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GIVE PCSOs THE RIGHT KIT FOR THE JOB SAYS UNISON
THE UK¹s
largest public sector union, UNISON, has called for standard
protective kit and training for Police Community Support Officers,
to end variations across constabularies.
Ben Priestley, UNISON National Officer for Police Staff, said:-
“The work of PCSOs is often very high-profile, often challenging
and sometimes dangerous. To do the job properly they need the right
kit; a uniform that is distinctive, practical, smart and that
carries the authority of office. It is not a replica police
uniform it¹s a uniform that identifies them as PCSOs and is safe and
visible. Unfortunately some police forces give their PCSOs
poor uniforms and inadequate equipment. This puts PCSOs at risk. It
also damages the public image of these forces.”
UNISON is calling for a standard uniform and standard equipment for
PCSOs (see visual attachment). It comprises of:-
* Individual force crest on hat and uniform
* Blue and white chequerboard hat/cap band
* Blue epaulettes (and tie if worn)
* “Police” to be clearly signed on the uniform
* Stab vest
* Rest of uniform to be standard police issue (e.g.
shirt/blouse/zip-top/trousers/boots/high-visibility jackets
This type of uniform is already adopted by some forces for their
PCSOs including Sussex, Cambridgeshire and Devon & Cornwall. |
FUNDING FOR TV FREELANCERS
TENS of
thousands of pounds in funding is being offered to TV freelancers
across the region. The Skillset TV Freelance Fund will allow
TV professionals to claim up to 70% of the total cost of new
training, designed to give them a competitive edge in the industry.
Lynn Kelly, Training Manager at Vision and Media, which works on
behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries, says
the fund has always proved popular in previous years.
But the
2007/2008 fund is offering even more, bespoke opportunities for TV
professionals.
“We’re determined to use the funding available to offer
exactly the kind of training our freelancers want and need. We’ll also be holding some bespoke workshops,
focussing on three main areas which we’ve found are essential for
anyone working on a freelance basis,”
says Lynn.
The workshops will centre on the technical skills, business skills
and legal/editorial skills needed by all freelance staff.
David McCall of Skillset, the Skills Council for the audio visual
industries and which manages the fund, urges freelancers to get
involved. “Freelancers are crucial to the success of the
TV industry in the Northwest, and this funding gives the region’s
freelancers access to training bespoke. With mediacity:uk and the
BBC move it is this growth of talent that will contribute to the
bigger picture of a successful international media hub, right on our
doorstep,” says David.
In addition, Vision and Media are planning to hold several new
information and guidance sessions, as well as exclusive one-to-one
mentoring for freelancers. “Our trainers will be able to look
at the individual’s career so far then plot a plan of action, which
will hopefully help take them on to the next stage of their career,”
explains Lynn.
To apply for funding, or to register an interest in the new, bespoke
workshops to be offered by Vision and Media, simply log on to the
website.
“We can also offer a CV clinic to freelancers, to make sure
people are conveying the correct messages to potential employers.
We
also have legal workshops for researchers and producers, and we’ll
be looking at how best to market yourself as a freelancer.”
* The new Skillset TV Freelance Fund is available now. |
