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Scottish Federation of University Women
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Consultations & Reports from Liaison Officers
SFUW members meet to consider the IFUW Study and Action Programme, Scottish Government Consultation Documents , HM Government Consultations and any other matters of public concern. Their responses to the Documents are then submitted to the relevant Bodies.
IFUW Study and Action Programme 2010-2013: The Power of Education in Effecting Changehttp://www.ifuw.org/programme/index.htm
Current Documents being studied: Equality Act 2010: Banning age discrimination in services, public functions and associations A consultation on proposed exceptions to the ban.
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1771Recent Documents discussed and responded to:November 2009 Scotland's Zero Waste Plan Consultation 2009
January 2009: Patients’ Rights.
December 2008 The Modern Scottish Jury in Criminal Trials.
October 2008: Strengthening the Future: Reform of Children’s Hearing System.
July 2008 A Fairer Local Tax for Scotland
April 2008:The Local Healthcare Bill http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/04140108/0 November 2007: Better Health, Better Care: A Disscussion Document
September 2007: The Future of Nuclear Power: The role of nuclear power in a low carbon UK economy. http://nuclearpower2007.direct.gov.uk/Seminar on "People Trafficking": On 27th March 2008, the Scottish Federation of University Women held a seminar on “People Trafficking” at the Scottish Parliament. The seminar was sponsored by Margaret Smith MSP who welcomed us to the Parliament, appreciating our focus on this topic and pointing out that it was just over a year ago that the UK Government signed the Council of Europe’s Convention on Trafficking, although it is still to be ratified. Speakers were from the Church of Scotland Guild, the Criminal Justice Directorate of the Scottish Government, and Amnesty International.(FULL REPORT)
Reports from the Liaison Officers for Public Affairs and Education for 2007, 2008 , 2009, 2010
Reports from the Liaison Officers for Public Affairs and Education for 2010
Public Affairs (May 2010) – Mrs Alison MacLachlan’s report, which was circulated and read by the President, stated that the Conference on Human Trafficking of Women and Children organised by The Scottish Women’s Convention in May 2009 had been attended by members from Glasgow, Inverclyde and District and Edinburgh Associations. Various speakers including Jack Dromey, Deputy General Secretary of the trade union Unite, spoke before a lively question and answer panel discussion concluding that it is a problem which is not going to go away and so we must all be vigilant and ready to take action if necessary.
No joint submissions were made on the Consultation Documents although some Associations did make their own submission on the Zero Waste Plan.
Edinburgh invited members of the other Associations to join them to hear Ann Henderson, the Scotland Commissioner of the WNC, who spoke on the work of the Commission.
Some members of the Inverclyde Association took part in the “Gude Cause” march on 10th October to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great Suffrage March along Princes Street in 1909. It was disappointing that the march received little media coverage.
Alison concluded by indicating that, for personal reasons, she was resigning as Public Affairs Liaison Officer, but she hoped that someone was willing to take over.Education (May 2010) - Dr Sutherland reported that the main area of focus had been the continuation of the IFUW topic on building sustainable futures. The latest discussion topic had focussed on whether by pursuing more education people become more fit for the job market. University applications increased by 22.9% by January 2010 as compared to the same time in 2009 with the greatest increase in the over 25 year olds (63.4%) and, in the case of Scotland, applications in this age group increased by over 100%. Companies were encouraged to continue their training programmes and there was a vast increase in applications for Foundation degrees where the employer may sponsor a student - this was probably because a student would consider that this would improve their employment chances within the sponsoring company. The present economic climate seemed to have no effect on students deciding to defer their acceptance of a university place – possibly in the hope that the financial situation would have improved by the postponed date. Dr Sutherland also commented on the Research Presentations Day, which is intended to help girls with future presentations of their work, and she stated that we know from participants in previous years that this is so. She invited members to let her know if they have any burning issue in a relevant topic. We await the next Study and Action topic relevant to Education.
Reports from the Liaison Officers for Public Affairs and Education for 2009
Public Affairs (May 2009) – Mrs Alison Mac Lachlan reported that members had been involved in responding to three government consultations: i) the Reform of the Children’s Hearing System, ii) the Modern Scottish Jury in Criminal Trials, and iii) Patients’ Rights. A summary of the comments had been sent to each Local Association.
A number of members had attended the International Women’s Day event, organised by the SWC, in the Parliament in March. The SWC are organising another meeting on “Trafficking” in Glasgow on 29th May and a number of members have registered to attend. Attention was also drawn to the procession in Edinburgh to mark the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. This was due to be along Princes Street but is now expected to be in the Holyrood area.
Lastly she reminded everyone of the Cross Party Groups in the Parliament. These address a wide cross section of interests and concern and are open to members to register as individuals. (see Scottish Parliament Website)
Education (May 2009) Dr Sutherland reported that the main area of focus had been the continuation of the IFUW topic on building sustainable futures. Her attention had been drawn to a Sunday Times article indicating that in some areas of Scotland 45% of children leave Primary 7 without the ability to read, write or manipulate maths. Research on this and the provision to address Adult Literacy and its failings had been the basis of an Open meeting on Education held in Glasgow in March. Since the meeting two news releases from the Scottish Parliament indicated that, although 90% of pupils do well in maths and numeracy at P3 level, only 45% meet the targets by S2 level. In April it was announced that the voluntary organisations delivering literacy and numeracy would share in funding of £ 685,000. The topic of Sustainability in Education, as part of the IFUW Study and Action Programme still has one year to run and Dr Sutherland appealed for suggestions of aspects for our focus in the coming sessions.
--------------------------Reports from the Liaison Officers for Public Affairs and Education for 2008
Public Affairs Liaison Officer: Mrs Anne Williams (May 2008)
Recent activity within Public Affairs has concerned our responses to Consultation Documents from both Westminster and Edinburgh.
A FRAMEWORK FOR FAIRNESS: PROPOSALS FOR A SINGLE EQUALITY BILL FOR GREAT BRITAIN was circulated with a request for responses. This was a Consultation Document from Westminister setting out the Government's proposal for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain. These proposals were developed as a result of widespread national input based on the Discrinination Law Review and the Equalities Review chaired by Trevor Phillips in which we played an active part in 2005. The only response received was from one Inverclyde member who made brief comment on "Maternity". With due respect to this one stalwart and my own personal remarks I was unable to adequately respond to a 200 page document with any pertinent comment on behalf of SFUW.
THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR POWER IN A LOW CARBON UK ECONOMY was another Westminister Consultative Document offered for discussion . The Glasgow Association were well able to respond to this paper on an individual basis.
Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverclyde Associations responded to the Scottish Government's Consultative Document BETTER HEALTH-BETTER CARE. This paper viewed good health as not merely "an absence of illness" and the sole responsibility of the National Health Service Scotland but rather an amalgam of social, economic, political and cultural change within Scotland if we are to address the alarming position Scotland holds in world health issues.
LOCAL HEALTHCARE BILL: This Consultation Document from the Scottish Government aimed to gather views and comments on whether a Local Healthcare Bill should include provision for direct elections to NHS Boards and if so what form might these take. Direct elections would mean a significant change to the way the NHS is run and the Government therefore wants to consult on the proposals before reaching decisions.
There was a firm response to this paper from Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverclyde. Due to the experience, diversity and geography of our varying locations in relation to local healthcare the reply to Government on this occasion was on an individual association basis. The overall response from SFUW was duly submitted and I will send this to all LA Public Affairs Representatives.
IFUW STUDY & ACTION PROGRAMME 2007-2010 TRIENNIUM: Apart from the report from Dr. Fiona I. Sutherland in NEWS March 2008 and an exploratory meeting in Inverclyde I have no further information from LAs as to what progress has been made as a result of their discussions in this connection.
FREE PERSONAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY: Following on from the concern previously expressed by SFUW (and many other agencies/individuals) surrounding this legislation I have written to Nicola Sturgeon MSP requesting an update on the situation, When her reply is in hand I will of course circulate same to all LAs.
Report of the Education Liaison Officer: Dr. Fiona I Sutherland (May 2008)
The two main areas of Education interest this year have been:
1.To consider the IFUW’s Study in Action Programme which is linked with the UN programmes. The broad topic is Women, Agents for Change; Building Sustainable Futures.
2.The Tell us about it Research Presentations Day held in Glasgow
Members will know if they have read the SFUW Newsletter where I gave a small report, that we have tried to make a start on the topic of Sustainability. This was done in Glasgow by devoting a meeting to the question:
‘How is sustainability addressed in the curriculum at Primary and Senior school in your local area?’
Marie Murphy, Deputy Head of an Eco Primary School, Bankhead, in South Lanarkshire addressed us with a small PowerPoint presentation indicating how sustainability works in their school. The children are on committees which are good for team working and they have to make decisions on their special topic which includes raising the profile of a topic and carrying out initiatives in order to encourage all the pupils to participate. Parents also need to be involved and at least be sympathetic to the ethos of what is trying to be achieved.
In a primary School, including these topics within the framework of the education curriculum is probably more straightforward than in the senior school where the Eco Schools topics would perhaps be included in Citizenship classes. There was a good discussion amongst the whole group and we all left feeling we had learnt a lot in the evening.
We should continue to enquire about sustainability in the schools curriculum and continue on into higher education institutions. Here it will also be linked with the Norwegian Federation’s view which embraces hope that we can research into the success or otherwise with which women are remaining in the academic workplace.
The Academic Day on April 26 2008 proved a great success. The day was chaired by myself and 8 girls from varied countries and academic backgrounds came to speak. These ranged from Breast Feeding to Bilingual Education through Fish Farming and the Business Practices of the Asian Steel Industry (the programme is attached). Our two commentators were Professor Andrea Nolan, Vetinary Professor and Vice-Principal, and Professor Catherine Steel, Head of Classics, both from the University of Glasgow. Girls spoke for 15 minutes with another 5 minutes devoted to questions and all but one used a Power Point presentation to enhance their talk. All the girls coped very well with the stress of giving a talk to a varied audience of academics and with their questions. This of course was the main aim: to enhance presentation skills and the ability to engage with the audience’s questions. In the morning session, five talks were presented and then some general comments from the commentators were given before a welcome sandwich lunch. After the three remaining talks in the afternoon, the commentators gave more detailed remarks including comments on the number and use of slides for the allotted time, stating the remit of the talk at the outset, keeping to time and engaging with your audience. The girls were all presented with certificates, a book token and information about SFUW. Dr. Catriona Thompson, President of SFUW, brought her greetings from SFUW and thanks for the day. After thanks were recorded to the Commentators and presenters the meeting finished with tea. (Photos)
I have registered to take part in an on-line discussion forum held by IFUW on Quality in Education. This will take place between May 19 and June 15 2008 and covers four topics with the aim to find out what quality in education means to each country, and what barriers there still are to overcome. I would encourage all Local Association Reps. who have e-mail to take part in this.
With ideas from this on-line discussion and continuing our study of sustainability in Education there will be plenty to keep us busy next session. However, I would ask for Local Associations to let me know of any topics of educational interest that the whole of SFUW might benefit from studying.
Reports from the Liaison Officers for Public Affairs and Education for 2007
Report of the Public Affairs Liaison Officer: Anne Williams (August 2007)
This is a brief outline of public affairs raised and referred to all local associations of SFUW since formation in November 2006.
FREE PERSONAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY: Concern expressed by the controversy which has plagued this Scottish Executive flagship policy. Diverse reports claim lack of clarity among local authorities over what exactly their responsibilities are and how the legislation should be funded and delivered. Local associations were asked to comment on their local situation so that an overall view could be delivered to the appropriate minister for comment - to date no response has been received thus I merely made a general point of concern on behalf of SFUW.
DISTRICT NURSING/PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING: The amalgamation of the training of district nurses and health visitors/school nurses to produce one generic nurse was viewed with concern by nursing graduates in the Inverclyde Association. A report outlining these concerns was circulated requesting reaction and/or comment - to date no response has been received but a general point of concern and a copy of the Inverclyde report was lodged.
DIGNITY! PERIOD.CAMPAIGN: This campaign was brought to our attention by Lucia Matebenga at the 2007 International Women's Day Celebration in Edinburgh. The campaign highlights the point that because of grave structural problems within Zimbabwe women and girls are unable to access sanitary products resulting in a loss of human dignity in tandem with reduced opportunity and participation in economic and educational life. All available information on how we, as an institution, could assist these women was discussed and circulated but to my knowledge no consensus was reached. It was left to the individual to take action either by financial help, direct action on a personal basis or to lobby the various MPs instructing them to exert pressure at international level.
REGULATION OF CARE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2001: The document dealing with this vital issue was circulated to all local associations highlighting the standards which have been set by the National Care Standards Committee and monitored by the Care Commission. While this legislation was applauded some members of Inverclyde indicated areas of concern which were noted and lodged.
POSSESSION OF NON-PHOTOGRAPHIC VISUAL DEPICTIONS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: All associations of SFUW were able to respond to this Scottish Executive Consultation Document by June 2007.
A FRAMEWORK FOR FAIRNESS: PROPOSALS FOR A SINGLE EQUALITY BILL FOR GREAT BRITAIN: This Westminster Consultation Document has been circulated and it is hoped that despite the summer holiday season we will be able to lodge our responses by 4th September, 2007.Report of the Education Liaison Officer: Dr. Fiona I Sutherland (May 2007)
This year’s main focus was the huge Scottish Executive’s consultation document on the Consolidation and Alignment of Student Support Regulations. Local Associations managed to provide fairly full and meaningful responses on the key points required and a copy of the responses from the now SFUW were sent to the Scottish Executive. On the whole, members welcomed the alignment and especially the clarification of regulations regarding student fees and bursaries across all categories of students. It is now possible via the Scottish Executive web site, to view summaries of all of the non-confidential responses. I note that the SFUW has given amongst the fullest of those responses that can be read.
I have also registered with SEconsult which is an e-mail alert system from the Scottish Executive which regularly updates me on relevant consultation papers. So far I have not deemed that there has been anything of extreme interest to our members, but can be sure that we will not miss anything current from the Scottish Executive.
Glasgow Association signed the petition to request a reduction in class sizes in primary schools.
The Study in action programme topic of ‘Access to affordable education for all’ is available as an IFUW discussion forum on-line. We will probably be considering this during our next session. But participation in the on-line discussion requires membership of IFUW! This has now been achieved!
As always, if members have a subjects in education which they feel would make for good topics of discussion or investigation do let me know.
At this point we can look forward to next year and hope we will discuss some interesting and lively topics of educational interest to us all.