Liverpool City Council are looking for 2 financial experts to strengthen the scrutiny of its auditing and governance procedures

AS part of the response to the recent Best Value Inspection, the Local Authority is looking for independent people with practical experience in professional services such as financial management, or accountancy, to sit on the Audit Committee as co-opted independent technical advisers. The Committee provides an independent and high level focus on the Council's audit, assurance and reporting arrangements. It reviews the Council's governance, risk management and control frameworks, and oversees the financial reporting and annual governance processes. The Committee also develops, maintains and monitors the codes of conduct for Councillors and co-opted members. Candidates should ideally have practical experience in areas such as financial management, accountancy, governance, or other professional services. Previous experience of working with Audit Committees is helpful, but is not essential. The Committee meets approximately 6 times in a financial year and candidates will be expected to serve for 3 years. The successful applicants will receive expenses, but not an allowance, or remuneration. More information can be found at:- Liverpool.Gov.UK; the closing date for expressions of interest is 27 July 2021.

Councillor Kris Brown, Chair of the Audit Committee, said:- "These roles are a key part of making the Council's scrutiny procedures as strong as they possibly can be. We want the members of the Audit Committee to be getting the best possible advice, enriching their ability to scrutinise the organisation. The co-opted members will bring additional knowledge and expertise, reinforcing the committee's political neutrality and independence. Providing constructive challenge, as part of the committee, supports the Council's ambition for open and transparent Government in the wake of the recent Best Value Inspection. An ideal applicant could be a retired accountant or financial professional, or someone who is working or has worked at a senior level in the sector. By being a member of the committee you can play a role in supporting the Council on its improvement journey. You don't need to be an expert in how the Council works, as you will get specific training to undertake the role effectively. If you think you could make a positive contribution to the work of the committee, please get in touch to express interest."
 

New Summer Jobseekers Portal Launches

JOBSEEKERS are set to benefit from further Government efforts, from 16 July 2021, thanks to a new summer jobs portal as vacancies ramp up. As the country continues on the roadmap to easing restrictions, the Department for Work and Pensions is highlighting seasonal jobs up for grabs for people of all ages; with vacancies on offer in the:- fishing, Hospitality and travel sectors. The platform also provides another opportunity for young people to get a foot in the door, gain experience for a CV and stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs in the future. Whether on a break from college or waiting to start a degree, there are numerous roles available, giving youngsters a chance to build all important practical skills. It also gives jobseekers of all ages a simple way to shop the jobs that are available with the website providing breakdowns by location and job type. The dedicated portal is available on the jobs website Find a Job, making it easier for jobseekers to find roles available in their area and employers are also being urged to get on board.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:- "As the Great British summer ramps up, we're delighted to have launched a new jobs portal. Whether it's a seasonal or temporary role, the portal offers jobseekers an accessible one stop shop. We know this has been a challenging time but we are serious about supporting Britain's workforce as we build back better; brighter days are ahead."

Adam Sharp, Work Coach Team Leader at Oldham Jobcentre, added:- "Summer jobs are a win win for both jobseekers and employers. They can offer young people an insight into the world of work and provide the perfect stop gap while people are in between jobs. For employers, the additional seasonal trade that summer brings often means a need for more staff and we're on hand to support."

Adam's top tips on applying for a job via the portal:-

► Research the company you're applying to and tailor your CV to every role.

► Think about what skills and experience you can bring.

► Use the GOV.UK Job Help website to get advice on how to stand out.

► Practice interviews with family and friends, or your Work Coach.

► Personality is key; show the employer what makes you, you!

Jobseekers can also use the Job Help website for advice on next steps from training opportunities to pivoting roles or sectors. For more information about what is available for jobseekers, visit the:- 'Find a Job' website.
 

Liverpool blood donors needed to fill extra appointments to help NHS through summer as demand for blood increases

BLOOD donors in Liverpool are being urged by the NHS to make and keep an appointment to donate over the critical summer months, as demand for blood creeps back to normal capacity. Extra appointments have been added at Liverpool Donor Centre to help meet this rise in demand. Currently only 6 in 10 appointments in July 2021 are booked.

As life and the NHS begins to return to normal, NHS Blood and Transplant needs to keep blood stocks strong. New, regular and returning blood donors are urged to make and keep an appointment in Liverpool over the summer months to help ensure patients continue to get the lifesaving blood they need for:- emergencies, childbirth, surgery, cancer treatment and to treat blood and medical conditions.

Right now there is a particular need for more donors with certain blood types, though all types remain in demand. O negative donors; the universal blood type; are the lifeblood of the emergency services and donations are always needed.

B negative is one of the rarest blood types. It is hard to find donors with this blood type, so donors with this type are needed to keep stocks up and help patients.

This week the NHS is writing to all registered donors in Liverpool who don't currently have an appointment booked urging them to make a donation.

Liverpool Donor Centre moved to a temporary location at the Capital Building earlier this year. Please continue to donate at this site ahead of the opening of the new permanent location at Unit 1, 5 St. Pauls Square, Liverpool, L39SJ; a short distance from the Capital Building, on 19 August 2021. Further information on this will be communicated to donors in due course.

Nadine Eaton, Head of Blood Donation Marketing at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:- "We want all patients to get the lifesaving blood they need over the summer months and are appealing to our amazing donors to make and keep an appointment to give blood at Liverpool Donor Centre. We are seeing a rise in demand for blood from Hospitals, so we need our loyal donors more than ever to help us to keep Hospitals supplied with lifesaving blood. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives. Liverpool Donor Centre is open as usual with extra safety measures in place. If you are fit and healthy please make an appointment to donate. If you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible."

Extra safety measures are in place across all blood donation sessions. All donors are triaged with a temperature check on arrival. Hand gels and hand washing facilities are available, donors are spaced apart and staff are doing extra cleaning. Staff and donors wear face coverings.

The appeal from NHS Blood and Transplant for donors to book extra appointments for the summer months coincides with landmark new individualised eligibility criteria for blood donation, which will allow many more people to donate while keeping blood just as safe. From 14 June 2021 anyone who has had the same sexual partner for the last three months will be eligible to donate, providing other eligibility criteria are met. In particular, this change will enable more people from the LGBT+ community to donate.

Give blood and help the NHS this summer:-

• Liverpool has a Donor Centre at Suite A, The Capital Building, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP. Please continue to donate at this site ahead of the opening of the new permanent location at Unit 1, 5 St. Pauls Square L3 9SJ; a short distance from the Capital Building; on 19 August 2021.

• Book appointments and check the latest guidance on Covid19 and giving blood by visiting the website:- Blood.Co.UK, calling:- 03001232323, or downloading the NHS Give Blood app.

Donors are reminded to follow all relevant Government transport guidance when making a journey to give blood.