Latest news with #AndrewSlade
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Oaklands College opens 'hands-on' hospital for health students
A college has unveiled a hospital ward and maternity suite for its students to hone their health care skills. The purpose-built centre, designed to provide "hands-on experience in real-world healthcare environments", is part of Oaklands College's campus in Welwyn Garden City, studying health and social care from Level 1 through to Level 3 - the equivalent to an advanced apprenticeship or an A-level - will be able to use the "cutting-edge" Slade, principal and CEO of Oaklands College, said the new clinic could help train students to meet the demand for more health and social care workers. "Health and social care remains one of the UK's most critical and rapidly expanding industries," he said."Projections also suggest an additional 540,000 care roles will be needed by 2040 to meet growing demand."There's a clear need for a trained, competent, and compassionate workforce ready to meet the complex health needs of communities, and Oaklands College intends to be at the forefront of this training." The facility will also be used by students with an interest in studying midwifery at principal Ana Guimaraes said: "We are committed to providing high-quality, career-focused education that responds to the needs of the industry." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Ospreys return to Gilestone Farm mired in £4.25m controversy
Welsh ministers swooped to buy the farm in March 2022 as another home for the Green Man music festival, with the aim of supporting growth of the creative sector in Wales. But the plans were scrapped in early 2024 after a pair of ospreys were discovered, with ministers advised to establish a 750-metre restriction zone around their nest. Now, the Welsh Government has confirmed the ospreys – which are a protected species – have returned this spring, firmly placing an asterisk next to the farm's valuation. Andrew Slade, the Welsh Government's economy director general, provided an update in a letter published ahead of a Senedd public accounts committee meeting on May 14. Mr Slade said the farm was valued at £3.75m in March, with a comment on the valuation 'noting the presence of the ospreys on the site inevitably brings some uncertainty'. He told the committee the property continues to be leased on commercial terms via a farm business tenancy until November, with officials considering options beyond that. Mr Slade wrote: 'Members of the committee will appreciate the significance of the nesting ospreys at the site and I can confirm the ospreys have recently returned and within days of their arrival have laid an egg. 'The birds' welfare, and the protection of the nest, continue to be critical factors when considering future options for the site.' Mr Slade promised to write to the committee again when he can provide an update on firm proposals for the site, which is thought to generate about £32,000 a year in tenancy income. A 2023 Audit Wales review found ministers acted with 'avoidable haste' as an underspend fuelled a rush to make a decision on the £4.25m purchase before the financial year's end. The public accounts committee is finalising its report on the saga following a nearly three-year inquiry into the decision made by then-economy minister Vaughan Gething. In a statement on the future of Gilestone Farm in January 2024, Mr Gething was confident a way forward for the site would be agreed by that spring. Two other ministers, Jeremy Miles and Julie James, had to take no part in decision making after attending a social event at a lobbyist's home alongside the Green Man festival's boss. Mark Drakeford, then-first minister, found no breach of the rules following an investigation into the informal gathering but accepted the 'risk of perceived conflict'.
