By Janie Percy-SmithThis timely book examines current policy responses to social exclusion. It begins by asking: what do we mean by social exclusion? What are the dimensions of social exclusion? How is it measured? and What are the common threads that run through contemporary policy? Each contribution assesses a different area of policy, describing the context for the intervention, examining key themes and lessons and assessing the likely effectiveness of policies. 

The NHS online recruitment trial started at the end of last year is now being converted to a full scale national roll out. The trial website has displayed around 500 jobs daily. Some 24,000 job seekers registered with the service and over 3000 have applied for jobs on-line. The service at http://www.nhs.uk/jobs   allows users to search for jobs, find jobs that match their skills, and apply for jobs online. 

The crime rate has fallen by nearly 28% in the first wave of areas with neighbourhood wardens. The wardens are a key element of the innovative approach which involves a coalition of stakeholders including local residents, representative steering groups and a range of partnerships.