Latest Articles By Simon Collyer

The National Audit Office has today published its findings from its investigation into HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) contract with Concentrix. The three-year contract, signed in May 2014, was to provide additional capacity and analysis to re...

Third sector groups have today welcomed the Scottish Government’s introduction of flexibilities to the system of Universal Credit (UC) brought about by the Tories.   The increased choice on how UC payments are made in Scotland, including t...

Chair's comment Frank Field MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: "We are pleased the Government has today announced an extension of the period for which BSP will be paid from 12 to 18 months. This is a very important change for familie...

National Citizen Service has had some early successes but it is too soon to assess its long-term impact, according to the National Audit Office. Young people have been positive about the NCS experience, with 84% of participants in 2015 saying they wo...

"At a time when economic measures are generally improving, this is not necessarily reflected in how people tell us they are feeling about their lives. Whilst it is too early to say why anxiety ratings have increased slightly and why life satisfaction...

There is an amazing opportunity coming up for young people aged 18-25, who are not in training, education or employment. You can get a free 6 week Get into Adult Support Services programme in partnership with Colchester Institute and TLC Limited is a...

St Albans CVS & Volunteer Centre are running two clinics on the 19th Jan in Harpenden and 25th Jan in Hatfield for anyone who wants to test their ideas for setting up a social enterprise.   http://www.volunteerstalbans.org.uk/inspiring-socia...

Tragically Rick Parfitt is not going to work no more. We saw Quo at the Kursal Southend on a sprung dance floor (!!!) and in Rochester on the River Medway. It seemed too soon to make the connection after his sad passing, but now we feel we can. Very...

Ten of the most bizarre excuses used by unscrupulous bosses found to have underpaid workers the National Minimum Wage have been revealed. List of strangest excuses for underpaying National Minimum Wage published government launches £1.7 millio...

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant has announced £7.8 million for the Homelessness Prevention Programme for 2017/18. The grant supports Local Authorities and third sector organisations to deliver front line service...