Blogging along

Welcome to the blog. My, how the time has flown since last week’s jottings and what a busy week it has been. The week started with the Apex 5 revision days on Monday and Tuesday- Well done to all the attendees!

Yesterday was a pretty exciting day both home and away. Raymond was here in Edinburgh and it has been reported that he was the star of the meeting of the Education Committee.

Unfortunately,I was unable to attend this prestigious event as I was jet-setting once again, Leeds being my port of call on this occasion. Once again everything went like clockwork. Thanks to all the attendees and to the hosts of the session down there in Yorkshire.

While Raymond and I were busy, the pound jumped above $2 for the first time this year yesterday after the Bank of England held UK base rates at 5.25%.

Well it is desk-bound time today catching up with this and that and of course writing a blog.

Next week brings the final week of our Academy at Heriot-Watt University here in Edinburgh. Welcome back to all students- I am sure that you will have a fun week as always.

We are also running a couple of Introductory days here at CIOBS on Wednesday and Thursday. I will be hosting on Wednesday with Raymond doing the honours on Thursday.

This week’s news podcast which can be found here
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/about/what_podcasts.cfm

Is very special and unique. Take a listen and you will here a very special voice. Of course it is the very last item, so hopefully you will listen to the sound of my voice before the dulcet tones of our mystery contributor.

My colleague Martin Fishman our Manager, Corporate Services and Events, advises me of the following event:

An Access to Funds Presentation will be taking place here at CIOBS on Wednesday 26 March 2008. (2.00pm – 4.15pm)

What is this? I hear you ask.

Well I will answer as follows:

On 1 April 2008, additional sections of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, will come into force and, in doing so, further amend areas of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Whilst there are some minor changes relating to powers of attorney and guardianship, there will be a significant amendment to Part 3 of the 2000 Act, currently referred to as Accounts and Funds.

For the first time, organisations, as well as individuals, will be able to apply to access an adult with incapacity’s funds under Part 3 of the 2000 Act in order to manage that person’s day to day living expenses.

Who Should Attend?

Operational and legal staff employed by financial institutions who can act as point of contact and give appropriate advice and direction to their front line colleagues. This event is open to both members and non-members of CIOBS

How much?

There is no charge to attend this event but places are limited and must be booked in advance. Members may book online at www.ciobs.org.uk. Non members (or those without internet access) should email Martin Fishman (martin@ciobs.org.uk) or fax details to 0131 473 7788.

Have a great weekend
Michael (A cheeky blogger)