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An introduction to DORA (Digital Operation Resilience Act) by Professor Buck Rogers

Do you know about DORA? How familiar are you with DORA? And no, we don’t mean the young explorer we were all subjected to by our children! DORA or Digital Operation Resilience Act is an EU regulation.  Whilst DORA is not a law in the UK, there is a strong possibility that it will still apply. There have also been hints from UK authorities that it may become UK law in the future. In short the Act is EU Legislation focused on cybersecurity resilience for financial organisations, which is set to into force on the 17th of January 2025.  This new legislation is the EU taking a more robust stance on the finance sector’s resilience to ICT issues. It contains prescriptive requirements for businesses and third parties (for financial organisations; it covers 21 types of financial organisations (called out in Article 2). It is worth noting it also covers ICT third-party service providers so is quite wide. There is a list of exceptions which I won’t list here; however, they can be found in Article 2(3) if you need more details. DORA aims DORA aims to achieve a high level of digital operational resilience for regulated financial entities. By resilience, it means the ability of financial entities to build, assure and review their operational integrity and reliability. This next bit is key - by ensuring, either directly or indirectly through the use of services provided by ICT third-party service providers, the full range of ICT-related capabilities needed to address the security of the network and information systems which a financial entity uses and which support the continued provision of financial services and their quality – another bit worth noting - INCLUDING THROUGHOUT DISRUPTIONS – DORA, 3(1).  So compared to past requirements, and looking at the wording, DORA is now more about being able to be persistent through any form of disruption – if something goes wrong, financial organisations should be able to continue and maintain services, not forgetting it now also covers outsourced ICT risk management. At a very top-level, financial entities need to meet the following requirements:

  • information and communication technology (ICT) risk management
  • reporting of major ICT-related incidents to the competent authorities and notifying, on a voluntary basis, of significant cyber threats
  • reporting of major operational or security payment-related incidents to the competent authorities
  • digital operational resilience testing
  • information and intelligence sharing in relation to cyber threats and vulnerabilities
  • measures for the sound management of ICT third-party risk
  • requirements in relation to the contractual arrangements concluded between ICT third-party service providers and financial entities

You can take away from the above that there is a strong focus on risk management and having a framework in place – businesses must detail the things they have to protect, the organisation’s ICT – this is not just software or equipment, it is also data. All the DORA-related documentation will need to be maintained and keptavailable to relevant authorities. Let’s not forget that DORA puts the ‘final responsibility’ to ensure that measures, policies, tools, and protocols are enacted to mitigate cyber threats on a business’ management body (i.e. its boards and directors). If they fail to do this, they could face reputational damage, shareholder litigation, regulatory fines, and even criminal sanctions. If you think that this piece of legislation may affect your business, now is the time to start thinking about out, you may have been thinking about developing a framework for sometime, if that is the case be proactive and create one, but more importantly, update and test it! If you need assistance with interpreting the requirements and applicability of DORA to your business, feel free to get in touch with us at CyberScale, we can help translate the requirements for your business into clear and precise guidance. NOTE: This short note is not intended to provide legal guidance and is for ICT and Risk teams to help aid understanding – as stated this is not a current UK Law, but there have been hints it may become one in the future.  

Volunteer Norfolk – Get InVOLved celebrates 1st Birthday

Since its launch last July, GetInVOLved Norfolk has become the go-to website for volunteering in Norfolk. Organisations use it to promote and seek volunteer opportunities across the county. Charities and organisations have posted over 700 roles in the last 12 months, ranging from event organisers, student mentors, rabbit care assistants, sound engineers to gardening at a hospice, digital champions and Lego club leaders.

Laura recently spent time volunteering with PACT Animal Sanctuary

Laura Holland, Volunteer Coordinator at Voluntary Norfolk who oversees this service explains more. “This is an exciting development that’s gained a huge number of visitors to the website; around 5000 every month. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re looking to help at a one-off event, have an hour a week to make a wellbeing phone call, or are keen to share your skills, an interest or hobby.” Since the pandemic, many charities and community groups have lost long-term volunteers. Attracting people back has been a challenge, so creating a dedicated space for volunteers to find a variety of opportunities that fit in with their lifestyle has been a priority. Volunteering strengthens our communities The Library Service have been using the new portal to advertise for volunteers to help with various clubs and sessions across Norfolk: “We’ve had lots of volunteers express an interest in our roles, most of which have gone on to volunteer with us. Overall, I’d say that the portal is easy to use, visually appealing and a great way to recruit volunteers. I highly recommend it.”

Pat is helping strengthen her community by volunteering with the NHS

There are many personal and social benefits to volunteering within your local community. Alongside gaining new skills and experiences which can be ideal if you are looking for new job opportunities, many people feel an increased sense a purpose by supporting people and projects locally. Pat joined Voluntary Norfolk as a Meet and Greet volunteer at Norwich Community Hospital in April last year. “Volunteering has been a great help to me since I lost my husband as it can be hard being on your own suddenly. It is an environment that I feel comfortable with. I was a Nurse for over 40 years at the NNUH. Volunteering has given me more confidence. It helps me keep my mind and body active and it has given structure to my week, it is getting me back to being me.  I hope that I make people feel at ease and help to address any anxiety that they have about their visit to the hospital.  The regular patients at the Hospital are getting to know me as well, which is just lovely.” Join the GetInVOLved Norfolk platform Laura said: “The design of this new volunteer portal is very intuitive. You can search by location, cause, interest and add in filters for under 18’s and employer supported volunteering. I can highly recommend visiting the GetInVOLved Norfolk website. I have no doubt you’ll find something that excites you!”

Voluntary Norfolk spent some ESV time with PACT Animal Sanctuary

Visit Volunteering opportunities in Norfolk | Get InVOLved Norfolk. So far over 2000 people have signed up already. They have found some of the exciting roles that do so much to strengthen our communities. You can also find volunteering roles with Voluntary Norfolk or through GetInVOLved here.         Images provided by Voluntary Norfolk.

Wingfield Consultants announce sponsorship of Talk Norwich City Podcast

Wingfield Consultants are delighted to be one of the sponsors of the Talk Norwich City Podcast for the 2023/24 season. Talk Norwich City is the number one Norwich City fan channel, hosted by Jack Reeve and Chris Reeve. It was great to plan and deliver the sponsorship deal with the guys. The fan channel numbers are impressive: 1,700,00 total views on YouTube, 25,000 followers on YouTube, 24,000 followers on Twitter (X), 18,400 accounts on Instagram, and 8,700 accounts on Facebook. Sign up today if you haven’t already! Reasons for the sponsorship deal: 1. We have followed Talk Norwich City’s podcast for many years. As massive fans of Norwich City Football Club we wanted to associate the consultancy with the best (and our local) fan channel in the UK! 2. Talk Norwich City’s commitment to charities, demonstrated by raising over £30,000 (and growing) for Norfolk’s Big C Cancer Charity, also aligned with our consultancy values as supporters of the Norfolk Community Foundation and Norfolk ProHelp. 3. As a consultancy primarily focussed on supporting local SME food and drinks business to grow, we wanted to be involved with a great local brand. OTBC! (‘On The Ball City’ for non-Canaries fans!).

Updates to the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard: Finance and Accounting

As of the 1st of August 2023, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has updated the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard. Funding bands have been revised and increased from £8,000 to £12,000 to reflect new content and increased costs of delivery. For accountancy and finance qualifications, the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting qualification has been mandated to the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship standard of the AAT qualification. This applies to both levy and non-levy employers. The mandating of the AAT qualification means that the additional costs below are now included in the apprenticeship price:

  • Student registration fee for level 3. (AAT no longer has a registration and membership fee for Q2022, it is all one registration fee for the qualification which should all be included in the funding)
  • Exam fees for the first sitting of each module
  • All costs associated with the delivery of the qualification (materials and training)
  • All costs associated with the exams (admin fees)
  • The cost of one mandatory resit exam

The increase to the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting funding band is a big step forward in the right direction for training providers to continue to be able to deliver quality apprenticeships. Until this change, apprenticeship funding bands remained the same as when they were first set, despite substantial increases in the costs of delivering apprenticeships through rising salaries and operational costs. The increase to the Level 3 funding band follows a change made by the government earlier in the year that saw the removal of the ‘cap on ten’ non-levy reservations for apprenticeships. This means non-levy employers are no longer limited to a maximum of ten new apprenticeship starts and can take advantage of hiring as many new staff as their business requires. www.firstintuition.co.uk FAQs The start date of the new standard mandatory

  • 1 August 2023

What has changed?

  • Inclusion of duties in the standard
  • Updated KSBs
  • Mandated qualification
  • New EPA assessment plan
  • New funding band

What qualifications can be used?

  • AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
  • Must be passed (and results achieved) before gateway

Which EPAOs are available to use?

  • Currently, only AAT is confirmed. Drafts of their EPA specification and resources are to be available on 1 August 2023

Any considerations for the order of units?

  • If BUAW is left until last this is an assessment with human-marked elements and a 6-week wait until results, so if this is the last unit at the level before gateway it could delay gateway. Ideally, this shouldn’t be the last unit in the apprenticeship plan

How much is the funding band?

  • £12,000

What costs are to be included in the funding for the mandated qualification?

  • Student registration fee for Level 3. (AAT no longer has a registration and membership fee for Q2022, it is all one registration fee for the qualification which should all be included in the funding)
  • Exam fees for the first sitting of each module
  • All costs associated with the delivery of the qualification (materials and training)
  • All costs associated with the exams (admin fees)
  • The cost of one mandatory resit exam

How do we deal with resit costs?

  • This will possibly depend on the result of the clarification but is likely to be a price change (ideally one price change at the end if required)

The typical programme length

  • 15 months

What is the EPA?

  • Assessment method 1 – Knowledge assessment (fail, pass, distinction) 50%
  • Assessment method 2 – professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio (fail, pass, distinction) 50%
  • If one part is failed there are 6 months to resit this part

What is the overall grading?

  • Fail, pass, merit, distinction

Is there still a portfolio?

  • Yes – but there are some changes, it must be completed before the gateway

What should the portfolio contain?

  • Typically 10 discrete pieces of evidence
  • Mapped against KSBs
  • Evidence can include:
    • workplace product evidence such as spreadsheets, working papers, email communications, meeting minutes, timesheets, screenshots of accounting dashboards and data analytics etc
    • appraisal and 1-2-1 objective setting,
    • job-related certificates
    • completed observation checklist and related action plans
    • worksheets, assignment projects and reports
    • record of any formal discussions
    • peer feedback
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Portfolio should NOT include reflective accounts or any methods of assessment. Employer contributions should be by observations, not opinion
  • The portfolio is not assessed but must be full and complete, it will not gain an assessment mark or feedback

What is the knowledge test?

  • 40 MCQ’s over 4 themes. Computer-based with a maximum of 25% multiple-choice questions where there is one correct answer and 3 plausible distractors and a combination of calculation-based questions, multiple mark short questions for example drag and drop, pick list etc, there will be no extended writing and all are computer marked
  • Themes
    • Professional standards and ethics
    • Digital and data security
    • Financial investigation and queries
    • Financial statements and Bookkeeping
  • 90 minutes assessment with an additional 60 minutes for preparation and reflection so 150 minutes in total
  • Open book but no access to the internet
  • 70% pass rate (35/40 to get distinction)
  • Scenarios provided

Any challenges to consider with the knowledge-based test?

  • Open-book and flexible time
  • Allow enough space
  • Could require a separate session from other exams so as not to distract others

What will the professional discussion structure be?

  • 60 minutes (+/-10%)
  • 10 questions from a question bank (unseen)
  • Video conference discussion

Can learners transition to the new standard?

  • Yes as long as they have at least 6 months left on programme pre-gateway and in total at least 12 months
  • Will be required to meet new KSB’s and EPA
  • Will remain on previous funding band (£8k)
  • Agreement between learner, employer and TP
  • Must be fully aware of differences and learning must meet new standard version
  • Updates to the apprenticeship agreement and training plan

What happens to those who are on a BIL?

  • They can choose to remain on the old version of the standard or transition to the new

Image provided by First Intuition.

Join us between 8.00am and 12.00, on Tuesday, 12th September, for our Meeting and Events Open Morning

Meet Rose and Hannah, our experienced Meeting and Event Planners. Take a tour of our 7 versatile meeting and event rooms and have a chat about how we can help you to plan your next event. Rooms will be set up in different styles to showcase the different set ups. Whether big or small, Christmas, team building, training or away day we have the flexibility to provide bespoke events. There will also be the opportunity to talk to some of our preferred suppliers. We have linked up with several great local independents who can add experiences to your event. This could be anything from paddle boarding, to an Escape Room or a guided tour of Norwich. Rose Taylor, our Events Manager, said “I really hope that people will take this opportunity to visit us. We have some excellent spaces and along with our prime position, in the centre of Norwich, offering complimentary car parking to all delegates, we believe we are the perfect venue for meetings and events. We can accommodate anything from 2 to 120 delegates. Also, we can deliver a great hospitality package” The Hotel boasts 84 contemporary bedrooms, all with their own unique design, so 24 hour delegate rates are also available. There will of course be plenty of tea and coffee available, along with croissants and pastries. In addition, you could win a pair of tickets for hospitality at the Top of the Terrace and to watch a match, or maybe take a spin in one of our vintage Bentleys, with our chauffeur Matt. To find out more about our Meeting and Events Open Morning contact events@maidsheadhotel.co.uk or call 01603 272008

Insolvency expert celebrates 40-year career milestone

A partner at a leading regional accountancy firm celebrates 40 years of a career that has involved recovering £3.5m in a compulsory liquidation from a Swiss bank; being involved in the arrest of a bankrupt on an incoming flight from Amsterdam; and a bankruptcy involving the sale of micro-pigs, which weren’t really micro! Andrew Kelsall, of Larking Gowen, says he has seen huge changes in the financial landscape, with many more options available to people in financial difficulties than when he started back in 1983. Andrew describes a varied career that is not without its dramas and quirks. In one bankruptcy case, an individual was supposedly selling micro-piglets as pets which caused a surprise for their new owners when they grew to full size. “It’s been an interesting 40 years, and I still feel excited and enthused about going to work. Insolvency is a fascinating area. You are dealing with people from all walks of life, often at a very emotional time. Having life experience is a real asset,” he said. “Over the years there have been massive changes in legislation and practice, that affect the way we do things and the general attitude towards insolvency from both a personal and corporate perspective. “We’ve seen a significant increase in personal insolvency as consumer credit has become more available, and debt relief and forgiveness solutions have developed. The 1986 Insolvency Act introduced the Individual Voluntary Arrangement as an alternative to bankruptcy and usually with no court involvement. “The stigma involved in using one of the personal insolvency procedures has been greatly reduced, although not eliminated, and it provides those in financial difficulty with choices to help with debt forgiveness and or repayment of debts.  Legislation has also been introduced in the last few years to give those in debt a ‘breathing space’, so again aimed at reducing the pressure of personal debt and having a period of time to consider options going forwards,” said Andrew. Andrew first joined Larking Gowen in Norwich back in 1980, to start his training as a Chartered Accountant, then left the following year to study for his ACCA examinations at Norwich City College. He then began a 29-year career with the Insolvency Service, which started at the Official Receivers Office in Norwich in 1983, moving to become the Deputy Official Receiver, at Southend in 1991, before he was seconded to the Insolvency Service Policy Unit in London in 1996. The following year, he returned to Southend as Deputy Official Receiver, and in 1998 was appointed as Official Receiver in St Albans. In March 2002, he transferred to Official Receiver in Norwich. 2012 saw his return to Larking Gowen as Director of Insolvency, becoming a partner in April 2014. “When I decided it was time for me to move on from the Insolvency Service, I didn’t have to look far. My first choice was to return to Larking Gowen, the firm where I started out, and where some of my former colleagues were still working. It’s reputation for dedication to client service and looking after people was an important part of that decision,” said Andrew. “The future brings even more changes, with the Insolvency Service looking to be the sole regulator of all practitioners and conducting a review of 40-year-old legislation to decide if it’s still fit for purpose,” he added. As well as his role at Larking Gowen, Andrew is Director of the Joint Insolvency Examinations Board (JIEB), and a committee member of the Smaller Practices Group (SPG) of R3 (The Insolvency Practitioners Trade Association.) Image provided by Larking Gowen.

What happens when you invest in your employees’ health and wellbeing?

When taking on any new service, as a business owner you will always want to know what your ROI and how it will benefit your business, your customers, and your employees. And that’s certainly the case with workplace wellbeing.  Mindsets are shifting when it comes to workplace wellbeing and business owners are starting to take their employees mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing seriously. The average cost to replace an employee is £30,614 (employee earning £25,000 a year or more) – so why not invest in your employees? Workplace wellbeing is a great way of rewarding and recognising the work your employees do and a perfect way of supporting their health and wellbeing.  There are wellbeing services for every business and budget. Our client, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils started a two-month trial with Hands On At Work earlier in the year and completed their own research into what effect the on-site workplace massages had on their employees. After the two-month trial, they decided to continue working with Hands On At Work due to feedback from the employees. What happens when you invest in your employee’s health and wellbeing?  Let us take a closer look at the results… 93% of respondents said that they were extremely satisfied with their chair massage. Specific elements: –94.5% of respondents said they were very satisfied with the massage therapist. –81.6% were very satisfied with the materials provided. – 90.8% were very satisfied with the time management. Additionally, 91% of respondents said that having a chair massage had improved their physical/mental health at work, 83% said that having a chair massage had improved their productivity at work and 70% said their expectations of what the massage would be like were beyond met. Things respondents liked the most about their massage:

  • The friendly massage therapist.
  • The relaxing nature of the sessions.
  • The good massages.

Things respondents would like improved:

  • Longer and more regular sessions.
  • Option for lower leg massage.

Hands On At Work provide workplace wellbeing to businesses across the UK.  From inclusion in wellbeing strategies providing different services each month, to weekly and quarterly visits to companies.  There is something for every business and budget.  Our services include, but not limited to…

  • Workplace Massage
  • Couch Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Indian Head Massage
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Men’s Health
  • Menopause
  • Nutritional webinars
  • Nourishing Diversity

If you’d like to invest in your employee’s health and wellbeing and explore the wellbeing services, we offer, contact info@handsonatwork.co.uk

EACH’s new Business Circle is a way to build connections while making a tangible difference

“Those who sign up will be helping us continue our vital work, offering a family-centred, needs-led approach to care” Businesses are being encouraged to rally together and show their support for the vital work of a leading children’s hospice. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has launched its Business Circle – a new corporate venture open to companies across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. It will give them a chance to build connections and attend networking events, while at the same time making a financial commitment to EACH. The cost is £1,000 a year, including VAT, and Business Circle membership includes the chance to visit one of the charity’s hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. There will also be opportunities to sponsor events at a discounted rate, in addition to being a host venue for networking functions. “What better time to officially launch our new Business Circle than during Children’s Hospice Week?,” said EACH Corporate Fundraising Manager Caroline Allen. “This national awareness week is so important for everyone here, to raise funds and heighten understanding of our vital work. We rely on voluntary donations and a key part of our fundraising income comes from corporate friends and supporters. This is a very special opportunity to cement that commitment, by pledging a certain amount every year – money that will make a tangible difference to the families, children and young people receiving our care and support. It’s also a golden opportunity for companies to come together and join us at one of our quarterly networking events. It will give them an opportunity to make new contacts and forge connections with businesses across East Anglia.” Members will also have the benefit of PR opportunities, have exclusive use of the Business Circle logo for internal communications, be featured on EACH’s dedicated Business Circle webpage and be listed in EACH’s Report and Accounts. They will also have the opportunity to be a keynote speaker at networking events, feature in EACH social media posts and receive tailored updates on EACH’s work. “We already have a Giving Circle for Major Doners and Supporters but are now very proud to introduce our Business Circle,” added Caroline. “Those who sign up will be helping us continue our vital work, offering a family-centred, needs-led approach to care and ensuring all the needs of the children and young people we care for are met – whether that be psychological, physical, emotional, social or spiritual.” To read more or sign up, head here. Alternatively, email Caroline via (caroline.allen@each.org.uk), Laura Southcott (Norfolk) via laura.southcott@each.org.uk, Hannah Forbester (Cambridge and West Essex) via hannah.forbester@each.org.uk, Billie Nugent (Suffolk and East Essex) via billie.nugent@each.org.uk or Rachel Mayes-Dally (Suffolk and North Essex) via rachel.mayes-dally@each.org.uk Image provided by EACH.

Consultation deadline for proposed ticket office changes extended

Submissions now due by Friday 1 September 2023 Greater Anglia and other train operators have listened to feedback and are extending the consultation deadline on proposals to change the way tickets are sold and customer service is provided at stations by a further five weeks. This extension of the consultation period means that people now have until Friday 1 September 2023 to complete the consultation and express their views via one of the independent statutory rail passenger watchdogs, Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London Travel Watch, which will receive and review all consultation responses, before providing recommendations on next steps. By extending the time available, more customers and stakeholders will have the opportunity to have their say and help shape final plans. Details of the proposals for all Greater Anglia stations involved are available on the Greater Anglia website at www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult, including the contact details for the relevant passenger watchdog in each case. Greater Anglia, along with most other train operators, is proposing changes designed to improve customer service by providing more flexible roles for staff at stations, which would provide a better service and more assistance for customers. The proposals form part of plans to modernise the railway and bring it more in line with modern consumer expectations. They reflect significantly reduced usage of ticket offices over the past decade, as customers move to alternative, more convenient ways of buying tickets. Most tickets are now bought either online or through ticket machines. Given those trends and a world where London Underground has already moved away from ticket offices, and other sectors have also updated their models of service away from the classic desk-based approach, it also makes commercial and financial sense for the rail industry to look at the best approach for the future to ensure customer needs and expectations continue to be met. Agreement has now been reached on the formal proposals on which the industry is now consulting, to get public input before deciding on the next steps. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We’ve listened to feedback from customers and stakeholders and extended the consultation period for responses to our station proposals, which are aimed at providing a more modern and flexible service for our customers. They reflect the more convenient ways in which passengers are looking to buy their tickets and check travel information. “Station colleagues would undertake a new, more flexible role – bringing staff closer to customers. Passenger assistance arrangements would continue as they do now, from first to last trains, but with additional mobile teams to give greater flexibility in providing assistance across the network. “More details, including information about each station covered by the proposals, can be found on our website.  Any comments or feedback should be provided to Transport Focus, or where appropriate, London TravelWatch, before the end of the public consultation process, which is now on Friday 1 September 2023. So anyone wishing to contribute to the consultation is encouraged to provide their comments or feedback by the deadline.” Under the plans, staff would undertake a new, more flexible ‘customer host’ role, providing advice about the best and cheapest fares, and supporting customers with other queries and accessibility needs, rather than being confined to the ticket office. Customers would still be able to buy tickets from the ticket machine and online (as now), and colleagues would still be available at the station to help customers at certain times. Ticketing assistance would also be available directly from staff in Greater Anglia’s Customer Contact Centre, contactable via the ticket machine (24 hours a day). Across the Greater Anglia network, it would mean that all 54 stations which currently have ticket offices would switch to the new model of retailing. At seven major stations – London Liverpool Street, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Stansted Airport and Cambridge – Customer Information Centres would sell a full range of products, as well as providing help with more complex transactions. Across the remaining 47 stations, some stations would have staff available for similar hours to today, while some would have staff available for fewer hours than today, focused on the busiest periods. The type of approach proposed for these 47 stations is, in fact, similar to that already in place at Bury St. Edmunds and Cambridge North stations, which has proved to be successful and well received by passengers. All Greater Anglia stations involved in the proposals already have ticket machines, which also have an assistance button enabling customers to contact Greater Anglia staff based at the Customer Contact Centre in Norwich (24 hours a day), to gain guidance or assistance with ticket purchase. No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected. Greater Anglia would continue to meet all its commitments on providing accessibility for passengers, including passengers with reduced mobility and people requiring in-person assistance. It would also create new, additional mobile assistance teams, offering greater flexibility and support in providing assistance. To re-affirm, the key components of the proposals are as follows:

  • The plans would provide a more modern and flexible service for customers
  • There would still be someone to help with ticket queries and information at all the stations covered by the proposals (specific hours would vary by station) and the ability for customers to speak direct to the Greater Anglia Customer Contact Centre via the ticket machine for guidance or advice
  • Passenger Assist arrangements would still apply, with additional mobile assistance teams providing extra support
  • No station would become unstaffed as a consequence of the proposals and other station facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets, would be unaffected.

The consultation is taking place to inform future plans and, whatever proposals are then formally agreed, the transition to full adoption of the new model would probably take two to three years. The consultation runs until Friday 1 September 2023 and anyone with any comments or feedback on the proposals should send their responses to Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, the statutory rail passenger watchdog organisations which will receive and review all consultation responses, before providing recommendations on next steps. Details of the proposals are available on the Greater Anglia website at www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult. The information is also available in alternative accessible formats via our website (Easy Read, large print, braille, audio, and British Sign Language).  Physical copies can be ordered by contacting Freepost – Greater Anglia Customer Relations, or by calling 0345 600 7245 (Option 8). Anyone can contribute to the consultation by contacting either Transport Focus or, where appropriate, London TravelWatch, about the proposals for their station. Details of which statutory rail watchdog to contact for each individual station can also be found on the Greater Anglia website (www.greateranglia.co.uk/consult). Submissions must be made by the end of Friday 1 September 2023. A Q&A about the proposals has been prepared by the Rail Delivery Group and is available at http://raildeliverygroup.com/customer-focused-stations.

Greater Anglia unveils special Pride livery train

Greater Anglia has unveiled a special train livery to celebrate Pride and the LGBT+ community. The livery, which has been applied to an Alstom-built ‘class 720’ commuter train (number 720506), includes both the Pride and transgender flags adjacent to the driver’s cab, on both ends and sides of the five-carriage train. The train operates between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, between London Liverpool Street and Clacton, Harwich and Ipswich, and on many other Greater Anglia routes across much of Essex and Hertfordshire. Launched at a special ceremony at London Liverpool Street station on Thursday 27 July, it also includes the word ‘Pride’, applied beneath the windows of the first and last carriages, in colours supporting the progress flag and representing visibility for marginalised LGBT+ people, as well as the wider values of diversity and inclusion. The special livery, which was the idea of Lee Shaw, a train service manager at Greater Anglia (GA), and applied at the company’s Ilford depot, will now provide a year-round reminder of GA’s overall commitment to diversity and inclusion, and more specifically to LGBT+ staff and customers across its network. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia’s managing director, said: “Many of our colleagues at Greater Anglia are members of the LGBT+ community, along with many of our customers too. “It’s important we show that they and everyone else is welcome on the railway, right across all the many destinations we serve on the GA network. “We’re pleased to celebrate our continuing commitment to diversity, inclusion and, in particular our LGBT+ colleagues and customers, with this livery showing that Pride is all year round. “Suggested and developed by GA colleagues, it’s a really positive and very visible initiative, on a train which will operate on many of our routes, helping to embed and symbolise our ongoing work to make Greater Anglia a welcoming place for all.” Two drivers who were directly involved in the event, by driving and accompanying the train from Ilford depot into the terminus for the unveiling, are supporters of the initiative. Martin Burr, who drove the train from Ilford depot, is a diversity and inclusion representative for the depot and also gay himself, said: “I’m glad to be a part of it and take pride in being so. “Ilford depot is one of the most diverse workplaces. We have different cultures from all over the world and different orientations here, and we’re reflecting the diversity in the depot by being part of the day. “It’s nice to show respect for people who are represented by this livery, as well as showing your understanding and acceptance. “These sorts of trains catch your eye and it’s just different from the day-to-day normal livery – it’s extra special and I’m sure it’ll make people feel respected and represented.” Jason Winstanley, a trainee driver who is non-binary and who was in the cab, said: “Hearing that Greater Anglia was putting a Pride livery on a train at pretty much the same time I was joining the company filled me with happiness. “I love the idea that trains are out there with the Pride flag on and that the railway shows that it accepts and welcomes the LGBT+ community. “When I manage to drive the Pride train in passenger service, it will be a special day.” The livery unveiling comes just weeks after station staff put up flags and bunting at a number of stations across the Greater Anglia network in celebration of Pride month in June. It is part of Greater Anglia’s wider diversity and inclusion strategy, which sees the company working year-round to make itself a better and more inclusive place to work. A group for LGBT+ colleagues and their allies’, called ‘Affinity’, was also set up earlier in the year. The aim of the group, run by frontline and manager members of staff together, is to inspire action, education and connection, along with acting as a support community around the topic of sexuality and ensuring the company is as inclusive as possible. Image provided by Greater Anglia.

EACH is again running its Free Books for Kids scheme

“It’s become a regular school holiday event for us and we hope it encourages and entertains young readers throughout the summer” A leading children’s charity is rolling out the ‘read’ carpet to young bookworms this summer. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is once again running its Free Books for Kids scheme across its 47 shops. Children can pop in and pick up one free book per week throughout their long school holiday. Ian Nicolson, EACH Director of Retail and Trading, said: “We’re excited to be running this fabulous initiative again because it proved popular in 2022. “It’s since become a regular school holiday event for us and, as ever, we hope it encourages and entertains young readers throughout the summer. “It’s always popular and well-received, particularly during the long summer break when families may be struggling for low-cost ideas to keep children entertained. “We appreciate the value of reading and know how precious family story time can be. Through the work we do, we help families make the most of their time together and create memories that last forever.” EACH delivers all-encompassing, supportive care to babies, children and young people, in addition to life-long support for families. It relies on donations for the majority of its income and this year alone needs to raise £6.7 million from fundraising and £7.8 from its Retail operation. The charity has shops across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. To find out where your nearest one is, head here. Image provided by EACH.

New World Record set by Langley School Alumni

Team HODL have completed the world’s toughest row and achieved a world record doing it! In just 38 days, the team rowed more than 2,800 miles from California to Hawaii. They secured a world record and finished first in the trios. This is the most incredible set of achievements by the three superstars, two of which are Langley alumni! Huge congratulations to Luca, Cutu and Matt, who set out on a journey across the pacific to raise as much money as possible for The Ocean Cleanup along with a collective of people supporting them from afar. Their team name stands for ‘Hold On for Dear Life,’ which they certainly did throughout all the challenges they faced and they now have a world record to show for it. You are an inspiration Luca, Cutu and Matt! Image provided by Langley School.