the US edition.

Joining the FT in 1985, he was the editor of the continental European edition between 2000 and 2002 and from 1998 until 2000 he was the news editor. He has also been the Brussels bureau chief and is a trustee of Carnegie Corporation in the US.

The role is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Lionel has declared no such political activity.




Press release: Housing support for young people

The government will amend the regulations so that all 18 to 21-year-olds will be entitled to claim support for housing costs within Universal Credit.

Alongside the Youth Obligation, this change will mean young people get comprehensive and intensive work-focussed support, whether they are ‘learning’ or ‘earning’ as they set off into adulthood. They will also be assured that if they secure a tenancy they will be entitled to receive support towards their housing costs in the normal way.

Work and Pensions Secretary of State Esther McVey said:

We want every young person to have the confidence to strive to fulfil their ambitions.

For those young people who are vulnerable or face extra barriers, Universal Credit provides them with intensive, personalised support to move into employment, training or work experience; so no young person is left behind as they could be under the old benefits system.

As we rollout Universal Credit, we have always been clear we will make any necessary changes along the way. This announcement today will reassure all young people that housing support is in place if they need it.

The employment rate is at 75.3% – up from 74.6% compared to a year ago and the joint highest rate since records began. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed young people is down 40% since 2010.

St Basils CEO Jean Templeton said:

We welcome this decision to reinstate housing cost entitlement for 18 to 21-year-olds. This means no young person will need to disclose vulnerability in order to find somewhere to live. We hope this decision will increase landlord confidence in offering accommodation to younger people, knowing they can access assistance with their rent if needed. The decision is particularly timely as the Homelessness Reduction Act comes into force.

This change means that there are no barriers to young people accessing housing because of their age and is in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act which comes into force next month, and the government’s commitment to eradicate rough sleeping by 2027.

The Youth Obligation is available in areas offering Universal Credit full service. It means 18 to 21-year-olds receive intensive work-focussed support from day one of their claim. If they are still unemployed and claiming Universal Credit after 6 months they are referred to work-related training or guaranteed work experience to give them the skills to gain an apprenticeship, move into education or work.

St Basils provides support for young people, including emergency accommodation, supported accommodation, advice services and skills services.

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5144

Follow DWP on: