By Tom Bentley, Helen McCarthy, Melissa Mean.Community-based organisations could be damaged by attempts to co-opt them as instruments of government policy. The government has correctly identified comminity-based organisations (CBOs) as having developed vital trust in communities they serve. However the emphasis on formal partnership working in area-based initiatves to tackle social exclusion can create difficulties for small organisations. This report argues that a ‘new middle ground’ needs to be created which allows CBOs and statutory services to work together more effectively.

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Scottish social workers are backing a series of demands which their union says are designed to address problems facing the service, including shortage of staff, increased stress and reducing levels of support as well as the increased risk of violence.UNISON Scotland has launched a campaign document detailing the problems and ways it believes they should be tackled. The pamphlet, ‘The future for Scotland’s Social Work’, presents a grim picture of a service trying to cope while under growing pressure. It highlights staffing problems affecting residential and home care as well as the more publicised difficulties faced by children and family services. The pamphlet has been released as part of the union’s ‘Revitalise Our Public Services Campaign’.

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Fire authorities in England and Wales will have to implement Integrated Risk Management Planning in a move announced by HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, which it is claimed will help save lives. The authorities will have to consult local communities and take their views into account before plans are put in place.The Chief Inspector has written to all fire services setting out what they have to do. His letter says the step is a new approach to managing risks from fires and other incidents that will make the Fire Service more responsive to local needs, improve the service to the public and save more lives.

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