News

Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee Members Vacancies

Details

Wednesday, 29 April 2015 12:13

Lynn Dougal

The Minister for Defence Welfare and Veterans is seeking to appoint new Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee (VAPC) Members in the North East of England (Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland and the metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear).

Committees meet between 2 and 4 times per year and travel expenses and loss of earnings allowances will be paid.

Vacancy Description:

Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committees are Non-Departmental Public Bodies whose main functions are to:

• Act as advocates for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant (https://www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant) and associated measures at a local level.
• Raise awareness, within their areas, of the Armed Forces Covenant and associated measures, the War Pension Scheme, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the Veterans Welfare Service.
• Assist serving personnel, veterans and their families in accessing local support services, provide assistance and guidance on the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and to provide an independent element to the Veterans UK complaints process relating to those schemes.  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk.
• Act as a conduit for local consultation by Ministers, the Ministry of Defence and the on issues affecting recipients of pension from the War Pensions Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation scheme. http://www.veteranstransition.co.uk/vtrreport.pdf.
• The VAPC Chairperson and members play a central role in promoting the interests and welfare of Veterans and their families.  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-advisory-and-pensions-committees-x13.

Candidates will need to demonstrate:

• An ability to contribute to a committee setting.
• Good all round communication skills and be able to consider complex issues.
• An ability to look ahead and work with others to develop practical plans.
• Some experience and knowledge of service pensions and/or compensation schemes in terms of policy impact.
• An understanding of the Government’s commitment to veterans as set out in the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Importantly the successful candidate will demonstrate a real commitment to supporting Veterans and their families.

The Committee is underrepresented in the area of rural Northumberland and applications from individuals based in that region would be particularly welcome as would applications from current or recently retired medical professionals.

Additional Information:

If successful in this Public Appointment you will have the chance to:

• Help make decisions that affect all our lives.
• Help make a difference and change things for the better in the public interest.
• Contribute your skills, expertise and experience for the benefit of society.
• Develop new skills, learn about new subjects and enhance your confidence.
• Meet a new range of people in different walks of life.
• Develop your career, for example, by gaining public sector board experience.
• Refocus your career, for example, if you have returned from a career break or maternity leave.
• Generally give something back and contribute to the delivery of the highest quality of public services in the public interest.

How to Apply:

Email the completed Expression of Interest and Monitoring forms to DBS Civilian Personnel at:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. quoting reference 10040c.

If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your application within 24 hours please call 030 679 84917 or 030 679 85048.

The application form and further information may be accessed directly by opening the hyperlinks below or by visiting: http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/chair-veterans-advisory-pensions-committee-4/.

The closing date for completed applications is Friday 15 May 2015.

Interviews will take place in early / mid June in the North East.

Please click on the following links for Expressions of Interest form, Monitoring form and Information Pack.

http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/04-VAPC_Chairs_Comments-O.pdf

http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/01-VAPC-Expression_of_Interest_MEMBER-U.doc

http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/02-VAPC-Monit_Form-U3.doc

http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/03-VAPC_Info-Pack-U3.doc

Stonham ACE Group for Men

Details

Wednesday, 22 April 2015 16:21

Kath Clements

A – Access

C – Community

E – Evolve

The ACE Men’s Group was established in December 2014 and operates every Friday on a weekly basis from 12.30 to 2.30pm at Citizens House Consett. The group is attended by men who access Stonham support services. The main objective is to promote social interaction for those who are isolated in their own homes to ensure participants have the opportunity to meet people, build relationships, friendships, confidence and develop a good understanding of services available to them throughout the local area. At the Group men have access to various social activities such as pool, darts, and dominoes and also have the use of a laptop computer with wifi connection.

The group operates on an informal basis however, professional organisations have come along to offer information, advice and support sessions - for example County Durham and Darlington Fire Service gave information on Safer Homes and provided free smoke alarms. Various organisations such as Derwentside Homes Financial Inclusion Service have greatly helped group members who are now more aware of the Welfare Reform Benefit changes.

If anyone would like to attend or are interested in joining the ACE group, please telephone 01207 585808 and speak to Stephen Wilkinson or Alan McGuinness who will be more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

THE PHOENIX COMMUNITY CENTRE NEEDS YOU …..to rise again

Details

Tuesday, 28 April 2015 16:10

Kath Clements

Following the imminent closure of The Consett Academy (South) in July 2015 The Phoenix Centre, Moorside is looking for more support from local community groups and sports clubs.

The closure of the school provides a great opportunity for local groups to make additional use of the existing community facilities, which include a large sports hall, gym and meeting rooms.

It is a popular community facility currently used by a wide variety of groups from Parents and Toddlers, to Youth Groups and the 3^rd Generation, plus for many sporting activities.

To support the centre, please complete their questionnaire, which is available at the shops in The Grove and Moorside as well as the Phoenix Centre or email Geoff for an electronic copy
(This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

The deadline for completing forms is Friday, 8^th May 2015.

The Phoenix Centre would like to thank you for your support

Thanksgiving Service for Services

Details

Wednesday, 22 April 2015 10:48

Lynn Dougal

Councillor John Robinson, JP,

Chairman of Durham County Council

invites you to a

Thanksgiving Service for Services (Emergency, Voluntary and Military)

  in

Durham Cathedral on Sunday 17th May at 2.00pm.

The occasion is open to all and is to unite and thank all those who support our communities in County Durham.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham will preach the sermon.

The music will be provided by the massed bands and songsters of the Salvation Army in County Durham.

If you require further information, please contact Victoria Richardson

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 03000 267202