“Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible”
Welcome to Issue 43 of Quest News! We have over 5 hours of sector news and updates for our apprentices and employers to read, watch and share.
World Youth Skills Day 15 July
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
#WakeUpWednesday: What parents need to know about Steam
Steam came into being simply as a means for software developers Valve to distribute their own games (including the popular Counter-Strike, Half-Life and Dota series), but swiftly evolved to host third-party titles as well. These days, players can find A-list gaming franchises like PUBG, Apex Legends and Grand Theft Auto among the platform’s most-played games.
It’s a model that clearly works: in some recent years, as many of 15% of the total computer game purchases globally have been made through Steam. With a growing volume of users – the majority, by default, spending at least some money on the platform – it’s no surprise that scams are among Steam’s pitfalls. Trusted adults should check out our #WakeUpWednesday guide for the full story.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
Guide to the draft Mental Health Bill
Lawyer Tim Spencer-Lane sets out how new legislation would reform the Mental Health Act 1983, including changes to the safeguards and support received by patients.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
Most children in care not satisfied with frequency of family contact, study finds
Survey of almost 8,000 children and young people finds many want more say over contact arrangements, with more than a fifth saying they see family members too little.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
24 Hours in Police Custody: The Murder of Rikki Neave
The landmark documentary series that captures real life drama at its most intense, following police detectives around the clock as they investigate major crimes. This cold case special revisits the brutal, unsolved murder of a six-year-old 27 years ago. Will a compelling new lead finally reveal the killer?
(Watching this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 100 mins)
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published non-statutory guidance providing advice for professionals in the UK who may encounter women and girls affected by virginity testing and hymenoplasty (a procedure undertaken to reconstruct a hymen). The government has made it illegal to carry out, offer or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK, as part of the Health and Care Act 2022. The guidance includes: information on how the law applies; support with identifying women and girls at risk or who may have been subjected to a virginity test and/or hymenoplasty; and help to prevent this from taking place.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 30 mins)
Family support services inequalities
The Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) has produced a report which looks at the experiences of minority ethnic families in England when interacting with family support services. Findings from a survey and focus groups with parents and young people revealed: experiences of discrimination and racism when trying to access support; and instances where individuals did not feel heard, understood, validated or empowered, or felt judged when seeking help for their family. Recommendations include that services must embed effective approaches to eradicate racist and discriminatory practices.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
Adultification bias
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation has published a report that aims to raise awareness of adultification bias, a form of bias where children - in particular those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities - are perceived as being more ‘grown up’ and less vulnerable than other children. The report covers areas including: defining and understanding adultification; the different contexts in which adultification often occurs; and how the PIA (professional inter-adultification) model can help to counteract adultification bias.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 30 mins)
Social workers: tell us how the cost of living crisis is affecting you and the people you support
Rising prices are having a devastating impact on many people's lives. If you're a social worker based in adults', children's or mental health services, Community Care would like your perspective.
(Reading this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 20 mins)
MSD webinar: managing the risk of MSDs for workers onsite or at home
Last week HSE ran a free, hour-long webinar to help inform employers on how to effectively manage the risk of MSDs from manual handling and display screen equipment (DSE).
The webinar featured experts from HSE including HM Health and Safety Inspectors and our Principal Ergonomist to discuss current guidance and principles and give some practical examples of where the right, proportionate approach has worked well.
If you missed it, the webinar was recorded and can be watched again from the registration page.
(Watching this can be counted towards your 20% off the Job learning – Approx. 65 mins)
