How employers are rising to the 20% challenge: increasing the uptake of degree apprentices from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-649
Author(s):  
Isa Mutlib
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Job Role ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper outlines the UK Government's move to increase the numbers of apprentices. It explores how employers are looking to increase take up of apprenticeships with focus on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, the solutions they have identified and the role of higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThis is the viewpoint of the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance and its Director through engaging with BAME apprentices and collecting a variety of research to show the benefit of recruiting from BAME backgrounds for individuals and organisations. Examples of good practices are included.FindingsThis paper shows there has been an increased effort from UK Government to increase apprenticeship representation from BAME communities. The UK Government has supported the role of apprentices in raising awareness of apprenticeships through recognition of their work.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the last five years from when the first degree apprenticeship was announced in 2015. Its real impact must be measured after a degree apprentice graduates finding what influence this has on job role, salary and subsequently promoting it to prospective apprentices from under-represented communities.Practical implicationsPractical implications include promoting apprentices as role models for the community and engaging with regional and stakeholder networks between HEIs, employers and the Government to share best practice.Originality/valueInitiatives mentioned within this paper are original to the BAME Apprenticeship Alliance.

Geospatial data in the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Jozefowicz ◽  
Merlin Stone ◽  
Eleni Aravopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Western Country ◽  
Geospatial Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the rise of geospatial data, its importance for business and some of the problems associated with its development and use. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews a certain amount of previously published literature but is based mainly on analysis of the very large number of responses to a consultation paper on geospatial data published by the UK Government. Findings The findings are that while there is strong appreciation of the potential benefits of using geospatial data, there are many barriers to the development, sharing and use of geospatial data, ranging from problems of incompatibility in data definitions and systems to regulatory issues. The implication for governments and for providers and users of geospatial data relates to the need to take a long-term approach to planning in resolving the issues identified. Research limitations/implications The research findings are limited to the UK, but similar findings would be likely in any other large Western country. Practical implications This paper confirms the need for a strong and coherent approach to the planning of geospatial data and systems for the establishment of a clear basis for the different parties to work together and the need to clearly separate the roles of the government in establishing frameworks and standards and the role of the private sector in developing applications and solutions. Social implications Society is increasingly dependent on the use of geospatial data, in improving living standards and dealing with social problems. The recommendations identified in this paper, if followed, will facilitate these improvements. Originality/value The value of this paper is the tight synthesis that it provides of a wide ranging and complex range of responses to the UK Government consultation and placing these responses in the wider context of the development of geospatial data.

“Give it a Try”: experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic young men in a prison-based offender personality disorder service

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hunter ◽  
Eleanor Craig ◽  
Jake Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Within the current offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in the UK, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations are underrepresented. Fewer BAME offenders are engaging with services despite being proportionately identified for inclusion and referred on to the pathway. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study explored the experiences of 11 BAME men engaged in a prison-based OPD service for young offenders to identify the highlights and challenges of engagement within the service and to what extent they experienced a sense of inclusion/belonging. Findings Thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes and sub-themes. Why am I going to be an Outcast? describes the barriers to engagement encountered by the participants; and Give it a Try and Nothing but Respect describe the process of overcoming these barriers. Barriers revolved around the experiences of judgement, alienation and hopelessness. These were overcome through peer encouragement, developing relationships with staff and freedom to regulate levels of engagement. Practical implications Practice and policy implications are considered to support similar services in addressing the barriers to engagement faced by BAME individuals. Areas for future research are also recommended. Originality/value Currently, no research has directly explored the under-representation of young BAME offenders with emerging personality disorder in the OPD pathway. The findings provided an insight into some of the difficulties these young BAME offenders faced when accessing this service, alongside aspects which maintained their engagement.

Supporting delivery of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-641
Author(s):  
Alistair Catterall
Keyword(s):  
Funding Agency ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
The Government ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learner Needs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the fact that under current Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding guidelines, diagnostic assessments for apprentices with additional learner needs are deemed an ineligible cost, which has the potential to reduce access to additional funding and support. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is to critically evaluate the surrounding literature, government reports and Mencap review produced since the apprenticeship levy and present the implications of these funding guidelines relating to access to apprenticeships and the practical effects of apprentice’s experience and development. Findings The finding presented by this paper is that the definition of diagnostic assessments as an ineligible cost reduces the quality of training delivered by providers and assurances to apprentices that they will be fully supported from the start of their training. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research was the minimal amount of government/ESFA documentation addressing this subject within apprenticeships. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper relate to the on-going delivery of apprenticeship training in the UK, and the detrimental effect of reducing access to diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional learner needs under the current wording of the Education Skills Agency guidance. Social implications The government policy is currently under review to address this area which is considered an ineligible cost for supporting apprentices with recognised additional learner needs. Originality/value The value of this paper is to align with recent Mencap review and collaboratively readdress the ESFA’s current positioning of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed learning difficulties and disabilities as an ineligible cost and non-standardised requirement.

United Kingdom to strengthen cybersecurity nationally

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
A Priority ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Naming And Shaming

Subject The United Kingdom's new cybersecurity strategy. Significance The UK government on November 1 published its Cybersecurity Strategy for 2016-21. The new strategy doubles the previous investment in cyber to 1.9 billion pounds (2.4 billion dollars) during a time of government cutbacks, making it clear that the government regards cybersecurity as a priority. Impacts Despite serious investment, the government will still face a challenge in recruiting those with the required cyber skills. Given the expertise in the private sector, public-private partnerships will continue to be vital for protecting UK networks. ‘Naming and shaming’ cyber aggressors may become more prevalent as states seek to deter further cyberattacks. Governments may also increasingly focus on developing offensive cyber tools that can be used to counter-strike.

State intervention in UK economy could increase

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
Policy Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Permanent Damage ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Social Recovery

Subject COVID-19 UK economic impact. Significance The UK economy is already contracting sharply as a result of the restrictions imposed by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19. In response, the UK government has announced a major programme of fiscal measures to reduce job losses and business closures. This is not designed to prevent this immediate fall but intended to reduce permanent damage to the economy. Impacts If the COVID-19 crisis persists beyond a few months, the policy response could become more complex and politically divisive. The economic and social recovery from COVID-19 will be crucial for the prime minister's survival prospects. COVID-19 has significantly increased the chances of an extension to the Brexit transition period beyond December 2020.

UK government moves to cut energy wastage and bills

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Subject UK government energy efficiency initiative Significance The government had previously cooled towards environmental protection measures, but it has now introduced rules that oblige landlords to improve energy efficiency in the rented buildings sector. The initiative comes as household energy bills remain high, despite recent reductions in energy prices, and the political salience of energy affordability has risen. Fuel poverty and the potential of improved energy efficiency to mitigate it are issues across much of the EU. Impacts The government's initiative may encounter implementation difficulties, particularly if the new rules are not given a high public profile. High retail energy prices will keep energy affordability as a politically salient issue, in the UK and EU. The current slump in international oil prices has yet to feed fully into sustained reductions in retail gas and electricity prices. A drop in retail energy prices could blunt the momentum behind policies to improve energy efficiency, and revive energy demand.

Entrepreneurial orientation and the role of the context. The case of the firm “Sa Panada Srl”

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Floris ◽  
Angela Dettori ◽  
Camilla Melis ◽  
Cinzia Dessì
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse the case of “Sa Panada srl”, a tiny Sardinian family firm, to provide intriguing insights for the study of entrepreneurial orientation in a context that is anchored in an apparent and hostile past.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory approach is used to analyse a single-case study through a narrative approach. Data were analysed through the hermeneutic trio consisting of three phases: (1) explication – contextualisation, reconstruction and synthesis of the history; (2) explanation – identification, description and understanding of the meaning of the narrative; and (3) exploration – discussion and identification of theoretical and practical implications.FindingsThe study introduces novel best practices that help enhance entrepreneurial orientation in a difficult setting based on change reluctance and past anchored culture.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretically, the study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial orientation, internationalisation and innovativeness of family firms embedded in a hostile context. The main drawback of the study is its explorative analysis of a single case.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the research proposes the case study as a best practice able to inspire successful resilient behaviour and decisions for other firms that experience daily challenges.Originality/valueThe study elucidates the relevance of individual factors of family owners as endogenous elements that can balance contextual obstacles with ambitions of growth and development.

scholarly journals An uncertain, erratic story: the pandemic in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 549-555
Author(s):  
Irvine Lapsley
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Account ◽  
Reform Processes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the pandemic from the perspective of the UK health-care system and risk management. Design/methodology/approach This paper follows a storytelling perspective. The author reflects on his experiences through the lens of research on health care and risk management. Findings The impact of the pandemic has been so massive that it has challenged the capacity of the UKs National Health Service. The political influences at work have not always promoted best practice in risk management and indicate blame-avoidance strategies by politicians. Research limitations/implications A single country experience of COVID-19. Practical implications There are major issues of asset management, of delays in decision-making, of supply chain problems and the need to reform processes of handling of crisis management. Originality/value This is an individual account of experiences of the pandemic.

Ethics could damage public trust in UK government

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Conservative Party ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
Constitutional Constraints ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Roll Out

Significance The UK government’s landslide election victory in 2019 has given Prime Minister Boris Johnson room to pursue an agenda for governance that targets institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Electoral Commission. The government has also ignored the recommendations of ethics bodies and appointed to key positions individuals with close personal ties to the ruling Conservative Party. Impacts The government’s agenda risks attracting increasingly questionable sources of offshore political money and support. The institutional agenda to remove constitutional constraints and reform the civil service will likely resume after COVID-19. The successful roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination would likely boost public confidence in the UK government.

Fifty years of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: the legislative contexts

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blaine Stothard
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Before And After ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the history of relevant legislation before and after the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). Design/methodology/approach A chronological narrative of laws and reports with concluding discussion. Findings That UK legislators have not made use of the evidence base available to them and have favoured enforcement rather than treatment approaches. That current UK practice has exacerbated not contain the use of and harms caused by illegal drugs. Research limitations/implications The paper does not cover all relevant documents, especially those from non-governmental sources. Practical implications The practical implications centre on the failure of consecutive governments to reflect on and review the impact of current legislation, especially on people who use drugs. Social implications That the situations of people who use drugs are currently ignored by the government and those proven responses which save lives and reduce harm are rejected. Originality/value The paper attempts to show the historical contexts of control and dangerousness of which the MDA is one instrument.

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