Internet safety for young people – a major conference at Rheged

I picked up this article today from the CCC website, this is an important area of concern and some of our members might well want to attend.
I apologise for the short notice, but this info was only posted by CCC yesterday.

10/11/2009 – Internet safety for young people – a major conference – media invite

A major conference takes place at Rheged near Penrith on Thursday (12th November 2009) to help raise awareness about internet safety, particularly for children.

Key speakers, both local and from across the country, will address 150 delegates at the conference, ‘Protecting Children, Young People and Professionals in the Digital World.’

The event, organised and funded by Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children Board (LCSB), begins with a performance by students from Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale about the risks they face using the internet.

Speakers include Cumbria’s Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde, President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace and Will Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, Childnet International.

The conference will also involve interactive workshops and information areas.

As well as the safety of children, delegates will hear about the need for safe working practices from organisations and professionals who work with young people.

Jeff Haslam, E-Safety Advisor, Children’s Services, Cumbria County Council, said:

“As children and young people spend more time in the ‘virtual world’ that ICT brings in its various forms, we increasingly have a duty to make sure they do this safely.”

Research has found that more than a third of 12–15-year-olds have faced some form of cyberbullying, such as identity theft.

The conference is linked to Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16-20th November.

This year’s theme is ‘Stay Safe in Cyberspace.’

Anti-Bullying Week is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance with funding support from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337

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Forwarded: Some Advice Regarding Swine ‘Flu

Forwarded from The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, some information pertinent to community safety.

“Hello

In recent weeks swine flu has moved back up the agenda with sadly, a number of deaths.  That said, this strain of flu doesn’t appear one of the more deadly ones.

It could start causing significant disruption to businesses though so here are a few useful hints and tips to point you in the right direction, ensuring that if a pandemic does strike, your business is in the best possible shape to cope and survive:

• Review and update your business continuity plan, you should consider drafting a specific version for pandemic flu bearing in mind that the plan will need to be easily accessible and available to a wider audience than normally the case
• Make sure staff are trained and able to cover for absent colleagues, ensure all key activities and roles have written procedures so in an emergency anyone can use the procedures and get the job done
• Issue staff with guidelines making particular reference to maintaining hygiene standards such as cleaning shared office equipment with antibacterial wipes, regular hand washing, disposing of used tissues immediately, and staying away from work if you have flu like symptoms
• Review HR policies – Do staff receive sick pay? Do people get sick pay if they have to care for a sick relative? Do people get paid if sent home as a precautionary measure? Or if they’re too frightened to come to work?  Do you have a clear policy regarding time off for funerals?  Clearly it would be wise to look into all of these questions before a crisis hits – Chamber members should make use of Chamber HR, free employment and health & safety support through a dedicated HR advice line supported by a comprehensive bespoke website.  Chamber HR gives you access to the advice and documentation you need to implement good HR practice and policies, the website offers access to over 150 downloadable policies, forms, documents, letters, templates and factsheets – more information can be found by visitingwww.cumbriachamber.co.uk
• A word of caution – don’t buy medicines over the internet, most of what’s available isn’t genuine.  There are a number of reliable sources, we have contact with at least one if anyone would like further details please get in touch

There are a number of organisations which provide further advice and information should you need to make use of this:

Cumbria Emergency Planning Unit – contains practical advice to businesses on this and other potential crises, plus information on emergency support within Cumbria

British Chambers of Commerce – useful guidance for business travellers

World Health Organisation – WHO are responsible for providing leadership on global health matters

Foreign & Commonwealth Office – from climate change and financial instability, to health pandemics and weapons proliferation, the UK’s national security and prosperity depend on the work of the FCO

Department of Health – responsible for health protection, health improvement and health inequalities issues in England including pandemic influenza and seasonal flu

Health Protection Agency – prepared advice for the public and for healthcare professionals on swine influenza

Business Link Northwest – understand the risks and brief your staff, keep informed and review your business readiness

Regards

Lesley

Lesley Robinson Marketing & Communications Coordinator” lesleye@cumbriachamber.co.uk