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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 26 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

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    ESFA Update: 26 February 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

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    ESFA Update further education: 26 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 February 2025 UHC-Partnership: Namibia tackles antimicrobial resistance

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In June 2024, a 66-year-old woman was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Intermediate Hospital Katutura in Windhoek, Namibia. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, and tests showed that the organism responsible for her severe illness was resistant to all antibiotics except tigecycline. At the hospital, the pharmacy department had to obtain a compassionate clearance permit to procure and import tigecycline for the patient.

    “The patient completed the course, stabilized, and was discharged from the intensive care unit to a general ward. Unfortunately, due to various complicated comorbidities, the patient eventually passed away”, said Ms Taimi Ipinge, a Chief Pharmacist at Intermediate Hospital Katutura.

    Tragically, this type of resistance to antibiotics is all too common in Namibia, as with elsewhere in the world.

    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

    AMR is one of the top global public health and development threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.

    In 2019, Namibia recorded 451 deaths attributable to AMR and 1,900 deaths were associated with AMR.

    Acting to stop AMR

    The Government of Namibia recognizes that AMR is a threat to health security across the country and region and that a range of health system interventions are necessary to protect the population’s health and ensure good progress towards universal health coverage (UHC).

    The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), with support from WHO through the UHC Partnership and others, is implementing various activities in line with the AMR National Action Plan in compliance with the Global Action Plan to address AMR.

    The Government responded to the overuse of antibiotics by setting up a national multi-sectoral AMR governance to guide, oversee, coordinate, and monitor AMR-related activities in all sectors to ensure a systematic and comprehensive implementation of Namibia’s National Action Plan on AMR.

    In November 2021, Namibia commemorated its first World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). In 2023, MoHSS in collaboration with AMR quadripartite organizations, commemorated the week under the theme of ‘Preventing antimicrobial resistance together’ with the slogan ‘Antimicrobials: handle with care’. The event brought together the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

    Namibia launched its infection prevention and control action plan and national guidelines. WHO provided support to a range of activities for this including distribution of information, education and communication materials around infection prevention and control, regional orientation on quality standards, in-service training focal points, and training on water, sanitation, and hygiene for hospital quality improvement plans. Thanks to capacity-building support from WHO, Namibia also reached a significant milestone for the first submission of data on AMR to GLASS in December 2023.

    “AMR is extremely serious. If left unchecked it means we are heading to a world where medical treatment of routine ailments or operations is life threatening and a greater number of people might stop responding to drugs. It challenges all our efforts to strengthen health systems and achieve universal health coverage. WHO commends the Namibian Government for the strategic and multiple approaches taken through collaboration between sectors and work across the region to raise awareness amongst the public,” said Dr Richard Banda, WHO Representative to Namibia.

    Strengthening health security

    Namibia’s response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is part of the broader effort to strengthen health security across the country. By integrating a One Health approach and engaging key sectors, Namibia is actively working to strengthen its health systems, improve surveillance, and ensure that it is prepared to respond to emerging health threats. The launch of the National Tripartite One Health Strategy 2024-2028 further underlines the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health, both within the country and in collaboration with regional and international partners.

    The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company delivers ~10% EPS growth in 2024

    Company to Host Conference Call Today at 9 a.m. ET

    MIAMI, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), one of the nation’s leading omnichannel money transfer services to Latin America and the Caribbean, today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024.

    Financial performance highlights for the full-year:

    • Revenues of $658.6 million
    • Net income of $58.8 million
    • Diluted EPS of $1.79 per share
    • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.14 per share
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $121.3 million

    Financial performance highlights for the fourth quarter of 2024:

    • Revenues of $164.8 million
    • Net income of $15.4 million
    • Diluted EPS of $0.49 per share
    • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.57 per share
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $30.9 million

    Bob Lisy, Chairman, President, and CEO of Intermex, stated “We have delivered another year of strong EPS growth and continued providing solid operating results for our shareholders. As a highly efficient provider of the premium product at retail, we are now turning our attention to invest and expand our high margin digital business. We continue to be a highly profitable operator, and a strong generator of cash. At this afternoon’s Investor Day, we look forward to sharing our 2025 plan which will scale our digital business while continuing to leverage the strength of the underlying retail model we have built.”

    The Company also reported that, consistent with the recommendation of its independent Strategic Alternatives Committee (“SAC”), the Board of Directors (“Board”) has unanimously determined to suspend the Company’s previously announced assessment of strategic alternatives.

    The Board conducted the review of strategic alternatives through the SAC, composed solely of independent members of the Board. The SAC, along with its independent financial advisor, Lazard Freres, the Company’s financial advisor, FT Partners, and the assistance of its independent legal counsel, evaluated a comprehensive range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value and held discussions with a wide array of strategic and financial investors since the process was announced in November of 2024 regarding potential alternatives, including a sale or merger of the Company and other transactions. The robust strategic review did not, however, result in a definitive offer at a price that offered a superior alternative to the long-term stockholder value potentially created by Intermex’s current business model and its strategic plan, which includes a significant investment to increase the revenue from the Company’s digital services.

    Accordingly, after considering views of Company stockholders, significant internal discussion and consultation with external financial and legal advisors, and the recommendation of the SAC, the Board concluded that the best interests of all stockholders are served by continuing to focus on the execution of the Company’s strategic plan, including opportunities to drive growth and enhance value as an independent public company.   As such, the Board has suspended the review process. The Intermex’s Board and management team are committed to maximizing stockholder value and remain open to all opportunities to achieve this objective.

    Mr. Lisy commented, “Since becoming a public company, we have built Intermex into one of the nation’s leading omnichannel money transfer services to Latin America and expanded our reach to additional markets while consistently generating strong and recurring bottom line results and free cash generated.   We are committed to building upon that foundation of success, which has been driven by our retail service offerings, by applying our cash resources and liquidity to invest in the expansion of our digital services and products that offer the potential for increased revenue and wider margins.   In addition, we have ample financial resources and flexibility to provide liquidity to our stockholders through share repurchases under our previously authorized share repurchase program.

    Our 2025 guidance reflects a large and aggressive investment on digital customer capture, along with additional staff and marketing to bolster our profitable, cash-generating retail engine. We will discuss how these – and the political and macro backdrop – impact our outlook at our Investor Day later this afternoon.”

    Financial Results for full-year 2024 (all comparisons are to the full-year 2023)
    Revenues remained relatively flat at $658.6 million, primarily due to slowing of the overall remittance market growth to Latin America, partially offset by our continued growth of our agent base and of our digital offering. Total principal sent from remittance activity decreased slightly by approximately 0.8% to $24.4 billion. Foreign exchange gains increased by 1.1% primarily due to improved foreign currency spreads.

    The Company reported net income of $58.8 million, a decrease of 1.2%. Diluted earnings per share were $1.79, an increase of 9.8%. The decrease in net income was driven primarily by the items noted above for revenues, partly offset by lower services charges from agents and banks. Lower salaries and benefits and income tax provision also positively impacted net income. The Company also incurred $1.8 million in transaction costs for the full year, primarily legal and professional fees incurred in relation to the evaluation of strategic alternatives. Diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchases.

    Adjusted net income totaled $70.4 million, a decrease of 0.8%. Adjusted diluted earnings per share totaled $2.14, an increase of 9.7%. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share were impacted by the items noted above, adjusted for certain items detailed in the reconciliation tables below. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchases.

    Adjusted EBITDA increased 1.1% to $121.3 million, attributable to the higher net effect of the adjusting items detailed in the reconciliation tables below following the consolidated financial statements.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results (all comparisons are to the Fourth Quarter 2023)
    Total revenues for the Company were $164.8 million, down 4.1% versus last year due to slowing of the overall remittance market growth to Latin America – especially in retail. Revenue was positively impacted by 48.3% growth in revenues for digitally-sent money transfers. The Company’s user base generated 14.8 million money transfer transactions, down 3.2% from last year. The total principal amount transferred for the period was $6.1 billion, down 1.6%.

    Net income was $15.4 million, a decrease of 12.1%. Diluted earnings per share was $0.49, the same as in the prior year. The decrease in net income was driven primarily by the items noted above for revenues, partly offset by the same items noted above for the full year. The Company also incurred $1.7 million in transaction costs in the fourth quarter alone, primarily legal and professional fees incurred in relation to the evaluation of strategic alternatives. Diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchases.

    Adjusted net income decreased 10.6% to $17.8 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.57, an increase of 1.8%. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share were impacted by the items noted above, adjusted for certain items detailed in the reconciliation tables below. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was positively impacted by the reduction in share count from the Company’s stock repurchases.

    Adjusted EBITDA decreased 7.2% to $30.9 million, driven primarily by business operating results discussed above.

    Adjusted and other non-GAAP measures discussed above and elsewhere in this press release are defined below under the heading, Non-GAAP Measures.

    Other Items
    The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2024 with $130.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net free cash generated for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $4.5 million, down from the fourth quarter of 2023, mainly due to the acquisition of the Amigo Paisano brands (“Amigo Paisano”) for $12.0 million and the $1.7 million in transaction costs incurred in the fourth quarter. The decrease in year-over-year net free cash generated reflects the fourth quarter factors mentioned above, the impact of assets placed into service as a result of the Company’s move to its new U.S. headquarters facility, and the impact of costs incurred in relation to business restructuring of the Company’s acquisitions.

    The Company repurchased 1,025,821 shares of its common stock for $20.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2024 through its share repurchase program and $63.2 million remains currently available for future share repurchases under the share repurchase program. During the full-year 2024, the Company purchased 3,765,320 shares for $75.1 million, which repurchases are expected to resume in the current quarter.

    In the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred restructuring costs of approximately $3.1 million. The charges were primarily related to the Company’s foreign operations and constituted reorganizing the workforce, streamlining operational processes, and integrating technology.

    Guidance
    The Company provides the following full-year and first quarter guidance:

    Full-year 2025:

    • Revenue of $657.5 million to $677.5 million
    • Diluted EPS of $1.76 to $1.91
    • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.09 to $2.26
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $113.8 million to $117.3 million

    First quarter 2025:

    • Revenue of $145.5 million to $149.9 million
    • Diluted EPS of $0.32 to $0.34
    • Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.40 to $0.43
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $23.3 million to $24.0 million

    The above guidance does not reflect an estimate of transaction costs related to the now suspended process to review strategic alternatives.

    Non-GAAP Measures
    Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Net Free Cash Generated, each a Non-GAAP financial measure, are the primary metrics used by management to evaluate the financial performance of our business. We present these Non-GAAP financial measures because we believe they are frequently used by analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. Furthermore, we believe they are helpful in highlighting trends in our operating results, because certain of such measures exclude, among other things, the effects of certain transactions that are outside the control of management, while other measures can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the jurisdictions in which we operate and capital investments.

    Adjusted Net Income is defined as Net Income adjusted to add back certain charges and expenses, such as non-cash amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisition transactions, non-cash compensation costs, and other items outlined in the reconciliation table below, as these charges and expenses are not considered a part of our core business operations and are not an indicator of ongoing future Company performance.

    Adjusted Earnings per Share – Basic and Diluted is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted).

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net Income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income taxes, and adjusted to add back certain charges and expenses, such as non-cash compensation costs and other items outlined in the reconciliation table below, as these charges and expenses are not considered a part of our core business operations and are not an indicator of ongoing future Company performance.

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by Revenues.

    Net Free Cash Generated is defined as Net Income before provision for credit losses and depreciation and amortization adjusted to add back certain non-cash charges and expenses, such as non-cash compensation costs, and reduced by cash used in investing activities and servicing of our debt obligations.

    Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and Net Free Cash Generated are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income, net income, net income margin or earnings per share, as a measure of operating performance or cash flows, or as a measure of liquidity. Non-GAAP financial measures are not necessarily calculated the same way by different companies and should not be considered a substitute for or superior to U.S. GAAP.

    Reconciliations of Net Income, the Company’s closest GAAP measure, to Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, and Net Free Cash Generated, as well as a reconciliation of Earnings per Share (Basic and Diluted) to Adjusted Earnings per Share (Basic and Diluted) and Net Income Margin to Adjusted EBITDA Margin, are outlined in the tables below following the consolidated financial statements. A quantitative reconciliation of projected Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted EPS to the most comparable GAAP measure is not available without unreasonable efforts because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying the amounts necessary under GAAP guidance for operating or other adjusted items including, without limitation, costs and expenses related to acquisitions and other transactions, share-based compensation, tax effects of certain adjustments and losses related to legal contingencies or disposal of assets. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.

    Investor and Analyst Conference Call / Presentation
    Intermex will host a conference call and webcast presentation at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time today. Interested parties are invited to join the discussion and gain firsthand knowledge about Intermex’s financial performance and operational achievements through the following channels:

    • A live broadcast of the conference call may be accessed via the Investor Relations section of Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.
    • To participate in the live conference call via telephone, please register HERE. Upon registering, a dial-in number and unique PIN will be provided to join the conference call.
    • Following the conference call, an archived webcast of the call will be available for one year on Intermex’s website at https://investors.intermexonline.com/.

    Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, which reflect our current views concerning certain events that are not historical facts but could have an effect on our future performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, financial performance, business strategies, projected results of operations, restructuring initiatives and expectations for the Company. Such forward-looking statements include all statements regarding the Board’s evaluation of strategic alternatives, including exploring options for a potential sale in a private transaction. These statements may include and be identified by words or phrases such as, without limitation, “would,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “plans,” “possible,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “assumes,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “shall,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” “currently,” “target,” “guidance,” and similar expressions (including the negative and plural forms of such words and phrases). These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments, projections about our business and our industry, and macroeconomic conditions, and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, estimates, contingencies, and other factors, many of which are outside our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity. Such factors include, among others: potential adverse effects on the Company’s stock price from the suspension of the Company’s strategic alternatives evaluation process; our success in expanding customer acceptance of our digital services and infrastructure, as well as developing, introducing and marketing new digital and other products and services; new technology or competitors that disrupt the current money transfer and payment ecosystem, including the introduction of new digital platforms; loss of, or reduction in business with, key sending agents; our ability to effectively compete in the markets in which we operate; economic factors such as inflation, the level of economic activity, recession risks and labor market conditions, as well as volatility in market interest rates; international political factors, including ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East, political instability, tariffs, including the effects of tariffs on domestic markets and industrial activity and employment, border taxes or restrictions on remittances or transfers from the outbound countries in which we operate or plan to operate; volatility in foreign exchange rates that could affect the volume of consumer remittance activity and/or affect our foreign exchange related gains and losses; changes in applicable laws and regulations; changes in immigration laws and their enforcement, including its effects on the level of immigrant employment and earning potential; consumer confidence in our brands and in consumer money transfers generally; expansion into new geographic markets or product markets; our ability to successfully execute, manage, integrate and obtain the anticipated financial benefits of key acquisitions and mergers; the ability of our risk management and compliance policies, procedures and systems to mitigate risk related to transaction monitoring; consumer fraud and other risks relating to the authenticity of customers’ orders or the improper or illegal use of our services by consumers, sending agents or digital partners; cybersecurity-attacks or disruptions to our information technology, computer network systems, data centers and mobile devices applications; our ability to maintain favorable banking and paying agent relationships necessary to conduct our business; bank failures, sustained financial illiquidity, or illiquidity at the clearing, cash management or custodial financial institutions with which we do business; changes to banking industry regulation and practice; credit risks from our agents, digital partners and the financial institutions with which we do business; our ability to recruit and retain key personnel; our ability to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements, including those intended to prevent use of our money remittance services for criminal activity, those related to data and cybersecurity protection, and those related to new business initiatives; enforcement actions and private litigation under regulations applicable to money remittance services; changes in tax laws in the countries in which we operate; our ability to protect intellectual property rights; our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and remain in compliance with our credit facility requirements; public health conditions, responses thereto and the economic and market effects thereof; the use of third-party vendors and service providers; weakness in U.S. or international economic conditions; and other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, risks and uncertainties, including those described in the “Risk Factors” and other sections of periodic reports and other filings that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement is made and we undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

    About International Money Express, Inc.
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology enabling consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany to more than 60 countries. The Company provides the digital movement of money through a network of agent retailers in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany; Company-operated stores; our mobile apps; and the Company’s websites. Transactions are fulfilled and paid through thousands of retail and bank locations around the world. Intermex is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with international offices in Puebla, Mexico, Guatemala City, Guatemala, London, England, and Madrid, Spain. For more information about Intermex, please visit www.intermexonline.com.

    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    tel. 305-671-8000

    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
        December 31,   December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars)   2024   2023
    ASSETS   (Unaudited)    
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 130,503   $ 239,203
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,546 and $2,610, respectively     107,077     155,237
    Prepaid wires, net     49,205     28,366
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     10,998     10,068
    Total current assets     297,783     432,874
             
    Property and equipment, net     50,354     31,656
    Goodwill     55,195     53,986
    Intangible assets, net     26,847     18,143
    Other assets     32,198     40,153
    Total assets   $ 462,377   $ 576,812
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Current portion of long-term debt, net   $ —   $ 7,163
    Accounts payable     19,520     36,507
    Wire transfers and money orders payable, net     85,044     125,042
    Accrued and other liabilities     47,434     54,661
    Total current liabilities     151,998     223,373
             
    Long-term liabilities:        
    Debt, net     156,623     181,073
    Lease liabilities, net     18,582     22,670
    Deferred tax liability, net     250     659
    Total long-term liabilities     175,455     204,402
             
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Total stockholders’ equity     134,924     149,037
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 462,377   $ 576,812
             
    Consolidated Statements of Income
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars, except for per share data) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2022
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)        
    Revenues:                  
    Wire transfer and money order fees, net $ 137,443   $ 145,185   $ 554,801   $ 561,540   $ 469,162
    Foreign exchange gain, net   21,843     23,669     88,944     87,908     72,920
    Other income   5,472     2,929     14,904     9,287     4,723
    Total revenues   164,758     171,783     658,649     658,735     546,805
                       
    Operating expenses:                  
    Service charges from agents and banks   106,317     110,882     428,968     430,865     364,804
    Salaries and benefits   16,010     18,606     68,247     70,203     52,224
    Other selling, general and administrative expenses   12,010     11,181     47,894     47,652     34,394
    Restructuring costs   322     69     3,060     1,214     —
    Transaction costs   1,733     33     1,819     445     3,005
    Depreciation and amortization   3,664     3,355     13,645     12,866     9,470
    Total operating expenses   140,056     144,126     563,633     563,245     463,897
                       
    Operating income   24,702     27,657     95,016     95,490     82,908
                       
    Interest expense   2,748     2,783     11,745     10,426     5,629
                       
    Income before income taxes   21,954     24,874     83,271     85,064     77,279
                       
    Income tax provision   6,569     7,375     24,450     25,549     19,948
                       
    Net income $ 15,385   $ 17,499   $ 58,821   $ 59,515   $ 57,331
                       
    Earnings per common share:                  
    Basic $ 0.50   $ 0.51   $ 1.81   $ 1.67   $ 1.52
    Diluted $ 0.49   $ 0.49   $ 1.79   $ 1.63   $ 1.48
                       
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                  
    Basic   30,998,252     34,638,245     32,430,755     35,604,582     37,733,047
    Diluted   31,406,360     35,426,435     32,850,497     36,429,714     38,625,390
                                 
    Reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted Net Income
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars, except for per share data) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2022
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
                       
    Net income $ 15,385     $ 17,499     $ 58,821     $ 59,515     $ 57,331  
                       
    Adjusted for:                  
    Share-based compensation (a)   186       1,894       7,043       8,111       7,118  
    Restructuring costs (b)   322       69       3,060       1,214       —  
    Transaction costs (c)   1,733       34       1,819       445       3,005  
    Legal contingency settlement (d)   —       —       (570 )     —       —  
    Loss on bank closure (e)   —       —       —       —       1,583  
    Other charges and expenses (f)   308       294       1,239       1,850       1,141  
    Amortization of intangibles (g)   926       1,178       3,820       4,740       4,102  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments (h)   (1,047 )     (1,042 )     (4,820 )     (4,914 )     (4,376 )
    Adjusted net income $ 17,813     $ 19,926     $ 70,412     $ 70,961     $ 69,904  
                       
    Adjusted earnings per common share:                  
    Basic $ 0.57     $ 0.58     $ 2.17     $ 1.99     $ 1.85  
    Diluted $ 0.57     $ 0.56     $ 2.14     $ 1.95     $ 1.81  
                                           
    (a) Represents share-based compensation relating to equity awards granted primarily to employees and independent directors of the Company.
     
    (b) Represents primarily severance, write-off of assets and, legal and professional fees related to the execution of restructuring plans.
     
    (c) Represents primarily financial advisory, professional and legal fees related to business acquisition transactions and strategic alternatives.
     
    (d) Represents a gain contingency related to a legal settlement.
     
    (e) Represents losses related to the closure of a financial institution in Mexico during 2021.
     
    (f) Represents primarily loss on disposal of fixed assets.
     
    (g) Represents the amortization of intangible assets that resulted from business acquisition transactions.
     
    (h) Represents the current and deferred tax impact of the taxable adjustments to Net Income using the Company’s blended federal and state tax rate for each period. Relevant tax-deductible adjustments include all adjustments to Net Income.
     
    Reconciliation from GAAP Basic Earnings per Share to Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    GAAP Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 1.81     $ 1.67  
    Adjusted for:              
    Share-based compensation   0.01       0.05       0.22       0.23  
    Restructuring costs   0.01       —       0.09       0.03  
    Transaction costs   0.06       —       0.06       0.01  
    Legal contingency settlement   —       —       (0.02 )     —  
    Other charges and expenses   0.01       0.01       0.04       0.05  
    Amortization of intangibles   0.03       0.03       0.12       0.13  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments   (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.15 )     (0.14 )
    Non-GAAP Adjusted Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.57     $ 0.58     $ 2.17     $ 1.99  
     
    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding
     
    Reconciliation from GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.49     $ 0.49     $ 1.79     $ 1.63  
    Adjusted for:              
    Share-based compensation   0.01       0.05       0.21       0.22  
    Restructuring costs   0.01       —       0.09       0.03  
    Transaction costs   0.06       —       0.06       0.01  
    Legal contingency settlement   —       —       (0.02 )     —  
    Other charges and expenses   0.01       0.01       0.04       0.05  
    Amortization of intangibles   0.03       0.03       0.12       0.13  
    Income tax benefit related to adjustments   (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )
    Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.57     $ 0.56     $ 2.14     $ 1.95  
     
    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding
     
    Reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2022
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Net income $ 15,385   $ 17,499   $ 58,821     $ 59,515   $ 57,331
                       
    Adjusted for:                  
    Interest expense   2,748     2,783     11,745       10,426     5,629
    Income tax provision   6,568     7,375     24,450       25,549     19,948
    Depreciation and amortization   3,664     3,355     13,645       12,866     9,470
    EBITDA   28,365     31,012     108,661       108,356     92,378
    Share-based compensation (a)   186     1,894     7,043       8,111     7,118
    Restructuring costs (b)   322     69     3,060       1,214     —
    Transaction costs (c)   1,733     34     1,819       445     3,005
    Legal contingency settlement (d)   —     —     (570 )     —     —
    Loss on bank closure (e)   —     —     —       —     1,583
    Other charges and expenses (f)   308     294     1,239       1,850     1,141
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 30,914   $ 33,303   $ 121,252     $ 119,976   $ 105,225
     
    (a) Represents share-based compensation relating to equity awards granted primarily to employees and independent directors of the Company.
     
    (b) Represents primarily severance, write-off of assets, and legal and professional fees related to the execution of restructuring plans.
     
    (c) Represents primarily financial advisory, professional and legal fees related to business acquisition transactions and strategic alternatives.
     
    (d) Represents a gain contingency related to a legal settlement.
     
    (e) Represents losses related to the closure of a financial institution in Mexico during 2021.
     
    (f) Represents primarily loss on disposal of fixed assets.
     
    Reconciliation from Net Income Margin to Adjusted EBITDA Margin
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Net Income Margin 9.3 %   10.2 %   8.9 %   9.0 %
    Adjusted for:              
    Interest expense 1.7 %   1.6 %   1.8 %   1.6 %
    Income tax provision 4.0 %   4.3 %   3.7 %   3.9 %
    Depreciation and amortization 2.2 %   2.0 %   2.1 %   2.0 %
    EBITDA Margin 17.2 %   18.1 %   16.5 %   16.4 %
    Share-based compensation 0.1 %   1.1 %   1.1 %   1.2 %
    Restructuring costs 0.2 %   — %   0.5 %   0.2 %
    Transaction costs 1.1 %   — %   0.3 %   0.1 %
    Legal contingency settlement — %   — %   (0.1 )%   — %
    Other charges and expenses 0.2 %   0.2 %   0.2 %   0.3 %
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin 18.8 %   19.4 %   18.4 %   18.2 %
     
    The table above may contain slight summation differences due to rounding
     
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Free Cash Generated
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of dollars) 2024   2023   2024   2023   2022
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
                       
    Net income for the period $ 15,385     $ 17,499     $ 58,821     $ 59,515     $ 57,331  
                       
    Depreciation and amortization   3,664       3,355       13,645       12,866       9,470  
    Share-based compensation   186       1,894       7,043       8,111       7,118  
    Provision for credit losses   1,375       1,227       6,411       4,997       2,572  
    Cash used in investing activities   (16,087 )     (5,092 )     (43,946 )     (18,280 )     (12,529 )
    Term loan pay-downs   —       (1,641 )     (3,281 )     (5,469 )     (4,375 )
                       
    Net free cash generated during the period $ 4,523     $ 17,242     $ 38,693     $ 61,740     $ 59,587  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Scotland: Amnesty warns Scottish government to review human rights checks on arms sales

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Grants to arms companies seemingly waived through on a regular basis

    FOI requests reveal that over £3.5 million in grants have been awarded to major arms companies since January 2023

    ‘When Scottish public money has been awarded to arms companies involved in the manufacture of F-35 jets used as part of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, looking the other way can is no longer an option’ – Neil Cowan

    Amnesty International has today warned MSPs that the Scottish Government is not taking seriously its concerns about public funding for arms companies.

    The organisation said Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes failed to adequately address Amnesty’s concerns about awarding public money to arms companies linked to states accused of serious human rights violations – and told MSPs to demand ministers acknowledge their international obligations.

    The warning comes ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate today (Wednesday 26 February) on ending all Scottish Government support for arms companies involved in the sale of arms to Israel, led by the Scottish Greens.

    Recent freedom of information (FOI) requests submitted to the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise by Amnesty revealed that over £3.5 million in grants have been awarded to major arms companies, including ones linked to Israel and Saudi Arabia, since January 2023. The FOI responses also confirmed no company has ever failed Scottish Enterprise’s human rights checks.

    Following the FOI disclosures, Amnesty wrote to Kate Forbes on 11 November 2024. In the letter, Amnesty Scotland expressed concern that Scotland may be failing to meet its international obligations and called on Forbes to launch an urgent review of Scottish Enterprise’s human rights checks and of Scottish Enterprise’s funding for arms companies. After receiving a response to that letter on 23 February, Amnesty have described it as “not good enough” with ever growing concern that the issue is not being taken seriously by the Scottish Government. In the letter, Forbes failed to respond directly to questions around the monitoring and impact of the grants and instead placed responsibility on Scottish Enterprise.

    Neil Cowan, Scotland Director at Amnesty International UK, said:

    “The Deputy First Minister’s response to our letter is not good enough. It underlines our deep concern that the Scottish Government is not taking seriously its potential indirect complicity in international humanitarian law violations or crimes against humanity, including genocide.

    “We have repeatedly stated our view that, with grants to arms companies seemingly waived through on a regular basis, the credibility and robustness of Scottish Enterprise’s human rights checks are seriously undermined.

    “When Scottish public money has been awarded to arms companies involved in the manufacture of F-35 jets used as part of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, looking the other way can is no longer an option.

    “MSPs should use today’s Scottish Parliament debate to demand the Scottish Government acknowledges its international obligations in relation to funding for arms companies and takes urgent steps to ensuring those obligations are being met.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV welcome joint venture between the IFA Galgorm Resort

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV MP Jim Allister and MLA Timothy Gaston have today tabled parallel motions in the House of Commons and the Assembly welcoming the joint venture between the IFA and Galgorm Resort.

    The Assembly version of the motion tabled by Mr Gaston reads:

    “That this Assembly welcomes the joint venture between the Irish Football Association and Galgorm Resort, whereby a state of the art training facility will be provided for the Northern Ireland Football Teams, at Galgorm Co Antrim; notes that this project will fill a long existing void in national football provision and preparation, as well as affording community use and involvement; commends the commitment, foresight and dedication of all involved in promoting this project; and encourages the Executive to play its part in bringing the proposal to fruition.”

    Commenting on the venture TUV leader Jim Allister said:

    “The news of a national training centre for the Northern Ireland Football Teams, men and women, is both exciting and very welcome. The fact it is coming to Galgorm, here in North Antrim, is the icing on the cake.

    “This project will fill a long existing void in national football provision and preparation, as well as affording community use and involvement. The commitment, foresight and dedication of all involved in promoting this project is commended and Government is encouraged to play its part in bringing the proposal to fruition.

    “The fact that our national team had no where suitable to train within Northern Ireland has long been a substantial drawback. Now, allied to the premier hotel at Galgorm Resort, this state of the art provision will be a facility of which all can be proud.

    “When I was briefed on this project a few weeks ago, I was naturally delighted it was coming to North Antrim. I am disappointed I cannot be at the official launch today, but it clashes with NI Questions at Westminster.

    “I have already spoken to the Secretary of State about the need for the government to get behind this wonderful opportunity.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests illegal Jamaican national charged with assault, battery in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an illegally present Jamaican alien charged in Massachusetts with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a family member when officers arrested Jahmari Taffari Westcarth, 26, in Boston Jan. 25.

    “Jahmari Taffari Westcarth stands accused of assaulting and victimizing a family member in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He represents a significant threat to the residents of our community,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We simply refuse to tolerate such dangers to the law-abiding residents of our New England neighborhoods. ICE Boston stands firm in our commitment to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol arrested Westcarth after he illegally entered the United States near San Ysidro, California, Dec. 30, 2022, and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    The Dorchester District Court arraigned Westcarth Jan. 8 for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a family member.

    ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Westcarth with later that day with the Dorchester District Court but the court refused to honor the immigration detainer and released Westcarth from custody.

    Westcarth remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trading Standards take action on illegal cigarettes

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    After receiving numerous complaints from businesses and the public, Highland Council Trading Standards has seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from a retailer in the Highlands. This operation underlines the Council’s commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses.

    During a targeted inspection of several businesses, Trading Standards officers uncovered a substantial store of illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. Some of the seized goods are pictured alongside Boo, the tobacco sniffer dog who assisted officers to find the concealed material.

    Trading Standards Manager, David MacKenzie commented, “This seizure highlights the persistent efforts of our Trading Standards team to combat the illegal tobacco trade. These products not only evade taxes but also pose serious health risks to Highland residents. We will continue to take robust action against those involved in such criminal activities.”

    It is a criminal offence under the Trade Marks Act to sell or have in your possession illicit goods which can result in a fine of up to £5000.

    Mr MacKenzie continued: “The sale of illicit tobacco undermines public health and safety, as these products often fail to meet regulatory standards.  Additionally, the illegal trade deprives the government of essential tax revenue, impacting public services and the wider community and reputable local businesses are adversely affected by the unfair competition”.

    Trading Standards works with HMRC under Operation CeCe to report illicit tobacco which fails to have the presence of unique identifiers as detailed in the Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) Regulations 2019.  Where a tobacco product is found not to comply, this allows Trading Standards to refer this evidence to HMRC to consider applying a civil penalty called a sanction. For a first offence the maximum sanction is £10,000. See here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-powers-to-combat-illicit-tobacco-come-into-force

    Highland Council Trading Standards urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco. Information can be provided anonymously through the Trading Standards webpage – Report Counterfeit Goods https://self.highland.gov.uk/service/Report_counterfeit_goods

    Consumers can also report concerns and receive advice from Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot

    Highland businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on trading.standards@highland.gov.uk

    End of Release

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party demands ambitious action in wake of Climate Change Committee report

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    As the Climate Change Committee publishes its 7th carbon budget [1], the co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, has demanded the Government ensure ambitious climate action isn’t delayed any further – and for polluters to pay the highest price, not the poorest in our communities. 

    Adrian Ramsay MP said: “Today’s advice from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) makes clear that a climate safe future is still within our grasp – and that the cost of not reducing climate emissions will be far higher for our economy than the cost of investment in net zero. Crucially, we need to see the Government make investment choices that result in households benefiting financially from climate action too – both by ensuring everyone can access renewables and energy efficiency and because they are paying lower bills. The public are clear that they want to see the worst climate polluters pay, and we need to make sure that the costs of climate action never fall on those least able to afford it.

    “A thriving green economy is also vital if we are to prevent climate deniers, like Reform, from weaponising the mass destruction of climate chaos. Instead, we must help the most vulnerable and build resilience in communities to adapt to climate breakdown.”

    He continued: “Without an immediate acceleration of climate ambition, our economy, national security and environment are all at serious risk. That’s why we are disappointed not to see the CCC go even further on measures to reduce energy demand. In the face of impending airport expansion decisions by this Labour government, more ambitious policy is urgently needed to keep the aviation sector in check. Their advice shows strong public support for limiting airport expansion and introducing a frequent flier levy where the small percentage of the population who take the vast majority of the flights have to pay more .

     “The CCC have shown that a positive, fairer, jobs-rich, greener future is possible, and they have set a clear pathway for the Government to follow. Now, we need the Government to step up, stop the vested interests who are intent on delaying, and show the ambition and leadership this moment demands.”

    Notes

    1. The Seventh Carbon Budget – Climate Change Committe

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Using AI and drone technology to protect seals in Norfolk

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Using AI and drone technology to protect seals in Norfolk

    The survey results of a Natural England two-year pilot project to monitor seal populations are in.

    AI analysis of drone images. Credits: Natural England

    The two-year project has used drone technology combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor seal populations and their pups off the coast of Norfolk.

    In December 2024, a team of specialists from Natural England launched a drone over the beach at Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk. Instance segmentation (a type of AI), was then used to automatically detect individual seals from the drone imagery and distinguish between adult seals and whitecoat pups, even when grouped closely together.

    The survey identified over 8,500 seals along an 8 kilometre stretch of shoreline, in comparison to a volunteer-led ground count which recorded more than 6,200 seals. 

    Traditionally, seal population monitoring relied on manual ground observations and aerial surveys, which posed a challenge in terms of collecting accurate data, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Now, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can capture imagery from 110 meters above, minimising disturbance to the seals.

    Gabriella Fasoli, Earth Observation Higher Data Scientist at Natural England, said: “The AI model detected over 8,500 seals while the volunteers on the ground counted 6,200. This difference is likely due to the drone’s aerial perspective, which provides a unique viewpoint from above, allowing for a more accurate count by detecting seals that may be hidden or less visible from the ground.”

    Although these new monitoring methods have the potential to enhance the accuracy of our population assessments for the UK’s seals, volunteers on the ground will remain crucial to documenting and protecting them.

    Emma Milner, Senior Marine Mammal Specialist at Natural England, said: “This project has shown that drones and the use of AI technology can be a cost and time efficient alternative method of monitoring seal populations.

    “This cutting-edge technology will help contribute to a comprehensive national picture of seal populations, allowing us to better understand population changes over time and to assess the impact of human activity on these crucial habitats, enabling better conservation efforts. 

    “It is our hope that in the future, the methods from this two-year pilot project can be developed to allow drone surveys at other important sites around the country, and for other species as well as grey seals.”

    The UK is a crucial breeding ground for grey seals, hosting 35% of the global population. Despite their recovery from a worldwide total of 500 seals in the early 20th century to over 160,000 today, ongoing monitoring remains essential to their protection.

    Natural England has special permission to fly drones for the purpose of this scientific survey and followed the appropriate best practice guidelines to minimise disturbance to the seals. Members of the public should not fly drones over seal colonies without the appropriate permissions.

    New technology is unlocking possibilities at Natural England and helping inform nature-based solutions. Whether it’s managing flood risk, improving farming practices, or monitoring wildlife, these innovations are showing how modern tools can work in harmony with, not against, nature. 

    For more information, please contact:

    • Natural England & Environment Agency – East Anglia press office: Communications_East@environment-agency.gov.uk

    • Follow us on Twitter: @NENorfolkSufflk

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed

    The efforts of 12 people, including 7 young cadets, from across Dyfed have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

    Dyfed Lord-Lieutenant standing with Certificate of Merit recipients and the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets of Dyfed. RFCA for Wales copyright.

    In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 5 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Miss Sara Edwards, in the ceremony at Picton Barracks, Carmarthen, on Thursday 20 February.

    The 5 were Lieutenant Aled Davies of Milford Haven Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Steven Grant of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Warrant Officer Jane Sanders of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, Civilian Instructor Lisa Bevan of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Flight Sergeant Richard Fisher also of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

    The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 7 cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by more than 120 people.

    Leading Cadet Chloe Faulkner of Llanelli Sea Cadets, Leading Cadet Finley Fells of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Cadet Sergeant Zuzanna Radkowska of Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force, Cadet Squadron Sergeant Major Archie Measey of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Sergeant Mariana Lemon of Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF, Cadet Flight Sergeant Katy Moyes of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Cadet Flight Sergeant Laura Edwards of  No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months.

    The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

    The 7 were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

    There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.

    The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

    The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the armed forces for over 100 years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Court and tribunal fees: updates from April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Court and tribunal fees: updates from April 2025

    An update on upcoming increases to selected court and tribunal fees.

    In early April 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Justice will increase 171 court and tribunal fees to account for changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The income generated from these uplifts will help to support the efficient and effective running of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).  

    The department recovers a modest contribution towards the costs of providing HMCTS services from court and tribunal users, where they can afford to do so. The department has a history of increasing court and tribunal fees by inflation to ensure that fees keep pace with increased costs to HMCTS as a result of the general rise in prices, while at the same time minimising the cost to the taxpayer.   

    The majority of the 171 fees in scope will be increased by 3.2% to reflect the change in CPI between March 2023 and March 2024, with a small number of fees increased by 13.5% to reflect backdated inflation to March 2022. These fee increases are all rounded to the nearest pound. These fee changes will produce a significant level of additional funding that will go towards improving service delivery, subsidising the cost of related court and tribunal services for which we do not charge a fee, and reducing the overall cost to the taxpayer. 

    The Help with Fees remissions scheme remains available for those with lower financial means who are unable to afford a court or tribunal fee. More information on the scheme can be found on GOV.UK. 

    As well as increasing fees, the department will be reducing the value of a further 24 fees to ensure they remain aligned with the latest estimate of their underlying cost.  

    A full list of the fee changes, including the 171 to be increased and the 24 to be reduced, can be found in the table below. The government’s intention is for the changes to go live from 1 April for applications received by courts or tribunals on or after that date. Until then, the current fees will continue to apply.  

    Civil Proceedings Fees Order 2008 

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.4a Recovery of Land (High Court) £528 £545
    1.4b Recovery of Land (County Court) £391 £404
    1.5 Any other remedy (County Court) £365 £377
    1.5 Any other remedy (High Court) £626 £646
    1.6 Filing proceedings against an unnamed party £65 £67
    1.8a Permission to issue proceedings £65 £67
    1.8b Assessment of costs (under Part 3, Solicitors Act 1974) £65 £67
    1.9a For permission to apply for judicial review £169 £174
    1.9b On applying for a request to reconsider at a hearing a decision on permission £424 £438
    1.9ba On an application for judicial review where fee 1.9(b) has been paid and permission is granted at a hearing £385 £436
    1.9c Permission to proceed with judicial review if started with application for permission to apply for JR £847 £874
    1.9d Permission to proceed with judicial review where started other than with permission to apply for JR £169 £174
    2.1a Hearing fee: Multi track case £1,175 £1,334
    2.1b Hearing fee: Fast track case £545 £619
    2.2 Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (High Court) £285 £294
    2.3a Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (County court small claims) £142 £147
    2.3b Appellant’s/respondent’s notice (County court other claims) £166 £171
    2.4(a) General application (on notice) excluding Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £303 £313
    2.4(b) General application (on notice) Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £184 £190
    2.5(a) General application (by consent/without notice) excluding Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £119 £123
    2.5(b) General application (by consent/without notice) Protection from Harassment Act 1997 & Court Fund Pay Out £59 £61
    2.6 Application for summons or order for witness to attend court £21 £4
    2.8 Issue of a certificate of satisfaction £15 £19
    3.1b Petition for bankruptcy (presented by creditor/other person) £332 £343
    3.4(a) Request for a certificate of discharge from bankruptcy £75 £22
    3.7 Voluntary winding up fee £50 £16
    3.9 Submission of nominees report £35 £11
    3.11 Application within proceedings (by consent/without notice) £29 £30
    3.12 Application within insolvency proceedings (with notice, where no other fee is specified) £109 £112
    3.13 Search of bankruptcy and company records (County Court) £45 £11
    3.2 Petition for an administration order £332 £343
    3.3 Any other petition £332 £343
    3.5 Insolvency – other application £308 £318
    3.8 Notice of intention to appoint administrator £55 £57
    5.3 Issue of default costs certificate – Civil £78 £80
    5.4 Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – Civil £274 £283
    5.5 Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate £143 £148
    6.1 On the filing of a request for detailed assessment for Court of Protection £96 £99
    6.2 Appeal against a Court of Protection costs assessment decision £77 £79
    6.3 Request to set aside a default Court of Protection costs certificate £72 £74
    7.1 Sealing a writ of control/possession/delivery (High Court) £78 £80
    7.2 Order requiring a judgment debtor or other person to attend court £65 £67
    7.3a Third party debt order or the appointment of a receiver by way of equitable execution £131 £135
    7.3b Application for a charging order £131 £135
    7.4 Application for a judgment summons £131 £135
    7.5 Register a judgment or order, or for permission to enforce an arbitration award, or for a certificate or a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad £78 £80
    8.1 Issue warrant of control £91 £94
    8.2 Request for attempt of execution of a warrant at new address £36 £37
    8.3 Order requiring judgment debtor to attend court £65 £67
    8.4a Application for a third party debt order £131 £135
    8.4b Application for a charging order £131 £135
    8.5 Application for a judgment summons £131 £135
    8.6 Issue of a warrant of possession/warrant of delivery £143 £148
    8.7 Application for an attachment of earnings order – Civil £131 £135
    8.9 Application for enforcement of an award of a sum of money or any other decision made by any court, tribunal, body or person £52 £54
    8A.1 Service by a bailiff of an order to attend County Court for questioning £131 £135
    10.1 Bills of sale £33 £34
    10.4 Appointment of a High Court judge as arbitrator or umpire £671 £692
    10.5 Hearing before a High Court judge (per day or part day) as arbitrator or umpire £671 £692
    11.1 On the issue of a warrant for the arrest of a ship or goods £20 £21
    13.1a Filing an appellant’s/respondent’s notice in the Court of Appeal where permission to appeal/extension of time is applied for £626 £646
    13.1b Filing an appellant’s/respondent’s notice in the Court of Appeal where permission to appeal is not required or has been granted £1,421 £1,466
    13.1c Court of Appeal – Appellant/respondent filing an appeal questionnaire £1,421 £1,466
    13.2 Court of Appeal – On filing a respondent’s notice £569 £587
    13.3 Court of Appeal – On filing an application notice £626 £646

    Magistrates’ Court Fees Order 2008

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Application for a justice of the peace to perform function not on court premises £28 £29
    2.1 Application to state a case for the opinion of the High Court £151 £156
    2.2 Appeal (deduction from earnings order) £21 £22
    2.3 Appeal – proceedings under Schedule 5, Licensing Act 2003 £68 £70
    2.4 Appeal (no other fee specified) £68 £70
    3.2 Request for a certificate of satisfaction £18 £19
    3.3 Request for a certified copy of a memorandum of conviction £20 £15
    3.4 Request for certificate/certified document (no fee specified) £22 £23
    4.2 Application for Child Support Liability Order £25 £14
    6.1 Request for licence/consent/authority (no other fee specified) £30 £31
    6.2 Application for renewal/variation of an existing licence £30 £31
    6.3 Application for the revocation of licence (no other fee specified) £30 £31
    7.2 For every oath (etc) where no other fee is specified £30 £31
    8.1 Commencing proceedings where no other fee is specified £249 £284
    8.2a Application for leave/permission to commence proceedings (no other fee specified) £138 £142
    8.2b Commencing proceedings where leave/permission has been granted £138 £142
    8.3 Contested hearing £567 £644
    9.2 Application for any other warrant (no other fee specified) £89 £92
    10.1 Application for a warrant of commitment (council tax proceedings) £264 £212
    10.2 Application for a warrant of commitment (Child Support Act 1991) £45 £46

    Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Originating proceedings where no other fee is specified £270 £279
    1.2 Application for a divorce, nullity or civil partnership dissolution £593 £612
    1.3 Application for matrimonial or civil partnership order £402 £415
    1.5 Amendment of application for matrimonial/civil partnership order £95 £59
    1.6 Answer to application for matrimonial/civil partnership order £245 £234
    1.7 On application for an order of assessment of costs £55 £57
    1.8 Application for parental order £255 £263
    2.1a Parental responsibility (section 4(1)(c) or (3), 4A(1)(b) or(3) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1b Parental responsibility (section 4ZA(1)(c) or (6) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1c Guardians (section 5(1) or 6(7) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1d Section 8 orders (section 10(1) or (2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1e Enforcement orders (section 11J(2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1f Compensation for financial loss (section 11O(2) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1g Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while residence order in force (section 13(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1h Special guardianship orders (section 14A(3) or (6)(a), 14C(3) or 14D(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1i Secure accommodation order (section 25 of the Children Act 1989) – England £255 £263
    2.1ia Secure accommodation order (section 25 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014) £255 £263
    2.1j Change of child’s surname or removal from jurisdiction while care order in force (section 33(7) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1k Contact with child in care (section 34(2), (3), (4) or (9) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1l Education supervision order (section 36(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1m Variation or discharge etc of care and supervision orders (section 39 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1n Child assessment order (section 43(1) of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1o Emergency protection orders (sections 44, 45 and 46 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1p Warrant to assist person exercising powers under emergency protection order (section 48 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1q Recovery order (section 50 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1s Warrant to assist person exercising powers to search for children or inspect premises (section 102 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1t Applications in respect of enforcement orders (under Schedule A1 of the Children Act 1989) £112 £116
    2.1u Amendment of enforcement order by reason of change of address (under Schedule A1 of the Children Act 1989) £77 £79
    2.1v Financial provision for children (paragraph 1(1) or (4), 2(1) or (5), 5(6), 6(5), (7) or (8), 8(2), 10(2), 11 or 14(1) of Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1w Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (paragraph 19(1) of Schedule 2 of the Children Act 1989) – England £255 £263
    2.1wa Approval of court for child in care of local authority to live abroad (Wales) £255 £263
    2.1x Extension of supervision order (paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1y Extension or discharge of education supervision order (paragraph 15(2) or 17(1) of Schedule 3 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.1z Appeals concerning foster parents (paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 8 of the Children Act 1989) £255 £263
    2.2 Care and supervision order (Section 31 of the Children Act 1989) £2,437 £2,515
    2.3 Appeal relating to Children Act fees 2.1(a) to 2.1(s) (v) to (y) and 2.2) £237 £245
    2.4 Appeal against a contribution order – England £237 £245
    2.5 Appeal against a contribution order – Wales £237 £245
    2.6(a) Section 72 Cancellation, variation or removal or imposition of condition of registration of child minder or day carer (England) £255 £263
    2.6(b) Section 34 Cancellation of registration of child minder or day carer (Wales) £255 £263
    2.7 Commencing child mind or day carer appeal for application (England or Wales) £237 £245
    3.1 Application/permission to apply for adoption £201 £207
    3.2 Application for a placement order (under Section 22 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) £539 £556
    3.3 Application to the High Court with regards to inherent jurisdiction with respect to children £201 £207
    4.1 On an application for a warning notice to be attached to a contact order £54 £56
    5.1 Application (without notice) £58 £60
    5.2 Application for decree nisi, conditional order, separation order (no fee if undefended) £59 £61
    5.3 Application (on notice) (unless otherwise listed) £184 £190
    5.4 Application for a financial order (other than consent order) £303 £313
    6.1 Filing an appeal notice from a district judge, one or more lay justices, a justices’ clerk or an assistant to a justices’ clerk £138 £142
    7.2 Search of central index of parental responsibility agreements £45 £17
    9.2(d) On filing a request for detailed assessment where fee 9.1 does not apply £1,345 £1,365
    9.3 Issue of default costs certificate £65 £18
    9.4 Appeal (detailed assessment proceedings) – Family £231 £238
    9.5 Request/application to set aside a default costs certificate £121 £125
    10.2 Application for a maintenance order to be registered under the Maintenance Orders 1950 or 1958 Act £55 £57
    11.1 Application for order for financial provision £237 £245
    12.1 Application to question a judgment debtor or other person £59 £61
    12.2 Application for a third party debt order/appointment of a receiver £85 £88
    12.3 Application for a charging order £42 £43
    12.4 Application for a judgment summons £80 £83
    12.5 Application for an attachment of earnings order – Family £37 £38
    13.1 Application for enforcement of a judgment or order – warrant of control against goods £110 £114
    13.2 On a request for further attempt at execution of a warrant at a new address where the warrant has been returned to the court not executed £30 £6
    13.3 Issue for a warrant of possession or a warrant of delivery £131 £135
    14.1 Sealing a writ of execution/possession/delivery £66 £68
    14.2 On a request or application to register a judgment or order; or for permission to enforce an arbitration award; or for a certified copy of a judgment or order for use abroad £66 £68
    15.1 Request for service by a bailiff of document (see order for exceptions) £45 £46

    Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) Fees Order 2009

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1 Permission to appeal r21 £242 £250
    2 Notice of reference r28 / appeal r24 £303 £313
    3 Absent owner application (Compulsory Purchase Act 1965) £550 £624
    4 Restrictive covenant application r32 re s84 Law of Property Act 1925 £968 £999
    5a Rights of light application r41 to s2 Rights of Light Act 1959 – Definitive certificate £1,320 £775
    5b Rights of light application r41 to s2 Rights of Light Act 1959 – Temporary & Definitive certificate £1,650 £761
    6 Interlocutory application £121 £125
    11a Hearing as to entitlement – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £605 £624
    11b Order without hearing (r46) – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £275 £166
    11c Substantive hearing of originating application – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £1,210 £1,249
    11d Engrossing Minutes of Order – s84 Law of Property Act 1925 – discharge/modify restrictive covenant £220 £41
    12 Hearing or preliminary hearing of reference/appeal (no amount awarded) £605 £624

    Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) (Judicial Review) (England and Wales) Fees Order 2011

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Permission to apply for Judicial Review £169 £174
    1.1a Judicial Review – Oral renewal £424 £438
    1.2a Proceed with Judicial Review – permission granted at oral hearing £385 £436
    1.2b Proceeding with Judicial Review after permission granted £847 £874
    1.3 Permission for Judicial Review – permission to proceed where proceedings started otherwise than by application for permission £169 £174
    2.1 Judicial Review General Application – On notice (where no other fee is specified) £281 £290
    2.2 Judicial Review General Application – By consent or without notice (where no other fee is specified) £110 £114
    2.3 Judicial Review – Application for a summons or order for a witness to attend the Tribunal £55 £57

    Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    3.1 Duplicate/second grant for same deceased person £20 £21
    6 Deposit of wills £22 £23
    7 Inspection of will/other document retained by the registry £20 £23
    11 Settling documents £4 £5

    First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Fees Order 2013

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1 Commence proceedings (application or appeal) in a leasehold or residential property case, where no other fees applies £110 £114
    1.2 File proceedings for approval of the exercise of a power of entry £110 £114
    1.3 Mobile homes application (pitch fee other than Local Authority sites) £22 £23
    1.4 Mobile Homes – Application for determination to take into account cost of owner improvements – para 1.4 £22 £23
    1.5 Mobile Homes – Determination of Local Authority pitch fee £22 £23
    1.6 Mobile Homes – Application for determination to take into account cost of owner improvements – para 1.6 £22 £23
    2.1 Notice of hearing date for 1.1 or 1.2 application – only one payable if applications joined together £220 £227

    First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) Fees Order 2010

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    1.1* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – casino operating licence s65(2)(a) £14,000 £4,521
    1.3* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – general betting operating licence s65(2)(c) £10,000 £4,521
    1.4* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – pool betting operating licence s65(2)(d) £10,000 £4,521
    1.5* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – better intermediary operating licence s65(2)(e) £10,000 £4,521
    1.10* Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – lottery operating licence s65(2)(j) £9,400 £4,521
    1.11 Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – personal management office licence s127 £1,760 £1,816
    1.12 Appeal s141 Gambling Act 2005 – personal operational function licence s127 of that Act £880 £908
    2 Appeal s337(1) Gambling Act 2005 – order to void a bet s336(1) £9,400 £4,521

    Court of Protection Fees Order 2007

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    4 Application fee (Article 4) £408 £421
    5 Appeal fee (Article 5) £257 £265
    6 Hearing fee (Article 6) £494 £259

    Gender Recognition (Application Fees) Order 2006

    SI Reference ID Description Current New
    2 Application for a Gender Recognition Certificate £5 £6

    *Please note that fees 1.1 – 1.10 in the First-tier Tribunal (Gambling) Fees Order 2010 will all be consolidated under one fee at £4,521 from 1st April.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke welcomes €23 million in Shared Island Development Tourism funding

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    25th February 2025

    • The government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
    • Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland continue to build on the strong relationships already developed with the local authorities in both jurisdictions.

    Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, today welcomed funding of up to €23 million for three Shared Island Tourism Destination projects. 

    Carlingford Lough: A network of trailheads, trails and water access points will be delivered across the region; increasing connectivity between tourism assets and complemented by delivery of a Destination Experience Strategy to promote the region. The investment will harness the benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge as a lynchpin for sustainable tourism and recreation activity around the whole Carlingford Lough area.

    Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark: The trail network will be developed to link existing trails North and South of the border; enhancing and further linking the regional tourism offering at Cuilcagh and the wider cross-border UNESCO Global Geopark. Trail development will provide connectivity between the Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk and on to Cavan Burren Park and include interpretation, wayfinding and infrastructure, including a community-based interpretative centre at Glangevlin village.

    Sliabh Beagh: Extensive connected walking, cycling, equestrian cross-border trails around Sliabh Beagh Mountain will be developed along the border, with the inclusion of trailheads and gateways. Trail development will also include interpretation, wayfinding and other facility development.

    Minister Burke said:

    “I welcome the announcement of this significant funding, which will boost the all-island economy and benefit communities north and south of the border. These projects have the potential to deliver sustained economic, social and environmental benefits across counties in both jurisdictions.  Communities on either side of the border Ireland continue to collaborate in creating a place that they are proud to share with others, delivering a warm welcome and the promise of a memorable holiday.”  

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Waverley report published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Waverley report published

    Contact made by a paddle steamer with Brodick pier, Isle of Arran, Scotland.

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the heavy contact made by the paddle steamer Waverley with the eastern pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran, Scotland on 3 September 2020.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened and subsequent actions taken.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Talented Athlete Scheme allows Isle of Wight sporting stars to shine 26 February 2025 Talented Athlete Scheme allows Isle of Wight sporting stars to shine

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Almost 80 Island sporting stars have been selected for the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme for 2025.

    Gifted sportsmen and women competing at county level or higher in a non-professional capacity receive support to help them progress within their chosen sports.

    Wightlink has sponsored the scheme since its creation in 2013, providing athletes with discounted travel to help with travel to mainland events and training.

    Scheme participants also have access to the council’s leisure facilities through 1Leisure and receive discounts with specialist sports and health businesses on the Island: Love Running, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, RMA Sports Injury Clinic, Physio Care (Isle of Wight), Sports Performance Centre and Amanda Buggy Soft Tissue Therapy & Nutrition.

    This year’s scheme supports 78 athletes aged between 9 and 86, with many of those new to the scheme for 2025, in sports ranging from athletics to underwater hockey, and sailing to gymnastics.

    After making his debut on the list last year, nine-year-old Finn Husson has again qualified. The talented squash player from Niton has recently broken into the under-11 top 20 at national level and has ambitions to reach the top five in England. He has already competed in the British Junior Championships.

    His dad, Chris, said: “It’s fair to say that the help we receive from The Talented Athlete Scheme is the only way that we can achieve all of this and we are truly grateful that we get the opportunity to compete with those on the mainland.

    “We feel like part of a wider community representing the Island and being supported by its businesses is truly something.”

    Veterans of the scheme include 86-year-old Jenny Ball from Newport, who remains a formidable competitor in the pool, travelling around the country to take part in British Masters events.

    She said: “I am very privileged to be an Isle of Wight Council/Wightlink sponsored masters swimmer and am proud to represent both the Island and Wightlink.

    “The help with ferry costs is especially appreciated, as I travel to the mainland for all but one of my competitions and championships, annually.”

    Wightlink chief executive, Katy Taylor, said: “We know how important this support is for athletes across a massive range of sports and it has been a pleasure seeing athletes on the scheme excel.

    “I am looking forward to following the progress of this year’s Talented Athletes and sharing their successes via our social media channels.

    “I hope to meet up with many of them in person at our next Wightlink in the Community meet and greet event.”

    Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for regeneration, business development, and tourism, said: “It’s great to see our young sportspeople succeeding. I’m pleased that the council continues to support the Talented Athlete Scheme with help from our sponsors. This vital support enables our talented sportspeople to continue developing and competing at national and international levels.

    “I look forward to hearing about this year’s participants; I’m confident they will represent the Island well and meet their personal objectives over the next 12 months.”

    A full list of the athletes supported via the Talented Athlete Scheme is available on the Wightlink website.

    PHOTO: From left: Jenny Ball, Talented Athlete, Martin Gulliver, Wightlink Island port operation manager, Sam Woodman, Wightlink partnerships marketing manager, Finn Husson, Talented Athlete, Alec Broome, Isle of Wight Council sports development and events officer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Over 100,000 people looking for work to benefit from tailored training next year, providing employers with work-ready recruits.

    • Coastal towns including Blackpool and Scarborough to benefit as Minister for Employment urges more businesses to sign up to help fill vacancies.
    • New research shows Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) can boost earnings by more than £1,400.

    Thousands of employers and individuals looking for work will benefit from a new record-breaking number of workplace training schemes, the government will announce today [Wednesday 26 February]. This will mean surpassing the previous target of 80,000 and offering new opportunities in some of the country’s most deprived communities.

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern will confirm the expansion of the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) to provide 100,000 more places available over the next financial year, a boost of over a quarter from this year. 

    Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) offer participants in England and Scotland who are receiving certain benefits the opportunity of training towards a job in a particular industry, alongside a work placement and a guaranteed interview that can kickstart a new career with over 63,000 people joining the SWAPs programme to help them find employment in the last year alone. 

    This boost for people looking for work through SWAPs is a crucial part of our plan to get Britain working to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

    The expansion comes as new research shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stay in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who don’t take part in the programme. 

    The same research finds that, while all demographics benefit from taking part in a SWAP, the impact is greater for more disadvantaged groups, such as older customers and those with restrictive health issues.

    The announcement builds on measures in the government’s Get Britain Working White Paper to overhaul jobcentres, tackle inactivity and improved outcomes for jobseekers. This will boost the nation’s skills and put more money into people’s pockets under the Plan for Change. 

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said:

    The evidence is clear – SWAPs boost your earnings and keep you in your job for longer. That is why we are promising to deliver more of them than ever, as we Get Britain Working as part of our Plan for Change.

    And alongside our partnership with UKHospitality, more people in more areas of the country will be able to access the training they need to unlock the opportunities on their doorsteps.

    Anyone in receipt of unemployment benefits is eligible to take part in a SWAP via their local Jobcentre and any business can work with DWP to develop one. This enables businesses to recruit from a wider range of candidates and provide the necessary skills training tailored to an open vacancy.

    As part of this expansion, Minister for Employment Alison McGovern will announce that a hospitality SWAPs pilot, launched in partnership with UKHospitality, will be rolled out to 26 new areas in need of jobs and opportunity, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool.

    This will ensure jobs are filled in sectors with high vacancies, such as the 88,000 roles available in the hospitality industry as the government drives up opportunity as part of our wider reforms to Get Britain Working.

    Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality said:

    UKHospitality’s Sector-Based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work.

    I’m delighted that the government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year.

    This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport.

    Further information: 

    • SWAPs are designed to support unemployed benefit claimants on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, who are aged 16 years and over and who do not need extra support to address a lack of basic employability skills. Participants remain on benefits during their placement.
    • The programme runs in England and Scotland. SWAPs are developed by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and training providers. These opportunities are offered in job sectors with high volumes of current local vacancies.
    • Employers interested in taking the opportunity to start a SWAP for a role in their business can contact the Employers Service Line here – Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters: Recruitment advice and support – GOV.UK.
    • The SWAP impact assessment, carried out by DWP, focused on UC customers who started a SWAP between April 2021 and March 2022 and compared their employment outcomes to individuals who were eligible to start a SWAP but did not start a placement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University of Aberdeen Principal announces his retirement Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, has announced that he will retire in December 2025 after reaching his 70th birthday and completing the seven-year term he began in 2018.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, has announced that he will retire in December 2025 after reaching his 70th birthday and completing the seven-year term he began in 2018.
    Julie Ashworth, Senior Governor (Chair) of the University’s governing body, University Court, expressed her “deepest thanks for outstanding service”.
    Professor Boyne took up the leadership when the University had more modest placings in higher education rankings. Now Aberdeen is ranked 12th by the Guardian – up from 46th in 2018 – and 15th by the Times and Sunday Times – up from 40th in 2018 – in their most recent assessments of over 120 Universities across the UK.
    The University, which has a strong reputation for helping students from every background reach their full potential, is also ranked second in Scotland and 15th in the UK in the prestigious National Student Survey.
    Professor Boyne has led the organisation, which dates back to 1495 and is the 5th oldest in the UK, through challenging times such as the global pandemic, the impact of Brexit on universities, the cost-of-living crisis and unprecedented financial challenges for the higher education sector.

    It has been the honour of my life to be the internal advocate and external ambassador for the extraordinary range of very high-quality work that is carried out in the Schools and Professional Services at the University of Aberdeen.” Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen,

    He said: “It has been the honour of my life to be the internal advocate and external ambassador for the extraordinary range of very high-quality work that is carried out in the Schools and Professional Services at the University of Aberdeen. It has also been a privilege to lead the development of our academic and financial strategies during this eventful time in higher education.
    “We have made very strong progress on a wide range of activities including student recruitment, student employability, research funding, research impact, and regional and global partnerships; and most fundamentally, the creation of new knowledge and scientific discoveries.
    “I will miss the University very much but the time is now right to pave the way for a successor. In December I will be five months beyond the seven-year term of office as Principal that I accepted in 2018, and two months beyond my seventieth birthday. The sevens in my professional and personal life are in close alignment.”
    As is customary when Principals retire, Professor Boyne is offering advance notice so that the University has sufficient time for the recruitment process and the notice period that the new Principal may be required to give their current role.
    The Senior Governor added: “I would like to express my deepest thanks to George for his unwavering commitment to the University. He has achieved an enormous amount in seven years and clearly leaves the University in a very strong position to attract outstanding candidates. Our financial position is stable, our research awards grew by 30% last year, student satisfaction is consistently among the best in the UK, and we have achieved our highest ever UK rankings. I wish him the very best for the rest of his tenure.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester’s communities take the spotlight at Light Up Leicester

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER’S vibrant communities are taking centre stage for Light Up Leicester as the festival returns to the city.

    Light Up Leicester 2025 will focus on the power of creative collaboration, with an incredible programme of community-driven activities accompanying stunning light installations, dazzling performances and colourful festival parades to make the event truly unique.

    The festival takes place from 12 to 15 March, and is free to attend.

    From young people creating artwork for the festival, to parades featuring hundreds of local participants, Leicester’s communities are at the heart of making the 2025 event happen.

    One installation, ‘The Roots of Our Tree’, is being created with the help of over 300 local young people. Working with Leicester-based arts charity Inspirate, participants have crafted metallic oak leaves, each inscribed with symbols representing their roots, heritage and culture.

    The Children’s Parade will showcase these leaves on the opening day of the festival, as  hundreds of young people process through Leicester’s streets at 11am. The leaves will then form part of an installation which will be on display throughout the rest of the festival.

    Shop windows across Leicester city centre will also be transformed into a dazzling art trail as part of ‘My Leicester: Future Stories’, created by Urban Canvas and Light Up Leicester founding partner, Art Reach. Local schools and community groups have worked together to produce vibrant light-painting photographs that celebrate ambition, hope and their visions of Leicester’s future.

    Juliet Martin, resident engagement manager at YMCA Leicestershire, said of one of the workshops: “Having Urban Canvas visit us and deliver light drawing workshops with some of our residents was a fantastic opportunity. We work with young people who are often excluded and who don’t get the opportunity to engage in creative workshops, so this was a really great offer and they loved it! They are excited about the festival and can’t wait to visit the city centre to see their artwork on display.”

    There are lots of other ways to get involved too – from ‘blinging up’ your bike and joining in with the Illuminated Bike Parade (Thursday 13 March, 6:30pm, register on the Light Up Leicester website), to enjoying interactive performances such as The Holi Experience by Nupur Arts (Friday 14 March, 6:30pm & 7:30pm), an exciting dance event filled with colour throwing and energy.

    Other highlights include:

    • Radiant Routes Opening Parade (Wednesday 12 March, 6pm): A luminous parade featuring dancers in glowing costumes, celebrating Leicester’s South Asian culture. To get involved in the parade please contact Nupur Arts at info@nupurarts.org.uk.
    • FierS à Cheval Festival Finale (Saturday 15 March, 7pm): A magical performance by French street theatre company Compagnie des Quidams, where glowing horses take to the streets.
    • Pop-Up Performances (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March): Keep an eye out for captivating walkabout acts including The Pixel Project, Dry Bones, and Aquanauts Adrift as they bring spontaneous magic to the festival.
    • It’s (Lit)erati (Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March, 7pm & 9pm): A vibrant poetry experience curated by Literati Arts at St Martin’s Square.
    • Guided tour group walks (Wednesday 12 March at 6:45pm and Friday 15 March at 6:30pm): Bookable through the Light Up Leicester website events & activities page.

    Leicester’s businesses are also playing their part, offering tantalising discounts on dining during the festival. Diners can enjoy 25% off the total bill at Kayal, Herb, and Merchant of Venice, 20% off at the Queen of Bradgate, Middleton’s and Restaurant 1573, or enjoy three courses for £20 at Turtle Bay. There are lots more offers and deals available throughout the festival, full details can be found on the Light Up Leicester website offers page.

    “As a presenting partner and major sponsor of Light Up Leicester, BID Leicester is proud to be leading the festival’s marketing campaign and ensuring city centre businesses can make the most of this fantastic event”, said Simon Jenner, BID Leicester director.

    “With tens of thousands of visitors expected over four nights, it’s a brilliant opportunity for businesses to get involved, whether through special offers, themed events, or participating in the city-wide photographic window trail. Light Up Leicester brings an incredible buzz to the city, and we’re excited to see Leicester’s streets and businesses illuminated once again.”

    Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Light Up Leicester is a shining example of how communities and creativity can come together to make something truly special. This year’s festival showcases not only world-class light installations, but also the talents, stories and contributions of the people of Leicester. We look forward to welcoming people to our city for this spectacular event.”

    Light Up Leicester is also committed to making the festival accessible to everyone. There will be a dedicated Access Support Hub open every evening from 6pm to 10pm at the Visit Leicester Information Centre, and friendly staff will be ready to assist. Accessible tours are available to help support mobility around the festival for those with additional access needs, including rickshaws, box bikes and gazelles which can carry children and wheelchairs.

    From community-led parades to mesmerising light installations, Light Up Leicester 2025 promises something for everyone. Full details of the festival programme and participation opportunities can be found at lightupleicester.com

    Light Up Leicester is proudly presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach, with the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS, and headline sponsor Highcross.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens call for cross-party support for cutting rail fares

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Feb 2025 Transport

    It’s time to scrap peak rail fares.

    More in Transport

    The Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, is urging all MSP’s to back his party’s call for cheaper, accessible rail travel ahead of today’s Holyrood debate.

    This afternoon the party will use opposition debate time to bring forward a vote on halting the above inflation rail fare hikes coming in April and permanently removing peak rail fares.

    While in government, the party secured a scheme to remove peak fares for 12 months, but this was reintroduced last year by the SNP.

    Mr Ruskell said:

    “I hope that MSP’s from all parties will join us today in voting to lower costs for commuters and end peak rail fares for good.

    “Households and families across Scotland deserve affordable, accessible rail, especially when so many people are struggling financially.

    “Our rail fares are among the highest in Europe. ScotRail is rightfully publicly owned, but the extortionate prices that people are being made to pay totally defeats the purpose.

    “Peak rail fares are fundamentally unfair, particularly when most people have no say on when they travel to work or to study. Ending them for good will make the services more affordable and accessible for all.

    “It will encourage people to leave their cars at home, making our roads safer for walking, wheeling and cycling while utilising the most sustainable way to travel across our country.

    “Cleaner, greener and affordable public transport is a way for us to put our best foot forward for people and planet, and I hope that MSPs will embrace it today.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland

    Debate over the future of Australia’s energy system has erupted again after a federal parliamentary inquiry delivered a report into the deployment of nuclear power in Australia.

    The report casts doubt on the Coalition’s plan to build seven nuclear reactors on former coal sites across Australia should it win government. The reactors would be Commonwealth-owned and built.

    The report’s central conclusions – rejected by the Coalition – are relatively unsurprising. It found nuclear power would be far more expensive than the projected path of shifting to mostly renewable energy. And delivering nuclear generation before the mid-2040s will be extremely challenging.

    The report also reveals important weaknesses in the Coalition’s defence of its plan to deploy nuclear energy across Australia, if elected. In particular, the idea of cheap, factory-built nuclear reactors is very likely a mirage.

    A divisive inquiry

    In October last year, a House of Representatives select committee was formed to investigate the deployment of nuclear energy in Australia.

    Chaired by Labor MP Dan Repacholi, it has so far involved 19 public hearings and 858 written submissions from nuclear energy companies and experts, government agencies, scientists, Indigenous groups and others. Evidence I gave to a hearing was quoted in the interim report.

    The committee’s final report is due by April 30 this year. It tabled an interim report late on Tuesday, focused on the timeframes and costs involved. These issues dominated evidence presented to the inquiry.

    The findings of the interim report were endorsed by the committee’s Labor and independent members, but rejected by Coalition members.

    What did the report find on cost?

    The report said evidence presented so far showed the deployment of nuclear power generation in Australia “is currently not a viable investment of taxpayer money”.

    Nuclear energy was shown to be more expensive than the alternatives. These include a power grid consistent with current projections: one dominated by renewable energy and backed up by a combination of battery storage and a limited number of gas peaking plants.

    The Coalition has identified seven coal plant sites where it would build nuclear reactors. Some 11 gigawatts of coal capacity is produced on those sites. The committee heard replacing this capacity with nuclear power would meet around 15% of consumer needs in the National Electricity Market, and cost at least A$116 billion.

    In contrast, the Australian Energy Market Operator estimates the cost of meeting 100% of the National Electricity Market’s needs – that is, building all required transmission, generation, storage and firming capacity out to 2050 – is about $383 billion.

    What about the timing of nuclear?

    On the matter of when nuclear energy in Australia would be up and running, the committee found “significant challenges” in achieving this before the mid-2040s.

    This is consistent with findings from the CSIRO that nuclear power would take at least 15 years to deploy in Australia. But is it at odds with Coalition claims that the first two plants would be operating by 2035 and 2037 respectively.

    The mid-2040s is well beyond the lifetime of Australia’s existing coal-fired power stations. This raises questions about how the Coalition would ensure reliable electricity supplies after coal plants close. It also raises questions over how Australia would meet its global emissions-reduction obligations.

    Recent experience in other developed countries suggests the committee’s timeframe estimates are highly conservative.

    Take, for example, a 1.6GW reactor at Flamanville, France. The project, originally scheduled to be completed in 2012, was not connected to the grid until 2024. Costs blew out from an original estimate of A$5.5 billion to $22 billion.

    The builder, Électricité de France (EDF), was pushed to the edge of bankruptcy. The French government was forced to nationalise the company, reversing an earlier decision to privatise it.

    EDF is also building two reactors in the United Kingdom – a project known as Hinkley C. It has also suffered huge cost blowouts.

    Recent nuclear reactor projects in the United States have also fallen victim to cost overruns, sending the owner, Westinghouse, bankrupt.

    What does the Coalition say?

    The committee report included dissenting comments by Coalition members.

    As the Coalition rightly points out, global enthusiasm for nuclear power remains steady. The UK, France and the US all signed a declaration in 2023 at the global climate change conference, COP28, pledging to triple nuclear power by 2050.

    And in the UK and France, advanced plans are afoot to construct new nuclear reactors at existing sites.

    But even there, progress has been glacial. The UK’s Sizewell C project has been in the planning stage since at least 2012. The French projects were announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2022. None of these projects have yet reached a final investment decision. Delays in Australia would certainly be much longer.

    The Coalition also draws a long bow in claiming Australia’s existing research reactor at Lucas Heights, in New South Wales, means we are “already a nuclear nation”.

    At least 50 countries, including most developed countries, have research reactors. But very few are contemplating starting a nuclear industry from scratch.

    At least one issue seems to have been resolved by the committee’s inquiry. Evidence it received almost unanimously dismissed the idea small modular reactors (SMRs) will arrive in time to be relevant to Australia’s energy transition – if they are ever developed.

    The Coalition’s dissenting comments did not attempt to rebut this evidence.

    Looking ahead

    Undoubtedly, existing nuclear power plants will play a continued role in the global energy transition.

    But starting a nuclear power industry from scratch in Australia is a nonsensical idea for many reasons – not least because it is too expensive and will take too long.

    In the context of the coming federal election, the nuclear policy is arguably a red herring – one designed to distract voters from a Coalition policy program that slows the transition to renewables and drags out the life of dirty and unreliable coal-fired power.

    The Conversation

    John Quiggin is a former member of the Climate Change Authority. His submission to the nuclear electricity generation inquiry was cited in the interim report

    – ref. New report skewers Coalition’s contentious nuclear plan – and reignites Australia’s energy debate – https://theconversation.com/new-report-skewers-coalitions-contentious-nuclear-plan-and-reignites-australias-energy-debate-250912

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Value adding for the NSW economy

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Value adding for the NSW economy

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Lands and Property

    The NSW agency responsible for the State’s land valuation system has achieved a stunning trifecta with a move to more in-house valuations saving taxpayers $1.7 million in its first year while delivering valuations faster and to a higher quality standard.

    Value NSW previously used external contractors but has transitioned to a hybrid delivery model to boost service and reduce costs. The hybrid model is forecast to save taxpayers a further $28 million between now and 2031.

    In March 2024, Value NSW moved land valuations for four regions in-house: Central Tablelands, North Coast NSW, Hunter Coast and Sydney Coast North. Since then, Value NSW has completed almost 800,000 land valuations in-house, saving $1.7 million that would have otherwise been incurred if these valuations were outsourced.

    From March 2025, Value NSW will transition another four regions in-house: Sydney Coast South, South Coast NSW, Sydney Central West and South East Regional NSW. 

    Following this transition around 1.5 million valuations will be done annually in-house, at a combined value of about $1.4 trillion. External contractors will deliver around 1.2 million further valuations to a combined value of $1.6 trillion. 

    Land values are used by the NSW Government to assess land tax and for local councils to assess rates.

    Supplementary valuations, which occur when properties are subdivided or boundaries change, are also being completed two days faster by in-house staff compared to contractors.

    The transition has not resulted in any net job losses with Value NSW employing extra staff to make it NSW’s largest valuation employer of almost 300 people, 52% of whom are based in regional areas.  The move to in-house valuations aligns with a NSW Government directive to reduce reliance on contractors while building public sector capacity and capability.

    Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

    “Value NSW and its staff have become true value adders for our state with more skilled public servants now serving the public faster, to a higher standard and saving taxpayers money.

    “This balanced model of both in-house and contract valuers will ensure diversity, competition and innovation in our land valuation system, which underpins almost 10% of our annual state revenue.”

    Value NSW Chief Executive Officer Stewart McLachlan said:

    “This is a great result, designed and delivered by public servants and is a credit to the delivery focus of our team at Value NSW. I’m confident these benefits will continue into the future as the model expands.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Church hymns and social beers: how Australia is reviving the magic of singing together

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wendy Hargreaves, Senior Learning Advisor, University of Southern Queensland

    State Library of Victoria

    It was 2009. John Farnham walked on stage at the disaster relief concert for the most devastating bushfires in Australian history. He belted out You’re The Voice to 36,000 people at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Then, as he lowered his microphone, 36,000 voices belted it right back.

    Farnham knew the real star that day was not himself, but the thousands of everyday Australians singing in solidarity with their hurting nation.

    Singing together is electrifying, but can Australians tap into this magic without the tragedy?

    We’re all the voice.

    The science behind the magic

    Group singing has a proven ability to produce positive social bonding and help us tune in to others’ feelings.

    That sense of connecting and relating can boost our mental health; particularly crucial given many Australians seriously neglect self-care.

    After taking part in a year-long community singing program, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander adults reported reduced depression, increased resilience and a greater sense of social connection.

    Physiologically, research shows group singing can increase the hormone oxytocin which helps us bond with people and feel good. It can decrease cortisol levels to positively modulate our immune system. Making music together may also release endorphins that help our tolerance of pain.

    Rewinding on Australian singing

    Australia’s identity as a singing nation has never quite matched countries like Wales, “the land of song”. Centuries-old singing traditions are well-suited to huddling indoors in snowy northern hemisphere villages.

    Indeed, the tradition of singing Christmas carols was devised as a cure for the European winter blues. Our warmer Australian climate, in contrast, coaxes us outdoors for other activities in wide open spaces.

    Hymn singing at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building in 1882.
    State Library of Victoria

    Australia’s choral tradition grew initially through church music; printed on tiny 12x7cm pages, books from the early 1800s provide a glimpse at the hymns church choirs and congregations once sang.

    Music researcher Dianne Gome reports these books were also used for official state occasions and in the home. They were so popular, Australians began to create their own versions.

    Singing was part of 19th century Australian life. At home, pianos were treasured for family singalongs and a sign of wealth and culture. Choirs blossomed, such as the The Brisbane Musical Union (now The Queensland Choir) which formed in 1872 with 112 members. Singing was valued, and local journals critiqued technique. Even The Wireless Weekly reported a radio poll “to decide the worst singer” in 1942.

    Work songs – morale boosters as workers labour through repetitive tasks – also showed our early singing culture. One Queensland man recently described life as a 14-year-old in a 1930s tram track foundry:

    Every night I came home exhausted. It was hard work, but we used to sing […] How many people sing at their work today?

    Alongside its presence in churches, work places and social gatherings, singing became a pillar of Australian education.

    A book on education history in Victoria reports singing was introduced in the 1850s for “harmonising and refining the mind” and as a “most favourable influence […] on the moral associations of the goldfields”.

    While some traditions in schools continue today, claims of a crowded curriculum and de-valuing of the arts have pushed school singing from essential to optional.

    There also exists a social pressure on Australian boys to play sport rather than sing in choirs.

    Today’s Aussie group singing style

    A fair dinkum Aussie singing style is well established in sporting circles.

    The 1978 World Cricket Series jingle C’mon Aussie C’mon was so simple and catchy its tune still rings through stadiums today. Likewise, Mike Brady’s Up There Cazaly – inspired by the 1910s footballer whose name was used in World War II battle cries – has been a favourite crowd singalong at AFL Grand Finals for decades.

    Footy club theme songs aside, Brisbane Lions fans will be particularly familiar with a modern opportunity for sports singing: goal songs. After every goal at a Lions’ home game, a snippet from a player-chosen track blares across the stands.

    Not all of these song selections make successful singalongs, but Charlie Cameron’s choice of Take Me Home Country Roads is a clear favourite. Tellingly, the crowd keeps singing after the music stops.

    At the other end of the spectrum of group size and vocal expertise is the small Australian-bred a capella group The Idea of North. Their expert musical arrangements and blended sound perfectly encapsulates collaborative singing with unity, harmony and joy.

    For a quirky Australian choral option, a group of men from Mullumbimby formed the “fake” Russian choir, Dustyesky (a wordplay on the famous Russian writer Dostoevsky). They don’t speak the language, yet their energy and passion for singing made them a hit in Russia and brought about an invitation to sing in Moscow.

    With millions of internet views, another highly successful Australian response to group singing came from Astrid Jorgensen, creator of Pub Choir. With laughter and a drink, members of the public meet at a licensed venue to learn a song in three-part harmony.

    Jorgensen’s tailored musical arrangements of popular songs suit untrained singers, don’t require music reading skills and make singing in harmony with complete strangers easy and fun. Jorgensen found the key to motivating Aussies to sing together is crowds, humour and a social beer.

    Wendy Hargreaves does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Church hymns and social beers: how Australia is reviving the magic of singing together – https://theconversation.com/church-hymns-and-social-beers-how-australia-is-reviving-the-magic-of-singing-together-250254

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community has its say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Community has its say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    The community and stakeholders have had their say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, with the overwhelming majority of respondents to the recent Have Your Say survey (87%) expressing a preference for the continuation of health and wellness services at the site.

    The NSW Government has released the David Berry Hospital Community Engagement Report, which summarises the key findings from nearly 1,200 responses received during the consultation.

    The report is available for the community to review on the Have your say website.

    The feedback gathered will enable focused discussions, working groups and broader consultation opportunities with local residents, clinicians and staff, the Aboriginal community, environmental and heritage groups, and other interested parties to continue over the coming months.

    When health services relocate to the $448 million redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital in 2026, the David Berry site will take on a new role with the help of the local community.

    In the meantime, residents will continue to receive safe, high-quality care from the dedicated health team at David Berry Hospital.

    The Have Your Say survey gathered nearly 1,200 responses on the site’s historical and cultural value, potential future uses, and partnership opportunities.

    As well as strong support for health and wellness services, respondents also showed an interest in preserving the site’s historical aspects and green spaces, and a preference for community-led initiatives over commercial or residential developments.

    Responses also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the future use of David Berry Hospital appropriately acknowledges and includes Aboriginal perspectives.

    The Minns Labor Government will consider any amendments required to the David Berry Hospital Act 1906 once the future use of the site has been identified. This legislative process will take some time to complete and additional consultation will be required on amendments to the Act. 

    For the latest information on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, including future opportunities to have your say, to read the Community Engagement Report or to contact the team, visit the Have your say website.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “I want to thank everyone who responded to the survey, including local residents, healthcare professionals, heritage groups, and other community organisations.

    “The nearly 1,200 responses reflect the community’s strong interest in the site’s future, and we will ensure stakeholders are listened to and kept well informed about next steps.

    “Although no longer suitable for its original purpose, this government will ensure the David Berry Hospital site will continue to serve the community.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

    “I’ve heard from many people how important the David Berry Hospital Site is to the local community, and it’s been fantastic to see this represented in the number and variety of responses we have received so far.

    “I am confident that with ongoing consultation we can have this site remain a suitable and valuable asset to the community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fire and Rescue drone sniffs out trouble

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Fire and Rescue drone sniffs out trouble

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Emergency Services

    In a first for a NSW Government emergency services agency, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has launched the latest tool in its technological arsenal, a drone that can ‘smell’.

    The FRNSW Aviation Unit and Hazardous Material teams are constantly looking to innovative ways to utilise the drone fleet, first formed in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires.

    The smelling capability of the new drone means crews can now use drones to detect potential threats in the air with firefighters able to maintain a safe distance and protect the wider public.

    The drone was successfully deployed during last month’s response to a major fire and chemical emergency at a waste recycling plant at St Marys in Sydney’s west.

    One of several drones deployed at the scene by firefighting crews, the smelling drone was able to analyse the smoke from the fire, identifying its chemical make-up and determining any potential risk to the public.

    The drone also analysed the atmosphere around burning gas cylinders within the plant to determine potential air quality impacts.

    This new drone can detect 12 different chemicals in the air including chlorine, carbon dioxide, and a range of flammable gases.

    The drone can then provide live data and gas readings to Command Posts, the FRNSW Strategic Operations Centre at Alexandria, or to scientific support staff for analysis.

    FRNSW continue to find new and innovative ways to keep the NSW community safe using their drone fleet.

    Other drones in the FRNSW fleet can collect water samples for chemical testing, there are smaller drones able to enter buildings through small openings to search for trapped people or identify structural threats, and drones fitted with infra-red cameras which can assist during overnight search and rescue missions.

    Drones were used extensively in the aftermath of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, carrying out damage assessments over vital infrastructure and identifying debris for collection.

    The Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

    “It’s terrific to see Fire and Rescue NSW continuing to explore new technologies to safeguard its firefighters and keep the broader NSW community safe.

    “This is just the latest in an ever-growing list of FRNSW drone capabilities which means firefighters can have eyes – and a nose – on any blazes they’re battling.

    “The drones can fly over built-up areas, assess the risk, and help authorities protect people in their homes, at work, or in critical infrastructure such as schools or hospitals.

    “Firefighters are prepared for anything, including embracing new technologies to protect the irreplaceable.”

    Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell said:

    “The drone that can smells means we can assess dangerous environments quickly to keep our people and the community safe.

    “Our crews are highly trained to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, but this type of drone means we don’t have to risk anyone’s safety when trying to identify potentially dangerous substances.

    “When crews arrive at the scene of a fire, they can quickly get one of these drones airborne to determine the threat we’re dealing with, and make crucial decisions based on immediate information.

    “This is the latest in an ever-growing list of drone capabilities at Fire and Rescue NSW.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Prestigous Farrer Memorial Medal awarded to Andrew Barr

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    26 Feb 2025

    Vision pack available at https://tinyurl.com/2s4f73kx

    The prestigious Farrer Memorial Medal has been awarded to South Australian grain grower and former plant researcher Dr Andrew (Andy) Barr for 2024, recognising his outstanding contributions to plant breeding and agricultural research in not only Australia, but across the globe.

    DPIRD Executive Director of Agriculture, Darren Bayley, congratulated Dr Barr on receiving the honour, acknowledging his significant impact on the industry by helping to develop over 25 varieties of oats, barley and wheat , ranging from disease-resistant strains to high-yield cultivars.

    “The Farrer Memorial Trust was established to perpetuate the memory of William James Farrer, a pioneering plant breeder, and has upheld a long-standing tradition since 1936 of providing encouragement and inspiration to those engaged in agricultural science, particularly in cropping fields,” Dr Bayley said.

    “The NSW DPIRD holds the Chair for the Farrer Memorial Trust and is proud to offer the annual Farrer Memorial Medal that recognises individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing plant breeding and crop science.

    “Andy Barr exemplifies this commitment – he has made remarkable contributions in the development of improved oat and barley varieties such as the well known Echidna oats and Commander barley, all which have significantly benefited Australian farmers and agriculture.”

    Among some of Dr Barr’s proudest achievements are:

    • Development of ‘Echidna’ oats—Australia’s first semi-dwarf oat variety, offering a 25 percent yield increase, superior lodging, shattering and stem rust disease resistance, which was the dominant variety in eastern Australia for 20 years.
    • Release of ‘Wallaroo’ and ‘Marloo’ oats in 1988—the first multipurpose varieties with resistance to cereal cyst nematode, which causes heavy yield losses in grain crops up to 50% in wheat and oats. This innovation in Wallaroo and Marloo laid the foundation for South Australia’s export hay industry.
    • Breeding ‘Sloop SA’ barley, the first malting variety with cereal cyst nematode resistance for South Australia, and ‘Commander’ barley, a leading malting variety in eastern Australia during the 2000s.
    • Working with the Australian barley research community to apply molecular marker technology across all of the barley breeding programs to accelerate genetic gains

    Dr Barr expressed his gratitude for the honour and credited the many scientists, technicians, research funders, and farmers he has worked with throughout his 30 years in breeding and 20 years in farming, consulting and research management.

    “It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the Farrer Memorial Trust and I hope that all the great colleagues I have worked with—as a practicing plant breeder, a consultant, and a research administrator—share in this recognition,” Dr Barr said.

    “There are many rewarding things about plant breeding – driving around the country and seeing your varieties being grown in farmers paddocks, talking to farmers who have great feedback about the varieties you have bred and working with brilliant researchers to integrate their science into a practical outcome in a breeding program.”

    Raised on a mixed farm at Pinery in South Australia, Dr Barr said growing up in a family who valued high quality education prompted his love of plant biology and genetics.

    “I attended an Ag careers night with my family when I was in year 10, and that sealed the deal – at uni, I loved plant biology, and genetics in my early years and so it was a natural progression to major in plant breeding later,” Dr Barr said.

    Beyond his research, Dr Barr has played a critical role in advancing Australian and global crop science through his work on the boards of CIMMYT, GRDC, and SAGIT, reviewing numerous crop breeding programs and hosting research trials on his family farm which support the development of new and existing varieties.

    Looking ahead, Dr Barr remains optimistic about the future of Australian grain research.

    “Australia has a proud history of world-class innovation in plant breeding, and I believe that will continue. Exciting technologies such as genomic selection, machine learning, AI, and gene editing are still in their early stages and will mature to deliver even greater benefits to Australian farmers,” Dr Barr said said.

    The 2024 Farrer Memorial Medal will be officially presented to Andy Barr at the Australian Crop Breeders Week Event Dinner on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 in Melbourne.

    Tickets for the event are available on their website.

    For more information on the Farrer Memorial Trust, including how you can nominate someone for the 2025 medal, visit the DPIRD website.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW pet laws go under the microscope

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Local Government

    Pet owners and members of the public are being invited to help shape cat and dog laws in NSW, with the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to conduct a wide-ranging review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (CA Act).

    For the first time in two decades the government will review these laws to greater support responsible pet ownership and ensure the wellbeing of pets and the safety of communities.

    The review will examine all aspects of the care and management of companion animals in NSW, including addressing the urgent need to prevent dogs and cats from entering the pound and rehoming system.

    It will also explore actions taken in other jurisdictions and the role and enforcement responsibilities of councils. Key issues under consideration include:

    • cat management
    • preventing dog attacks
    • pounds and rehoming services
    • registration and desexing
    • stakeholder roles and responsibilities and the regulatory tools available under the legislation
    • responsible pet ownership education and training.

    The review of the CA Act will be informed by several NSW parliamentary inquiries, including the inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage, the inquiry into pounds and the inquiry into the management of cat populations. The findings and recommendations from recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks in NSW will also be considered.

    To support the review, the Office of Local Government has released a discussion paper canvassing three key focus areas:

    • the framework for encouraging responsible ownership of companion animals
    • the compliance and enforcement role of councils
    • animal welfare and rehoming.

    Pet owners, councils, rehoming organisations, veterinarians and other stakeholders can provide feedback on the discussion paper before 4 May 2025 by responding to consultation questions.

    To view the discussion paper and provide feedback visit the website of the Office of Local Government.

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “There are more than 4.7 million dogs and cats kept as pets in NSW, providing love and companionship to so many people across the state.  

    “However, the laws around pet ownership haven’t been reviewed in 20 years.

    “With pet ownership on the rise and increased pressure on council pounds and rehoming organisations, it is important to assess if the current laws are still fit for purpose.

    “We need strong laws that hold pet owners to account and make sure owners take responsibility for their pets at home and in public spaces.

    “The government wants to hear from all interested stakeholders to shape this review and ensure a wide range of perspectives are considered as the government progresses this important work.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Threatened native Trout Cod recovery underway with innovative fish breeding & stocking

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    26 Feb 2025

    Vision available: Link

    The Minns Labor Government has announced the 10-year Trout Cod Action Plan to recover the threatened native Trout Cod fish and delivering on its election commitment to boost the recovery of the fish and ensure its availability for recreational fishers.

    The Government is working to deliver better environmental outcomes for regional NSW and to deliver on its election commitments for recreational fishers who consider the Trout Cod a popular fish for angling.

    This commitment is demonstrated by the recent Government announcements delivering a review on the recreational fishing trust funds and establishing a $2 million fund for small infrastructure for recreational fishing.

    While there are a few small self-sustaining Trout Cod populations left in the wild in NSW the population has been in significant decline.

    To bring about the recovery of the threatened Trout Cod populations more than $1 million of allocated funding is already being utilised with early actions of breeding and stocking underway while the broader action plan was being finalised.

    The final Trout Cod Action Plan was developed after public consultation took place online and community information sessions in Wagga Wagga, Barooga, Bathurst and Queanbeyan.

    Integral to the NSW Government’s commitment to the recovery of the Trout Cod, is increasing the production of fingerlings at Narrandera Fisheries Centre.

    Early work to boost populations has seen a significant number of Trout Cod fingerlings bred at Narrandera in 2024 with 47,000 fingerlings released into waterways in the Snowy region, covering the Goodradigbee River and Talbingo Dam.

    The Government is well on the way to achieving the Trout Cod Action Plan production target of 100,000 Trout Cod fingerlings per year and is confident of reaching 250,000 in the next 5-10 years.

    Trout Cod can be a difficult fish to breed and Narrandera has been trialling innovative ways to achieve better success including using pond spawning techniques rather than hormone induction. Pond based spawning is is potentially more productive and much gentler and kinder on the fish.

    The Government’s achievements under the Trout Cod Action Plan over the last 12 months include:

    • Moving to 100% pond-based spawning approach
    • Doubled the number of broodfish ponds at Narrandera Fisheries Centre
    • Developed a stocking and re-introduction strategy
    • Increased engagement with recreational fishers
    • Developing broodstock management strategy

    Goodradigbee River has been a focus for conservation stocking efforts as it’s within the historical range of Trout Cod, has pristine and intact habitat including rocks, fast-flowing water, and is an unregulated part of the system with natural inflows to support recovery.

    For more information about NSW DPIRD’s threatened species projects, visit: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species

    NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

    “The Minns Government is rapidly progressing its commitment to ensure the recovery of the native Trout Cod in our regional waterways with significant work underway to breed fingerlings while we engaged with the community on feedback for finalising the Action Plan.

    “I’m pleased to say many of the participants of the community information sessions are very excited by the prospect of improved Trout Cod recovery.

    “The Trout Cod Action Plan provides a 10-year blueprint to guide recovery actions, and while there is a long road ahead, I am confident there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this threatened species.

    “There was a lot of interest from recreational anglers who are supporting the recovery of Trout Cod and I am pleased to say that those hoping to go fishing for Trout Cod can do so at Talbingo Dam where a catch and release fishery has been developed.

    “We are hopeful that the Trout Cod Action Plan will fast track the recovery of Trout Cod populations in NSW back to a point that they can once again become a genuine target for recreational fishers beyond the current Talbingo fishery.”

    “With close to 50,000 fingerlings bred at Narrandera Fisheries Centre in 2024, triple the number produced in 2023, we are well on the way to achieving the goal of 250,000 bred annually.”

    MEDIA: Alastair Walton | Minister Tara Moriarty | 0418 251 229

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hospices receive multi-million pound boost to improve facilities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Hospices receive multi-million pound boost to improve facilities

    The government has confirmed the release of £25 million for upgrades and refurbishments today for hospices across England,

    • An additional £75 million will be available from April as part of the largest investment in hospices in a generation.
    • The funding will modernise facilities, improve IT systems and ensure patients receive the highest quality care.   

    Families across England will start to see improved end-of-life care as the government brings in major upgrades to hospice services nationwide. 

    New investments in hospices will make sure people receive compassionate care in comfortable, dignified surroundings during their most vulnerable moments by creating outdoor gardens where memories can be shared and upgrading patient rooms, so they feel more like home.

    Every change is focused on supporting families when they need it most.

    The improvements will help ensure that during life’s most challenging moments, patients and their loved ones receive the highest quality care in the most appropriate and comfortable settings.

    Hospices will begin receiving £25 million for facility upgrades and refurbishments from today as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation.

    The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April. More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool. 

    This cash forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, improving care in the community where people need it most.

    Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said:  

    This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives. 

    Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.

    The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the department, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.  

    The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects, including major building works and facility modernisation, throughout the next financial year.  

    Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said:

    The announcement before Christmas of £100m of additional funding for hospices in England was a significant boost, and today’s news of the allocation of the first £25m of this funding will be a huge relief for our members.

    Several years of rapidly rising costs have curtailed the extent to which hospices have been able to invest in their infrastructure for the longer term. This additional support will enable them to do so – and relieve the immediate pressures on hospice finances.

    The hospice sector is ready to support the government’s ambition to shift more care into the community. This couldn’t be more important for people approaching the end of life, when it’s vital to have the right care, in the right place.

    The greater stability provided by the government’s funding injection this year and next gives us a golden opportunity to now reform the palliative and end of life care system, so it’s fit for the future.

    Nick Carroll, Chief Executive of children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives, said:

    We’re really pleased that the Department of Health and Social Care has moved quickly to finalise the details of this much-needed funding and ensure it is ready for distribution. 

    We know that children’s hospices across England face an increasingly challenging funding landscape, with costs continuing to rise significantly. This investment will help children’s hospices continue to deliver essential care for seriously ill children and their families across England.

    A key focus of the investment will be digital transformation, enabling hospices to modernise their IT systems and improve data sharing between healthcare providers. The funding will also support the development of outreach services, allowing hospices to extend their care beyond their physical buildings. This includes investing in mobile equipment and technology that will help support people who wish to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.  

    Creating more welcoming spaces for families is another priority, with funding allocated for the renovation of family rooms and outdoor areas. These improvements will provide peaceful, comfortable spaces where families can spend precious time with their loved ones during difficult periods.  

    The funding forms part of the government’s commitment to improving end-of-life care services across England, so hospices can continue providing exceptional care in the best possible environments.  

    It also supports the government’s ambitions in the 10 Year Health Plan to shift healthcare out of hospitals into the community and from analogue to digital, to ensure patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting.  

    NOTES TO EDITORS:  

    • Hospice UK is managing the distribution without charging administration fees.
    BREAKDOWN OF FUNDING
    Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust 302,003
    Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service 47,956
    Arthur Rank Hospice Charity 235,374
    Ashgate Hospicecare 211,820
    Barnsley Hospice 80,039
    Bassetlaw Hospice 7,274
    Beaumond House Community Hospice 32,852
    Birmingham – adjusted for 12 months 345,224
    Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice 73,256
    Blythe House Hospice 39,958
    Bolton Hospice 107,466
    Bury Hospice 61,674
    Butterfly Hospice 12,215
    Butterwick Hospice Limited 60,656
    Campden Home Nursing 23,060
    Children’s Hospice South West 275,928
    Claire House Children’s Hospice 172,160
    Community Hospice for Greenwich & Bexley 231,143
    Compton Hospice 217,778
    Cornwall Hospice Care 161,125
    Demelza Hospice Care for Children – Demelza Kent 242,135
    Derian House Children’s Hospice 115,875
    Dorothy House Hospice Care 297,862
    Douglas Macmillan Hospice 328,758
    Dove Cottage Day Hospice 9,309
    Dove House Hospice 111,822
    Dr Kershaw’s Hospice 92,588
    Earl Mountbatten Hospice 332,433
    East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices 222,453
    East Cheshire Hospice 130,738
    East Lancashire Hospice 85,513
    Eden Valley Hospice 92,849
    Ellenor 137,518
    Farleigh Hospice 268,268
    Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice 75,232
    Francis House Children’s Hospice 152,127
    Garden House Hospice 124,170
    Great Oaks, Dean Forest Hospice 25,137
    Halton Haven Hospice 55,394
    Harlington Hospice Association 116,191
    Hartlepool & District Hospice 60,881
    Haven House Children’s Hospice 88,446
    Havens Hospices 261,310
    Heart of Kent Hospice 97,348
    Helen & Douglas House 136,890
    Hope House Children’s Hospices (Hope House) 144,966
    Hospice at Home West Cumbria 33,871
    Hospice at Home, Carlisle and North Lakeland 31,287
    Hospice Care for Burnley & Pendle 95,256
    Hospice in the Weald 199,653
    Hospice of St Francis (Berkhamsted) 121,619
    Hospice of the Good Shepherd 81,185
    HospiceCare North Northumberland 18,653
    Hospiscare (Exeter) 180,911
    Isabel Hospice 120,401
    Jessie May 22,929
    John Eastwood Hospice 12,573
    Julia’s House Ltd. 131,315
    Kate’s Home Nursing 8,843
    Katharine House Hospice (Banbury) 35,454
    Katharine House Hospice (Stafford) 97,658
    Keech Hospice Care 189,753
    Kemp Hospice Trust 21,942
    Kirkwood Hospice 160,020
    Lakelands Hospice 9,251
    Lawrence Home Nursing 9,586
    Lewis-Manning Hospice 49,050
    Lindsey Lodge Hospice 78,577
    Longfield 50,229
    LOROS Leicestershire & Rutland Hospice 302,751
    Marie Curie unadjusted 1,250,000
    Martin House Children’s Hospice 148,596
    Mary Ann Evans Hospice 37,177
    Mary Stevens Hospice 83,256
    Naomi House & Jacksplace Children’s Hospice 122,736
    Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice 114,605
    North Devon Hospice 104,128
    North London Hospice 283,640
    Nottinghamshire Hospice 72,123
    Oakhaven Hospice 157,402
    Overgate Hospice 85,938
    Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice 280,455
    Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent, Canterbury 290,911
    Primrose Hospice 29,035
    Princess Alice Hospice 264,319
    Priscilla Bacon 3,958
    Prospect Hospice 127,153
    Queenscourt Hospice 137,157
    Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People 145,128
    Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care 278,579
    Richard House Children’s Hospice 85,846
    Rosemary Foundation – Hospice at Home 17,247
    Rossendale Hospice 25,229
    Rotherham Hospice 121,115
    Rowcroft – The Torbay & South Devon Hospice 158,301
    Royal Trinity Hospice 318,609
    Saint Catherine’s Hospice (Scaraborough) 104,720
    Saint Francis Hospice 191,131
    Saint Michael’s Hospice (Harrogate) 140,243
    Severn Hospice 229,964
    Shipston Home Nursing 10,206
    Shooting Star CHASE 169,787
    Sidmouth Hospice at Home 16,934
    Sobell House Hospice 78,633
    South Bucks Hospice 19,251
    Springhill Hospice 111,983
    St Andrew’s Hospice (Grimsby) 92,589
    St Ann’s Hospice (Cheadle, Cheshire) 228,447
    St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) 368,232
    St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice 236,601
    St Catherine’s Hospice (Crawley) 203,142
    St Catherine’s Hospice (Lancashire) 166,720
    St Christopher’s Hospice 526,754
    St Clare Hospice (West Essex) 144,945
    St Cuthbert’s Hospice 68,486
    St Elizabeth Hospice 239,262
    St Gemma’s Hospice 225,450
    St Giles Hospice 213,793
    St Helena Hospice 237,083
    St John’s Hospice, Lancaster 126,624
    St Johns, London 147,500
    St Joseph’s Hospice Association 66,973
    St Joseph’s Hospice, HACKNEY 313,531
    St Leonard’s Hospice 144,606
    St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice 84,318
    St Luke’s Hospice (Basildon) 256,843
    St Luke’s Hospice (Harrow & Brent) 129,220
    St Luke’s Hospice (Sheffield) 223,481
    St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth 176,616
    St Margaret’s Hospice – SOMERSET 204,046
    St Mary’s Hospice 86,382
    St Michael’s Hospice (Hereford) 166,755
    St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire) Basingstoke 86,086
    St Michael’s hospice, Hastings 146,943
    St Nicholas Hospice Care 97,852
    St Oswald’s Hospice 252,524
    St Peter & St James Hospice & Continuing Care Centre 78,032
    St Peter’s Hospice (BRISTOL) 251,252
    St Raphael’s Hospice 131,769
    St Richard’s Hospice (WORCESTER) 172,108
    St Rocco’s Hospice 88,421
    St Teresa’s Hospice 76,912
    St Wilfrid’s Hospice (EASTBOURNE) 179,191
    St Wilfrid’s Hospice (SOUTH COAST) – Chichester 141,670
    Sue Ryder unadjusted 1,250,000
    Teesside Hospice Care Foundation 74,899
    Thames Hospice 224,843
    The Martlets Hospice 253,129
    The Myton Hospices 223,905
    The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House 81,531
    The Prince of Wales Hospice 70,669
    The Rowans Hospice 171,289
    The Shakespeare Hospice 32,216
    Treetops Hospice Care 65,496
    Trinity Hospice & Palliative Care Services 205,071
    Tynedale Hospice at Home 16,145
    Wakefield Hospice 78,381
    Weldmar Hospicecare Trust 177,100
    Weston Hospicecare 71,633
    Wigan & Leigh Hospice 123,224
    Willen Hospice 143,687
    Willow Burn Hospice 24,014
    Willow Wood Hospice 60,478
    Willowbrook Hospice 99,908
    Wirral Hospice St John’s 131,516
    Woking Hospice 160,768
    Woodlands Hospice 20,172
    Zoe’s Place – Baby Hospice 75,336
       
       

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Plumbers warned to get up to speed on supervision requirements or face fines

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Building, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

    Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong has welcomed Building Commission NSW warning plumbers across the state to get up to speed on their supervision requirements or face fines in an upcoming targeted compliance campaign.

    Only plumbers with a NSW Government-issued contractor licence or supervisor certificate can do plumbing work without immediate supervision* to ensure work is carried out to required standards.

    To hammer home these requirements to industry, from June this year Building Commission NSW will conduct targeted compliance activities at sites across the state.

    If workers without the right licence are found to be unsupervised, Building Commission NSW can issue fines of up to $1,500 per breach.

    In the event Building Commission NSW finds repeated instances of workers being inappropriately supervised it can also suspend or cancel licences.

    Since September 2024 Building Commission NSW has detected 17 instances of incorrectly supervised plumbing work, sparking concerns plumbers are not taking their obligations seriously.

    In a recent compliance visit to an apartment building site in Port Macquarie, Building Commission NSW found five apprentices working unsupervised, resulting in the licensed plumber being fined $1,500.

    Ahead of the compliance blitz, Building Commission NSW is rolling out a wide-ranging awareness campaign to ensure plumbers around the state know how to stick to the rules.

    The awareness campaign will include direct emails to plumbers across the state, the distribution of newsletters, and engagement with peak bodies, industry and training organisations.

    To further educate plumbers on the supervision requirements, TAFE NSW and Building Commission NSW have also launched a new Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting Regulation short course.

    Developed in consultation with industry and subject matter experts, the new online short course also provides regulatory knowledge and best practice skills required by plumbing professionals.

    TAFE NSW students undertaking their Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services can enroll in the course fully discounted until 1st October 2025.

    For more information on the course, please visit the Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting regulation in NSW course webpage.

    For more information on plumbing supervision requirements, please visit the Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work webpage.

    *Building Commission NSW views ‘immediate supervision’ as the relevant licence holder:

    • Always being physically present and with clear line of sight of the work being carried out by the person they are supervising.
    • Being readily available to provide specific instructions and guidance to enable the work to be undertaken correctly by the individual performing it.
    • Directly overseeing and reviewing the work.
    • Ensuring the completed work is compliant and meets all regulatory requirements.

    Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong:

    “The Minns Labor Government aims to keep every part of the building industry in check through a strong regulatory presence, while also supporting the workforce to comply with its obligations.

    “Building Commission NSW inspections have revealed a concerning lack of awareness about plumbing supervision requirements or even some plumbers deliberately cutting corners. 

    “The point of these requirements is to make sure young apprentices work in a safe environment supported by more experienced workers who will ensure work is done to the required standards while also passing on skills to the next generation of plumbers.

    “We want to give fair warning to the plumbing industry in NSW to pull itself into line and brush up on their supervision requirements.

    “But when the inspectors’ boots hit the ground later this year, plumbers should expect the full weight of the regulator will be put behind the penalties they issue.”

    Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan:

    “The Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting Regulation Microskill course is the latest in a range of courses developed in consultation with industry and subject matter experts aimed at providing the regulatory knowledge and best practice skills required by plumbing professionals to meet the state’s high standards of construction.

    “The course provides engaging, flexible, and industry-responsive learning where students can progress at their own pace and have access to the course for up to six months from the day of enrolment.

    “By offering this Microskill fully discounted to Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services students, TAFE NSW and Building Commission NSW are helping graduates build the right skills from day one.”

    Quotes to be attributed to NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard:

    “Building Commission NSW is seeing a serious lack of awareness about plumbing supervision requirements, with inspectors consistently finding apprentices left on site unsupervised.

    “What licenced plumbers need to remember, is that even if one of their workers has finished their studies at TAFE NSW, if they don’t have the right NSW Government licence they need to be supervised.

    “These supervision requirements are in place to ensure the quality of plumbing work is maintained across NSW, protecting homeowners from expensive repairs down the track.

    “In June our specialist trade inspectors will be out in force to ensure the industry is complying with the requirements, but in the meantime, plumbers are urged to get up to speed.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘They’re meant to help and did the complete opposite’: many children feel silenced by family courts

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Georgina Dimopoulos, Associate Professor, Law, Southern Cross University

    Bricolage/AAP

    When parental separation ends up in the family courts, serious risks such as family violence, child abuse, drug, alcohol or substance misuse, and mental health issues are often involved.

    But many children feel shut out of family court processes that decide what is in their “best interests”.

    My new paper, co-authored with Southern Cross University researchers Eliza Hew, Meaghan Vosz and Helen Walsh and published in the journal Child and Family Social Work, looked at how children felt about their experiences in the family courts.

    We interviewed 41 children and young people aged ten to 19 from Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. Four key themes emerged.

    1. Children feel silenced

    Some children we spoke with felt they were heard by family law professionals. Many, however, described feeling silenced. Penny (all names in this article changed to protect identies), aged 14, said:

    [It was like] someone was standing there and putting something over my mouth so I couldn’t speak […] I should have been allowed in the courtroom and been allowed to say what I wanted.

    Chelsea, 15, felt:

    squashed and I just had to do what I was told and be quiet and suck it up, even if it wasn’t what I wanted.

    Family court orders required Paige, 17, and her sister to spend time with their father, contrary to their expressed wishes. Paige blamed herself, saying:

    That was always one of my biggest regrets because I’m like, maybe if I had said something differently, or emphasised it more, they would have understood what I was trying to say and actually listened […] it wouldn’t have made such traumatic memories, which happened afterwards, when we were forced to see him.

    The children in our study wanted to be heard directly. As Troy, 14, put it:

    Talk to us, not about us.

    Children also told us that they wanted their words conveyed accurately by family law professionals to the court. Lisa, 10, said:

    It’s like whispering to another person, and then you keep whispering, whispering, and then eventually, something comes out differently. People get it mixed up.

    Other children felt speaking up was futile. Ari, 11, said:

    I had some ideas that I wanted, that I thought would be fair, but it never really changed […] So I just stopped talking.

    Some children felt speaking up was futile.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    2. Children feel ‘in the dark’

    Most children we interviewed felt “in the dark” about family court processes. Olive, 11, said she had “no clue what was going on”, while Leo, 13, said:

    I didn’t know anything. I was playing the guessing game.

    Some children got information through their own proactive, even covert efforts. Ava, 13, said:

    I was snooping through Mum’s room and I found some papers.

    Ava then Googled the family court judge who decided her parents’ case, because “she, like, ruined my life. Need to know who.”

    Other children got more information than they wanted.

    Eva, 12, said:

    Mum shared with me lots of the law court stuff and I really wish she didn’t, because I should just be a kid. That was the sort of thing that made me feel […] sort of responsible and it sort of made me look at my mum in a bad way.

    3. Some children will vote with their feet

    Some children said they’d refused to comply with family court parenting orders. As Ava, 13, put it:

    If they can’t listen to me, I’m not going to listen to them.

    Chelsea, 15, explained:

    I wasn’t listened to at all […] in the end, I finally put my foot down, and I was like, “I’m not going to Dad’s”.

    Aaron, 16, and his siblings chose to live with their father, contrary to family court orders. He explained:

    When they said that we had to live with Mum, we just lived with Dad anyway […] They’re meant to help and did the complete opposite.

    4. Children feel less able to trust others

    Children stressed the importance of family law professionals creating space to build trust. But several children felt they were betrayed by law professionals who’d shared what the children had said with their parents.

    Troy, 14, said:

    If I knew what I said was going to get back to Dad, I wouldn’t have said it.

    Jessica, 16, wanted:

    More support on knowing that what I said directly wouldn’t get back to my dad in case I was sent back there, because stuff I said could have really, really, really hurt me if I was sent back.

    Gabrielle, 18, said:

    Adults are meant to be the people that you can trust, particularly when they say that they’re there for your best interest. I lost a lot of trust. I couldn’t trust anyone again.

    Protecting children

    Our study didn’t ask children about details of their family court orders, so it’s possible that, as Aaron, 16, observed, “the people that probably want to do this [research] are probably the people that got messed around”.

    But our findings are important because they expose concerning attitudes about children and their rights in the family courts, and the capacity and skills of professionals to support children to participate meaningfully and safely.

    We’re now working with the children and young people we interviewed to co-create a children’s participation toolkit, which will give children information about their right to participate in family law processes.

    Olive, 11, captures it best:

    You gotta listen to the children, ‘cause it’s their lives. But it’s also like, sometimes they’ve got some pretty great ideas too.

    Georgina Dimopoulos’ research upon which this article is based was partially funded by the Children’s Rights Research Fund (University of Maastricht). She is also a member of the Policy Working Group of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce.

    – ref. ‘They’re meant to help and did the complete opposite’: many children feel silenced by family courts – https://theconversation.com/theyre-meant-to-help-and-did-the-complete-opposite-many-children-feel-silenced-by-family-courts-250636

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orleans Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – An Orleans man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for child pornography offenses.

    Anthony Argo, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Argo pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Argo was arrested and charged in July 2024.

    Argo was identified as the user of a chat application who was expressing sexual interest in minors and sharing CSAM. During a search of his residence, Argo was found in possession of an SD card and multiple USB drives containing thousands of images depicting child pornography. The files depicted children as young as infants.  

    According to court documents, Argo was previously convicted in Barnstable District Court for indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and in Orleans District Court for kidnapping, enticement of a child under 16 and distributing obscene matter to a minor.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Frederick, Maryland and the Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
     

    MIL Security OSI –