News
Artificial intelligence and CSA
The Centre of Expertise on CSA (we have used acronyms to avoid e-mail filters) has produced a blog to support professionals in responding to artificially generated CSA images. This includes understanding the contexts in which this type of abuse is used, whether it is legal and how to use existing skills in response.
Towards an effective and financially sustainable approach to SEND in England
The LGA and County Councils Network have published new research looking at how we can create a sustainable and effective special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and transform outcomes for children and young people. The report sets out a bold plan, and eight implementable recommendations, to transform outcomes for children and young people and secure the sustainability of the system. The plan is underpinned by the principles of embedding inclusion and improving support for additional needs within the mainstream system so children can get the support they need without a statutory plan, while also reforming long-standing issues within the statutory framework.
Measles data change
UKHSA’s measles data will now be published biweekly, by age, region and councils with public health responsibilities with 10 or more confirmed cases. Data will be reported from 1 January 2024 to allow for yearly comparisons, as well as for the past four weeks. This is in response to requests for data publications to support targeted awareness raising at the local level.
Investigation into state of NHS
The government has commissioned a rapid independent investigation into the NHS, led by Professor Lord Darzi, to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the health service's current state. The findings, due in September 2024, will inform a 10-year reform plan aimed at addressing existing challenges and improving the NHS's future readiness.
National respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme announced
The UK will launch a national RSV vaccination programme, starting 1 September 2024, to protect infants and older adults. This makes the UK the first to offer the same vaccine for both age groups, aiming to reduce RSV-related hospitalisations and deaths and easing winter NHS pressures.
Free webinar: Revisiting the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Thursday 5 September 2024, 9.30-11am
Join this free webinar, organised by the LGA, to hear from leading experts on the revived Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The Bill, if enacted, would introduce a groundbreaking initiative to progressively increase the legal purchasing age for tobacco, making the UK the first country to ban smoking for future generations. This webinar, chaired by Cllr David Fothergill, will feature insights from:
- Greg Fell, President of ADPH and DPH of Sheffield City Council
- Hazel Cheeseman, Deputy Chief Executive of ASH
- Wendy Martin, Director of Policy, ACTSO
- Professor Linda Bauld, Chair of Public Health, University of Edinburgh, and Chief Social Policy Advisor to the Scottish Government
Register via this link
Data sharing/information governance
The Labour Party manifesto committed to “improve data sharing across services, with a single unique identifier, to better support children and families.” Have any councils got any examples of how they have approached this locally (e.g. through using data linking algorithms that can merge data without a unique identifier? Developing local multi-agency approaches with information governance specialists?). If so, we would be very interested in finding out more about how this works in practice. Please get in touch with emily.hackett@local.gov.uk.
Marmot Towns, Cities and Places
Is your area a Marmot Town, City or Place? Then we would love to find out more. We are planning a publication later this year exploring Marmot Towns, Cities and Places and would be keen to hear from DsPHs to share learning from their local areas. Please contact emily.hackett@local.gov.uk.
NCASC 2024
This year’s National Children and Adult Services (NCASC) conference will take place at the ACC in Liverpool between Wednesday 27 and Friday 29 November. Further details, including how to book your place, are available on the conference website.
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