A new national forum is bringing together speakers from York Trades Council, Asbestos Victims Support Groups – South Yorkshire and Bradford and the Joint Union Asbestos Committee this Wednesday, 26 February, in York.

The event marks the launch of a new Forum, dedicated to networking, campaigning and providing the very latest information, to help victims and their families. www.asbestosforum.co.uk. (more…)

That is the question being posed by this year’s Expert Witness Conference. I am delighted to be involved with the Institute as a Governor and an active member of their Events & Marketing Committee.

Their annual event is held in London and this year takes place on Thursday, 25 September. Expert witnesses, solicitors and barristers will hear presentations on some interesting and highly ‘current’ topics including the role of expert witnesses,  legal aid and the ongoing debates around access to justice.

The day is open to everyone with an interest in expert witness work….not just for the membership and we’re delighted that Lord Daniel Brennan QC, Professor Adrian Zuckermann and Michael Napier CBE, QC have all agreed to take part. Here is a link to the Institute’s site

The Expert Witness Institute’s aims include providing support to experts from all professional disciplines and working with lawyers to make use of experts and engage fully with them.

An opportunity for experts and lawyers to talk and learn together, for the benefit of the people they work for.

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched its policy review on the asbestos management in schools. The consultation closing date is 31st March. The review calls for evidence from all organisations and individuals with an interest in the issue.

This includes local authorities, schools, teachers, support staff, governors, unions, parents, epidemiologists, scientists, risk experts, asbestos consultants, politicians, victims, doctors, solicitors, coroners- everyone who is involved with, or has been affected by asbestos in schools.

It is essential that DfE is provided with wide ranging evidence that clearly shows them the scale of the problem and whether or not their present policies are working.

The consultation questions are of a limited nature. Do not be restricted by them.

This is the chance to make a fundamental difference to Government policies on asbestos in schools.

Please respond fully and distribute the call for evidence as widely as possible.

The call for evidence for the DfE review of policy on asbestos management in schools is now live on the Government’s website and at the link below:

Asbestos management in schools:  DfE policy review – Consultations – GOV.UK ;

For more information about the asbestos in schools campaign visit the juac website

To read the APPG booklet Asbestos in Schools – a need for further action please follow follow this link

I urge you to read it and if you have something to say then please say it!

Julie Winn, Chair, Joint Union Asbestos Committee and Head of Asbestos Unit, Pattinson & Brewer

An Employment Tribunal has found the Civil Nuclear Constabulary guilty of discrimination against two of its female Authorised Firearm Officers (AFOs) in the provision of suitable firearms and safety equipment.

Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles are officers based in two different installations, who complained separately of sex discrimination at regular mandatory test shoots. (more…)

 Julie Winn, Chair of the Joint Unions Asbestos Committee (JUAC) has spotted a golden opportunity that the Government are letting go to waste!

Extending a planned Property Data Survey  for 8,000 schools would allow Government to collect critical information on the presence of asbestos in schools across the country. Read more from JUAC here

The survey is an attempt by Government to assess the condition of school buildings across England. 75% of  which still contain asbestos.