service

Social enterprises and organisations pursuing a public service mission are being invited to put forward their plan for the future running of Devon’s youth services.

Devon County Council approved proposals to divest the service to an independent organisation, such as an employee-led public service mutual or other social enterprise in October last year, and is now welcoming bids from those who want to deliver the service on their behalf from 1 February 2017.

Cllr Barry Parsons, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the youth service says the move is...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service hosted former Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight on Monday 20 June, to discuss the Service’s progress on recommendations in his 2013 report Facing the Future.

In his Government-commissioned review, Sir Ken published his conclusions as to how English fire and rescue services could become more cost-effective and efficient in the future.

The report found that while incidents had reduced by 40 per cent in the last decade, the fire and rescue service could achieve greater cost savings by using different staffing models and...

Anyone with experience of the RD&E’s cancer services is being invited to help boost public and patient membership of a joint group set up by the Trust.

The Trust has set up the Exeter Cancer User Group as part of its commitment to continuously improve its cancer services.

One of its key aims is to hear the views and experiences of both past and present cancer patients and their families/carers and in particular identify ways they feel the Trust can develop and strengthen its cancer services.

The level of commitment needed for anyone wanting to join is very light...

Today (1 April) marks the start of a bright future for Devon’s libraries as a new and independent organisation operating outside of the County Council. Libraries Unlimited, a staff and community-owned social enterprise, was established with the support of the council following extensive public consultation on the future of the library service. They will now run the library service on behalf of the County Council in a move to secure the future of all 50 of the County’s libraries and save a further £1.5 million in addition to the £3 million already saved from the library service budget over...

Christmas is fast approaching and with the colder weather also arriving, cosy chimney fires are being lit. Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are encouraging you to check your chimney is clean, safe and swept for Santa’s arrival.

Chimney fires can cause serious structural damage to a home, with the risks being even greater if the property has a thatched roof. The damage is not only fire based but also the dirt and smell left from all the soot and smoke, which would affect your personal property, including all your Christmas presents.

Chimneys need to be dirt...

Nearly 1,200 people attended Exeter Hospiscare’s Light Up a Life remembrance service at the city’s cathedral.

The Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jonathan Draper welcomed the congregation saying the cathedral was invented for services like this. While the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, Bishop of Crediton and a vice-president of Hospiscare outlined the local charity’s work and said the care given would not be possible without the support of so many people and thanked the congregation for attending.

Exe Valley Strings and the Exeter Police and Community Choir performed,...

Members of the public are being asked to keep an eye on their neighbours at Christmas to help keep them safe from fire.

The appeal follows a fire in Mount Dinham, Exeter, on 10 December, during which firefighters discovered the body of a man.

Three fire crews attended the incident and extinguished the fire. The 89-year-old man was found close to a gas fire in a ground floor lounge.

Investigations are continuing into the incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner but there have been several fire-related deaths that Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue...

With the festive season nearly upon us, Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, is organising a series of twelve ‘Lights of Love’ evenings across the UK for parents, family and friends of those whose baby has died.

In Exeter, the non-denominational evening of traditional carols, inspirational readings and beautiful musical performances will be hosted at St Thomas’ Methodist Church, 110-111 Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1JE on Friday 4th December at 7.30pm.

Those attending this service will be able to add a special message in memory of their son or daughter to...

Red One Limited (Red One) is pleased to welcome Tony Rowe OBE to its Board of Directors.

Tony has been appointed to the position of Independent Chairman as of 21 October 2015 and will assist Red One and the board with strategic development, as the company looks to significantly grow its business in the years to come.

Tony is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the South West Communications Group. Over the last 30 years South West Communications Group has grown to become the largest independently owned communications company in the south and south west....