This new framework has been designed to give members of the public the assurance that, in choosing a STEP member to draft their Will, they are protected by a set of ethical principles and quality standards.
The STEP Will Writing Code is based on 12 principles, covering such topics as: transparency surrounding costs; dealing with vulnerable people; and being committed to ongoing professional training and development.
Steeles Law has long been a supporter of greater regulation in the Wills industry, having seen many local people experience the difficulties that can arise from a poorly, or incorrectly, drafted Will.
Whilst the Lord Chancellor decided in 2013 not to officially regulate Will Writing, the STEP Code can be seen as a positive step in the right direction. STEP members who fail to adhere to the Code could face disciplinary action.
For further information on drafting or updating your Will, please contact STEP members Karen Bacon or Angela Ireland on 01603 598000 (Norwich), 01379 652141 (Diss) or [email protected].
Hiring can be tricky, and sometimes these two documents get mixed up, causing confusion and frustration during the recruitment process.
On our latest blog, we breakdown the key differences between a job advert and a job description, why it matters – and how getting it wrong, can waste time, money and patience.
Read on below and see how you can start attracting the right talent today:
The employee survey has proven to be a reliable way of gathering accurate information from the very people who make your organisation tick. You can see how you’re doing with staff’s professional development and wellbeing, or how engaged they are feeling.
This feedback is essential if you want to increase productivity levels and prevent your staff job-hunting!
If you’re planning a survey you should also be thinking about how you announce it and, of course, how you encourage people to get involved once it’s live. So let us give you some helpful hints on ramping up those participation levels.
1. Know your audience before creating a survey As with all communications it’s vital that you know your audience before you start putting together the materials. You can’t risk putting your staff off with an overly lengthy, dry survey if you know they’re usually busy with deadlines for example. Give them something more eye-catching and engaging to pique their interest instantly.
2. Launch with a big splash Announcing the opening of the survey can be done in an effective and stylish way! Why not film a short video with the CEO inviting staff to participate? Or how about an HTML email with striking visuals and a clear call to action? The survey launch can be bold, entertaining, clever and meaningful, but whatever you do, make sure you reach out to all of your staff!
3. Be clear about the reasons Employees need to know why you’re running the survey and how their contribution is going to make a difference. Make it crystal-clear that their opinion is essential to the future of the organisation’s success; key decisions will be made based on their feedback. Also, tell them that their answers are completely confidential to encourage them to open up and be 100% honest.
4. Prompt for responses It’s likely that whatever you do to nudge staff to take part in a survey, not everyone will do so. . But for those who can participate but just never seem to find the right moment, a few timely prompts won’t hurt. Desk drops, posters, emails and reminders from managers in team meetings can push things along quite nicely.
5. Offer incentives We all love a freebie! And the good news is that studies show that offering incentives to employees increases the level of responses. Not surprising, you may think! But what’s more interesting is that the size of incentive doesn’t seem to matter. So, whether it’s a novelty prize or something more valuable, people feel obliged to take part in exchange. In fact participants tend to put more time into their answers if they’re rewarded.
6. Promise to help a charity Every year Nationwide Building Society makes a donation to Macmillan for every member that votes in the AGM. If you want to show your support for a local charity, while incentivising and engaging staff, this is the ideal solution. You get precious staff feedback, while your charity partner gets a much-needed financial boost!
So there you have it: tip-top advice that’ll help you gather insight into current challenges and barriers, as well as positive comments on how you’re doing. Soon there’ll be a fantastic opportunity to source staff opinion through the Best Employer, Eastern Region (BEER) survey. Don’t miss the chance to win a ‘Best Employer’ award – get in touch with Pure to find out more: [email protected]!
A free culture and engagement survey launches this month, providing organisations in Cambridgeshire with an invaluable opportunity to gauge their success as a ‘Best Employer’ by asking employees to answer key questions.
Developed by recruitment consultancy firm Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure), and eras Ltd, provider of psychometric and talent solutions, the ‘Best Employer, Eastern Region’ (BEER) survey is open to organisations until July.
Taking place every other year, the free survey concludes with tailored employer reports and the Best Employer awards in October. Normally worth around £2,000, the confidential staff survey captures honest opinions about how staff feel about working for their organisations. It provides employers with a precious opportunity to develop corporate culture, and workplace practises and environment, to benefit both employees and business.
Lynn Walters, Director of Pure, explains: “Asking your staff to take part in a survey is absolutely essential in enabling your business to develop successfully. The results help you identify the adjustments you need to make, in order to increase employee engagement, which is proven to boost productivity, increase customer satisfaction, reduce absenteeism and improve profitability. “Not only that, but the survey produces benchmark data, which enables you to compare your standing against similar employers in Cambridgeshire, and across the East of England. This is critical in terms of knowing what to do to retain staff, especially now the job market is picking up.” Alex Pearce, Managing Director of eras, adds: “The free survey is an unmissable opportunity. With Pure, we provide guidance, advice and material to help employers communicate and deliver the survey. We are also committed to raising the profile of the diverse range of businesses across the region and we present awards based on survey results to small and large employers across the East of England.”
Awards include an overall Best Employer Eastern Region award, and specific awards for areas such as innovation and customer focus.
The Arthur Rank Hospice Charity was a previous survey participant and award-winner. CEO Dr Lynn Morgan recalls: “It was tremendously encouraging to win a Best Employer award. We have developed our plans for the future with all the team behind us. We continue to work together to provide even better care.”
The 15-minute online survey is suitable for organisations of all sizes in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Survey data and results are 100% confidential.
To find out more, visit www.prs.uk.com or contact Anna Hill, Pure’s Marketing Manager, on: 01223 209888 or [email protected].
An accident can leave you out of pocket; you may suffer a loss of wages, medical expenses, travel expenses due to the negligence of another party. Getting advice to assist you with recouping any expense incurred, in addition to an award of compensation for the injury itself will be one less thing to worry about.
Proving Liability of the Defendant
There are three elements which need to be shown when bring a Personal Injury Claim:
1. That the Defendant owed you a duty of care. 2. That the Defendant was in breach of that duty. 3. That the breach of the duty caused a foreseeable risk of injury.
If the above factors can be proved and the Defendants are unable to produce documentation to show they took reasonable care then the likelihood is that we will be able to hold them liable for your injuries.
Your advisor needs to consider the circumstances of your accident to consider if a breach of duty is owed and the possible Defences available to the Defendant and the evidence that will be required to produce if they are to defend a claim.
Limitation
As a general rule, a Claimant is required to bring a claim for compensation in respect of personal injury within three years of the date of the accident.
However, this is of course not always possible, particularly in cases which involve industrial disease. In such circumstances it is possible to bring a claim within three years of the date of knowledge i.e. when you first became aware that the Defendants breach of duty had caused you injury, loss and damage.
In sexual abuse claims, if exceptional circumstances can be proved, the limitation period may be capable of being waived by the Court but certain criteria would need to be met.
Funding Your Claim
Conditional Fee (No Win, No Fee) Agreements
Advising under the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement means that if your claim is unsuccessful you do not pay a penny in respect of fees. However, if your claim is successful the majority of fees are claimed from the Defendant, but you would be required to pay a small percentage of that compensation awarded to you by way of success fee.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Another way to fund a personal injury claim is by utilising a policy of Legal Expenses Insurance which you would find attached to a policy of home or, in the case of RTAs, Car Insurance. Not all Legal Expense Insurers would agree to your instructing solicitors of your choice but it is worth checking your policy.
After the Event Insurance
Qualified One Way Costs Shifting means that only in very limited circumstances you may become responsible for the other side’s costs. Legal Expenses Insurance is still available to protect you in respect of this and also with regards to funding disbursements but it is recommend that you await a liability decision from the Defendants, prior to considering whether such a policy is needed.
Please call me If you would like to discuss any potential claim you may have.
Matt was previously Commercial Director at Devon Norse, in charge of the company’s catering operations.
He takes over from Ray Beale, who is remaining with the company in a consultative role overseeing the transfer of additional facilities management operations from Devon County Council.
Commenting on his new role Matt said, “This is a very exciting time for Devon Norse, as we expand our partnership with Devon County Council and continue to grow our portfolio of public and private sector clients. We have a tremendous, committed and enthusiastic team at Devon Norse, and I look forward to continuing the excellent leadership Ray has given since the formation of the company three years ago.”
Norse Managing Director Peter Hawes, commented, “We are delighted that Matt has accepted the role of Managing Director for Devon Norse. His varied experience across a number of divisions of the company, and his proven management expertise, meant that he was an obvious choice for the position. Matt is a perfect example of how anyone within the company can, with the right attitude, skills development and commitment, make a career with Norse that leads them to top flight roles.”
Matt has worked for Devon Norse’s parent group for fourteen years, starting as a cook in residential homes and progressing through the catering team before transferring to an Environmental Services Manager’s post. He moved to Commercial Services Manager at Norse’s head offices in Norwich, managing the cleaning services throughout East Anglia and for Enfield Norse in 2010, and in 2013 became one of the company’s first BTEC Level 7 graduates.
Devon Norse has a staff of over 1300, who provide a wide range of cleaning and catering services to education, NHS, civic and private establishments across Devon and the South West. The company provides over 200,000 meals to schools across the county every month.
Rapidly-evolving energy services company Proserv has been awarded its largest contract yet for subsea controls by a leading oilfield service company, bringing a significant jobs boost to the Great Yarmouth area.
The contract, which is worth around $40million (approx £24m), reinforces Proserv’s global footprint and market-leading position in the subsea technology sector. It will see the company provide nine subsea control systems to support deepwater workover controls services for several projects in Brazil up to 2,500m water depth.
Overall project execution along with the engineering and build of the subsea control systems will be carried out at Proserv’s Great Yarmouth facilities. The company’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, will deliver the accompanying hydraulic power units.
The systems will be delivered to the client in a phased approach throughout 2015 in line with key project milestones.
Proserv is already on target to create 90 new jobs in the Great Yarmouth region this year as a result of this contract win and due to continued business growth.
David Lamont, Proserv’s chief executive officer, said: “This significant contract award is testament to the hard-work, expertise and experience of our entire team and further evidence of the great reputation we have built, and continue to build globally.
“At Proserv, we are able to offer clients the latest developments in technologies and can back it up with industry experts who have a real depth of knowledge in the area they work in. This, combined with our track record for delivering value-added products on time and in budget, were crucial factors in securing this contract.”
John Willmott, general manager of Proserv’s Great Yarmouth facilities, said: “Winning this award is a huge achievement for the company, but especially for our team here in Great Yarmouth. The skills and expertise of our people is in high demand and we are exporting some of the most technically advanced subsea equipment to clients all over the world.
“In line with the company’s rapid global growth, we are continuing to invest in our people, facilities and technologies to support our future sustainable expansion and strong order pipeline.”
Proserv, which operates worldwide through 31 operating centres based in 11 countries, has a 40-year track record in delivering bespoke technologies and services for the energy industry, particularly in the drilling, production, subsea and marine market sectors. In February Proserv announced it had acquired precision engineering firm KRG Industries, a well-established provider of machining, welding, inspection and testing services to the oil & gas, aerospace and defence industries.
The deal comes several months after Proserv acquired Australian-headquartered Velocious, a pioneering subsea intervention and tooling company.
Cozens-Hardy LLP is pleased to announce that solicitor Christina Stöhr has joined the firm’s busy private client department.
Christina, who qualified in 2000, is a highly experienced private client solicitor, providing advice on wills, estate planning, the administration of estates and trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. Christina has a special interest in advising elderly clients, particularly care provision and funding and is currently enrolled on the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Diploma programme.
Commented Michelle Collins, Partner and head of the firm’s Private Client department:
“Christina will be a real asset to our team and will play a key role in helping us continue to deliver the firm’s high levels of service and exceptional client care.”
Christina added:
“Cozens-Hardy is particularly well known for its private client work and I am looking forward to joining such a well respected and motivated team.”
Cozens-Hardy’s private client practice offers a full range of services including wills and codicils, obtaining probate and the administration of trusts, disputed estates, living wills, Powers and Attorney, Court of Protection work and Charity Law. The team also offers expert advice on wealth management, planning for business or property succession, tax planning and tax efficiency.
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For further information please contact: Clare Haylett ph: 07764 270570 and [email protected]
As the temperature drops and the mornings get darker, workplaces across the UK face new safety challenges. Icy paths, wet floors, and reduced daylight can all increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, some of the most common causes of workplace accidents.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your team safe through the colder months.
Here are some practical steps every employer should take this winter.
1. Plan Ahead for Icy Conditions
Don’t wait for the first frost to start thinking about grit!
Identify key areas such as entrances, car parks, and walkways that need regular gritting.
Assign responsibility– make sure it’s clear who checks weather forecasts and who applies grit when needed.
Keep supplies stocked, including grit, shovels, and high-visibility signs for when surfaces are being treated.
2. Keep Floors Dry and Clean
Winter weather often means wet shoes and dripping coats, which can quickly make indoor floors slippery.
Use absorbent mats at all entry points.
Encourage staff to wipe footwear and hang wet clothing in designated areas – Although remember to not store damp or wet clothing on or near to heaters directly, fires could occur
Make sure cleaning teams are aware of the increased risk and mop up spills or puddles promptly.
3. Light the Way
Reduced daylight can make hazards harder to spot.
Check thatoutdoor lighting is bright enough and working properly, especially in car parks and around entrances – Think about the type of work and lighting levels needed to suitably illuminate the space
Consider motion-sensor lights to save energy while keeping areas illuminated.
Inside, ensure corridors and stairwells are well-lit and any broken bulbs are replaced quickly.
4. Encourage Sensible Footwear
Footwear might not seem like a safety priority, but it can make all the difference.
Remind staff to wear non-slip, waterproof shoes or boots with good tread. Now is also a good time to check with your PPE suppliers that your standard-issue items are up to scratch.
Provide guidance or financial support where safety footwear is required.
For office environments, consider keeping spare shoe covers or mats for visitors.
5. Review and Refresh Your Risk Assessments
Winter conditions can change your workplace risks.
risk assessments to reflect the hazards and control measures required by the changing seasons.
Conduct safety walk-arounds before and after extreme weather to ensure your workplace is prepared and to identify any new hazards.
Ensure staff are aware of reporting procedures for near misses and unsafe conditions, and remind them that they are empowered to sort a hazard when they see it if it is safe to do so and they are able.
6. Communicate Regularly
Safety awareness is highest when it’s kept front of mind.
Share seasonal reminders via email, posters, or team briefings.
Highlight the importance of reporting hazards early.
Lead by example – management should model safe behaviour at all times.
By taking a proactive approach to winter safety, you can prevent accidents and keep your workplace running smoothly, whatever the weather brings.
KLM re-introduces fourth daily frequency to Schiphol
Yesterday saw the reintroduction of a fourth daily KLM service from Norwich International Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol following a very successful introduction for summer 2013.
The increased frequency will provide better connections to destinations such as Dubai, Lima and Toronto. In addition, point to point business travellers can also benefit from the convenient flight schedule out of Norwich, which enables them to conduct a full day’s business in the Netherlands removing the need and cost of an overnight stay.
KLM, via their award winning hub airport in Amsterdam, offers local travellers over 100 worldwide destinations on its intercontinental network and over 650 destinations across KLM’s Skyteam partner networks. All accessible with just a one hour check-in at Norwich and baggage checked through to final destination.
The addition of the fourth daily service again this summer further cements Norwich’s position as one of KLM’s most successful departure points on its extensive UK network.
Andrew Bell CEO of Norwich International Airport commented, “KLM’s additional commitment to Norwich Airport is very welcome and we hope that business passengers and those wishing to travel to visit friends and relatives will take advantage of the improved worldwide connectivity”.
For more information on KLM visit www.klm.com or call 0871 231 0000.
Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) in Norwich hosted a fun-packed annual charity quiz night last Thursday (20th March 2014) at the De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel, raising £1,784 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Forty teams from local businesses with team names such as “Goodbye Doctor Who”, “We Thought It Was A Disco”, “Les Quizerables”, “The Scrambled Eggheads” and “Sew Smart…Not” gathered at the De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel for the annual charity quiz evening which was organised by Pure – a leading specialist recruitment consultancy businesses in the East of England.
Norfolk businesses including Heinz, South Norfolk Council, Parker Andrews, Broadland Housing, Wensum Tailoring and Larking Gowen came along for the evening of friendly rivalry. It was “TEAM Name” from Team Energy that claimed the quiz crown, with each lucky team member winning a bottle of champagne. A raffle also proved popular with superb prizes including a round of Golf for 4 at Dunston Hall, Booja Booja chocolates, Chapelfield shopping vouchers and Kettle Foods donated a large case of crisps. In addition, an iPad mini was generously donated by NHS professionals!
Gill Buchanan, Director of Pure, said: “The charity quiz evenings that we organise annually are always such an enjoyable occasion… Not only do they encourage local businesses to join together and contribute to such a fantastic charity as EACH, but also the amount raised always surpasses our expectations. I’d like to thank all of the businesses that contributed to the event. Our relationship with EACH is very important to us and we are so proud to be supporting a wonderful charity.”
Gary Cook, EACH Norfolk Fundraiser, said: “We are extremely grateful to Pure Resourcing Solutions, Norwich for once again supporting EACH with their annual quiz. We would also like to thank the local business community for getting involved in this fun event whether that is by entering a team into the quiz or supplying a raffle prize. The fantastic amount raised from the event will go a long way to helping us to deliver our services of caring for local life-threatened children and supporting their families.”
The quiz brings the total that Pure has now raised for EACH in the last decade to over £52,000. To find out more about Pure’s fundraising activity, contact Anna Hill, Marketing Manager on: 01223 209888 or [email protected].