Time is running out for applications to be made for Community Grants! See the ”Moneybags” post below for much fuller details, then don’t delay - contact Ron, Alan Niven (01450 375991) at Hawick Town Hall, or Jean Robertson or Linda Cornwell ( 01835 826543 or 826659) at Scottish Borders Council headquarters for full details.

At a meeting of Newcastleton School Partnership held on Wednesday 4th February, it was evident that uncertainty existed over the position of the two councillors for Hawick & Hermitage who are part of the Administration Group – Ron, and George Turnbull (Cons.). Hopefully they clarified their stance to those present at that meeting, but want to ensure that this is shared with the wider community.

The meeting of Scottish Borders Council on 18th December considered 138 recommendations coming from the Transforming Children’s Services proposals. Recommendation 39 states ‘The number of Primary Headteachers in the Authority is reduced to 42 and they are all non class committed.’ The accompanying comment stated: ‘Full details of the proposed Headships are attached as Appendix 3. These will now be discussed with Parent Councils and Elected Members where appropriate will be invited to attend discussion on schools in their Wards.’ As you will see therefore, it was the principle of ‘shared headships’ which was voted on, and the nuts and bolts now need sorted out. Ron sees some advantages in the principle, as headteachers can have more time to supervise their school(s), they will have no class which will be interrupted for other business, yet they will still be encouraged to work in class with their staff more flexibly when opportunities arise.

The problem is however that, in the draft document which circulated between June and November, Newcastleton was to have a stand-alone school, without a shared headship. The School Partnership response was built on that, emphasising that this was what the parents and staff wanted. The situation changed only a few days before the 18th December meeting, when the papers for that meeting revealed that it was proposed that Newcastleton share a head with Stirches in Hawick. There was then frantic activity behind the scenes with Ron lobbying staff in the Education Department to change this proposal. Appendix 3 however remained the same, with Newcastleton and Stirches together.

George and Ron do not think this is viable. The distance between the two schools and the time taken to travel that distance, in all weathers, offer poor opportunities for joint working between them. The School Partnership did not have the chance to respond to the changed circumstances before the December meeting, and will want to fight their case. Glenn Rodger, Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, has written to NSP Chair, Julie Armstrong, acknowledging faults in the consultation, and offering to meet with the School Partnership to discuss the matter. A meeting has now been arranged. George Turnbull stated: ‘We welcome this approach to meet with the parents. The parents and the councillors must have the opportunity to present their case for Newcastleton having a stand-alone school. This is one of the most remote schools in the Borders, and should be looked on as a special case. The first draft of the TCS plan seemed to recognise this. The case was good enough then! Ron and I are committed to giving the parents and staff our full support in their campaign.’

At the meeting of Scottish Borders Council held on 22nd January, Ron submitted the following formal question:

In the light of the recent round of job losses affecting both my constituency and those of other members, can the Executive Member give detail of specific measures being taken by Scottish Borders Council to offer support to those affected by redundancy, and can she confirm that a Drop-In Event will be arranged urgently within Hawick to allow such individuals to meet with the range of agencies which could help them?

and received this answer from Cllr. Vicky Davidson, responsible for Economic Development:

The Council is concerned about the recently announced redundancies in Hawick and other parts of the Scottish Borders. We want to do all within our powers to support individuals and businesses in these difficult times. Members will recall that Council approved an Economic Resilience Action Plan in December 2008 and we are currently implementing the range of actions that were set out in that plan.

The Redundancy Response operated by PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative is particularly relevant as it ensures that a range of services and support is made available to employees affected by redundancy. The PACE Team, which involves all the key local partners, provides advice in relation to career options, training and skills, unemployment benefits, and options for developing their own business ideas.

A special Redundancy Response event is due to be held in Hawick in early February to assist the workers affected by the recent Emtelle, Slumberdown and Thornwood Motors announcements. This session is due to be held in Hawick Town Hall and will also be open to anyone who has been made redundant recently. The date for the event is not yet confirmed but should be sometime between 5 and 13 February. We will make sure that the date and venue are widely advertised once confirmed. [Now confirmed as 16th February]

It is important to remember that individuals can get advice and guidance on seeking work from Jobcentre Plus at any time. People can contact Jobcentre Plus by going online to their website (www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk), calling them on 0800 055 6688, or dropping into one of their offices in the area (Galashiels, Hawick, Eyemouth).

The Council has also recognised the particular challenges facing Hawick and you will note that a report is on today’s agenda to amend the membership and remit of the Hawick Development Sub-Committee to better support and encourage economic development and prosperity in Hawick.

Notes:

The Scottish Government are currently reviewing the PACE initiative to ensure that it is as effective as possible in the current economic climate.

The PACE initiative is currently targeted at significant/major redundancies, although the government is considering broadening this criteria. Locally the PACE partners activate a response whenever possible.

A typical PACE event will have officers from the following partners available to give an overview and one-to-one advice:

• Skills Development Scotland – Training for Work

• Skills Development Scotland – Careers Service

• Jobcentre Plus

• SBC – Welfare Benefits

• SBC – Housing

• SBC – Business Gateway

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• Employers who may have vacancies they are trying to fill

Where possible, the events are held on the company’s premises.