For individuals applying for posts in England and Wales, minor cautions and convictions will no longer be listed as part of the check. This announcement follows a ruling in January by the Court of Appeal who argued that blanket checks did not comply with human rights laws.

The ruling suggests that convictions that have not resulted in a custodial sentence will be stripped out of checks after 11 years (for adults) and five and half years for young offenders.

All serious offences including those of a violent and sexual nature will continue to be disclosed.

In December 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This new organisation provides a joined up service to combine the criminal records and barring functions, with further legislative changes to follow later in 2013/2014.

New Directions has a fully-trained Compliance team based within their head office in Cardiff. The team is responsible for ensuring that all candidates who apply to work via the business are fully vetted and comply with all industry standards, including completion of a DBS.

The post Announcement made – criminal record checks to be relaxed appeared first on New Directions Recruitment Services.

This year New Directions employed their very first Apprentice in the shape of Melissa Hale. She is undertaking a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Administration, working as HR Administrator in the companies head office in Cardiff.

Read more about Melissa’s journey as New Direction’s first Apprentice here…

How did you hear about the Apprenticeship programme?

When I joined New Directions the HR team I worked within was extremely supportive. As I started to learn more about the business, and my role within the team, it was suggested that we formalise my progress with an Apprenticeship programme. I hadn’t considered this as an option previously, but once I understood more about the programme I was delighted to enrol.

What will be the outcome for you at the end of the programme?

The Apprenticeship programme is for a year, during that time I will complete a NVQ in Business Administration at Level 2. I will have also gained invaluable experience of working within a HR department. The qualification and work experience will be invaluable for my future career progression.

How is the Apprenticeship programme different to traditional post 16 education?

The main difference between traditional education and an Apprenticeship is the experience of the real world you get which you just don’t get with a traditional course. Also you earn while you learn which is a big bonus.

How have you fitted in as part of the New Directions team?

I feel I have fitted in well at New Directions; everyone has been welcoming and ready to help. It is my first job in an office setting, I was daunted before I started however I feel I have adapted well.

Being the first Apprentice in the business, do you feel you can lead the way for others in the future?

Being the first Apprentice in the business is an exciting opportunity for me and also the company. I think I can definitely lead the way for future Apprentices at New Directions.

The main way I can do this is to be collaborative with New Directions with my experiences, so the programme can be even better for the future. It is a thrilling prospect for me being able to be involved in putting together the programme for future Apprentices.

Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to others and if so, why?

Yes – I would definitely recommend an Apprenticeship to others.

An Apprenticeship gives you a chance to do the practical as opposed to just the theory you would normally do in college. The skills gained by actually experiencing the role are invaluable. Also you earn as you are learning.

What has been the biggest learning curve for you in becoming an Apprentice for New Directions?

Working at New directions is my first time working in an office based role, I have learned a lot about the different departments a company has, as well as communication and office skills. There is a lot more to working in an office than I previously thought.

What advice would you give to other young people looking for career options post 16?

I would advise anyone who is thinking about their options post 16 to think about what kind of career they are looking to having in the future. There are of course some careers that you need to follow a traditional route however there are a wide range of opportunities for Apprentices so they should definitely consider an Apprenticeship. Being an Apprentice means that you not only gain the qualification – you also get the experience, get paid and as at the same time you also build your confidence.

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Single handed communication is a form of sign language that has been developed for those with restricted movement. Using only one hand, individuals can communicate to those around them about their needs.

Derek, who has worked with New Directions for a number of years, developed the system after a near fatal vehicle crash in 1994. The individual who saved Derek’s life that day was deaf. After recovering from the crash and witnessing other loved ones struggling to communicate after illness, he struck upon the notion of single handed communication.

Derek says of the system ‘I really wanted to help empower individuals, giving them back some dignity and alleviate the frustration of not being heard or getting their needs met,”

Statistics indicate that one in every 250 people will suffer a stroke this year. Other illnesses and repercussions of accidents and brain trauma can also leave individuals debilitated. Derek felt that in creating this method of communication, he could give a voice to those struggling to use their own.

The Single Hand Communication method consists of 54 prompt cards that identify vital words such as help, thirsty, toilet etc.

Derek worked with partner Jan and PR and Marketing guru Heather Gifford to develop, implement and market the Single Hand Communication method. The system has already helped a number of individuals, with one family member commenting ‘Our entire family saw Mum’s frustration dramatically reduce after using the SHC method of communication – what an excellent idea’.

For more information about this pioneering method of communication visit http://www.singlehandcommunication.co.uk

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2012 has been quite a year for the business; which began life with Chairman Jeff Tune sleeping on an office floor to save costs back in 1999. With year on year growth of around 30% and nine operating teams, across the England and Wales, New Directions have enjoyed winning preferred supplier status with 19 boroughs across the UK.

Speaking about his delight at making the list, Jeff Tune commented ‘We are absolutely delighted at making the Hot 100 list. All of our teams make a difference daily to evolving and growing New Directions. When this company started as a family-run agency, we committed to celebrating all of our team successes. This is a real highlight for 2012’.

New Directions was set up in 1999 by Jeff and Zoe Tune. The business now operates throughout the UK and employs over 125 staff. The company has made a real commitment to evolving as an employer of choice in the last 12 month.

Ruth Dalton, Group Communications Manager adds ‘This acknowledgement by the Recruiter really is the feather in the cap of 2012. We have grown so much as a company and witnessed real innovation in the business. This year we developed a series of values by which we conduct our business, we implemented an IVF policy for our staff and strengthened the team with a number of key appointments’.

New Directions will now attend a gala dinner in London in December to celebrate their achievement with the other worthy members who made the list.

For full details of the Hot 100 list

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Hybu Pobl Ifanc has brought together a choir of 1,000+ young voices – drawn from schools and colleges across South Wales, who are accompanied by an Orchestra from the Royal College of Music and Drama, to stage a concert in the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena. The team have succeeded in attracting star guest performances from West End superstar John Owen-Jones and Soprano Gwawr Edwards. John Owen-Jones is fresh from his success as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, and his record breaking run as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. The evening will be presented by Behnaz Akhgar with a special guest appearance from Pudsey Bear.

The concert will feature a wide variety of music, and the huge logistical challenge of co-ordinating and conducting such a formidable gathering of young voices falls to the Musical Director Jeff Ryan. Volunteers from Hybu Pobl Ifanc, who originated the idea, will be working hard behind the scenes and in front of house to help give the audience a night to remember.

Hybu Pobl Ifanc is a voluntary organisation with members aged 16-18 from Cardiff, Newport & Blaenau Gwent who work to develop their volunteering skills and gain experience of event management to benefit others. Over the years they have raised tens of thousands of pounds in support of BBC Children in Need, but this is by far their most ambitious undertaking to date.

Co-ordinator Gill James comments “This is young people supporting young people, learning valuable skills in the process, and helping raise resources for children who really need their support. Being able to do this with the active support of two internationally renowned musical stars is a tremendous boost, and I hope the Arena will be sold out on a memorable evening.”

Jeff Tune, Chairman of New Directions – sponsor for the event added "This time of the year, the Children in Need efforts are very close to our hearts. We work within the communities the event aims to raise funds for, and we want to add our support. We would implore people in the area to get involved, buy a ticket, offer a donation, give something back'.

Tickets for the event are now available, and can be purchased via Ticketline: Tel – 0844 8889991 www.ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13276220

The post New Directions Backs Ambition in Fund Raising appeared first on New Directions Recruitment Services.

This award also compliments Victoria’s efforts in being shortlisted for the 2012 ‘Leading Wales Awards’ in the category of Leading Leadership Skills Development.

Victoria, who has worked for New Directions in Cardiff for four years, spoke of her delight at the award ‘This year has been one of the most exciting in my career. I am very flattered at receiving the People 1st award, as well as being short listed for the prestigious Leaders in Wales awards. I have been in post as Group Learning and Development Manager for one year, and I am proud at what we have achieved with both internal and external training.’

Victoria was chosen to join a team of people to train volunteers selected to be ambassadors in Wales throughout the Olympics for events hosted by the capital city. In helping to deliver customer service and ensuring the ‘warm Welsh welcome’ was felt by all visitors, Victoria has contributed to the Olympic legacy in Wales.

Speaking about Victoria’s participation in the Olympic training programme, a spokesperson for Cardiff County Council said ‘As the dust settles on the 2012 Olympic Games, Cardiff can look back on its contribution with pride. As a host to Olympic football matches and pre-games training camps, Cardiff’s involvement with London 2012 has been an overwhelming success. This has been down in no small part to the contribution of the Cardiff Host Council Ambassadors’.

Jeff Tune, Chairman for New Directions also praised Victoria’s efforts ‘We are all delighted at the recognition Victoria has received in her pursuit for excellence in training. She strives to ensure people both within and external to our business possess the best possible skills to carry out their roles.’

Victoria is currently delivering a leadership and management programme to all New Directions management team. Individuals will benefit from receiving a Level 5 qualification accredited by the ILM.

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