Latest news with #staff
Sky News
a day ago
- Sky News
Russian strike on Ukrainian prison kills 17 people and injures more than 80
A Russian airstrike on a prison in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region has killed at least 17 people and wounded more than 80 others. Four guided aerial bombs hit the Bilenkivska Correctional Colony in the southeastern province, according to the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine. At least 42 inmates were taken to hospital with serious injuries and another 40 people, including one staff member, sustained other injuries. Please refresh the page for the latest version.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- The Guardian
Decks appeal: Martin Parr captures life on a cruise liner
Glamour and elegance are two USPs of cruising and some cruise companies – Cunard in particular – invest heavily in the nostalgia and fantasy that are hallmarks of the industry. Cunard's Queen Victoria, for example, although launched in 2007, feels like a 1980s reimagining of the liners of the early 20th century; think Titanic, complete with bellhop boys standing to attention as you embark, afternoon tea and grandiose, wood veneered, art deco-themed decor throughout. In Cunard's publicity the term 'voyage' is often quietly substituted for 'cruise' with the implication that the latter has overtones of vulgarity that are best avoided. That this is indeed a huge industry becomes apparent with one peek from the carpeted corridors through the service doors to the functional areas. No glamour here, just echoing metal staircases, laundries, kitchens and steel workstations populated by the hundreds of diligent, ever-smiling staff who keep the show on the road. It's reminiscent of a massive beehive: the 2,000 occupants of the ship are fed, watered, tidied, cleaned and cooled. If necessary, the dead are removed; this unhappy outcome is not unlikely given the advanced age of many passengers and the fact that we are experiencing a heatwave. Bell boys attend to passengers But cruising involves a series of such collisions between fantasy and reality. Getting on to the ship is the first problem: with formal attire de rigueur for the evenings and gala nights, suitcases are bulging and cumbersome; in addition cruisers – sorry voyagers – have to manage hanging bags containing their tuxedos and evening wear. In the days of freely available porterage this would not be a problem, but passengers manhandle all their luggage, heaving suitcases on to security belts, trundling them across the tarmac in the scorching heat. Many arrive in their staterooms bathed in sweat. The same applies on return to the ship after every day in port, even unencumbered with baggage. In temperatures above 30C, it is a slog getting from the terminal buildings to the gangway. There, overheated daytrippers are met by Cunard staff handing out glasses of iced water and cold towels. The captain's evening address from the bridge contains the words 'welcome home' a nod to the sense of relief one feels entering the cool. The rooms on the Queen Victoria The term 'stateroom' is amusing if, like us, you opt for the cheaper, inside option. No windows, functional decor, minuscule bathroom; the traditional-style bedside lights and blue and gold velvet cushions cannot distract from the cabin's undeniable pokiness. As one friend remarked on viewing a photo of our room: 'Are you staying in an institution for young offenders?' The advantage of this kind of room is that it is easy to get to sleep. You enter a womb: warm, dark, with the reassuring sound of the ship's engine throbbing like the maternal heartbeat. Art gallery onboard the liner Brief glimpses through open doors on the other side of the corridor reveal another life altogether: cabins with balconies, sofas, champagne in ice buckets, light and space. Slowly one realises that cruising reframes the entire class system. The voyage is no longer the domain of toffs and sophisticates – despite the marketing. It is nothing to do with breeding or extreme wealth and everything to do with brand loyalty. Some people clock up two or three cruises a year, happily claiming the associated upgrades, discounts on wifi and numerous other perks such as a drink with the captain. The highest echelon Princess or Queen Grill-status passengers enjoy superior facilities, exclusive eating places and other advantages that we can only dream of. Sunbathing on deck Some voyagers display traditional signs of their superiority: understated linen outfits, expensive sunglasses, authentic panama hats, leather holdalls and an aloof manner. But these are truly in the minority. Most cruisers hail from all walks of life and dress accordingly. In some parts of the ship, notably the pool areas and the pub, quizzes, karaoke, and round-the-clock sport on the big screen add to the package holiday atmosphere. We could be in a budget hotel on the Costas. A couple at the Lido buffet This floating Wetherspoon's – as one person termed it – has a dedicated eating place: the Lido, which houses a massive all-you-can-eat buffet throughout the day and into the night. Unlike the other eateries, the Lido welcomes casual attire, so those diners who don't want to dress up feel at home morning, noon and night. The advantage of dining at the Lido is that you can choose what you eat, and much of it is very good quality: exceptional salads, fruit, and seafood. One can eat very well here, but other less healthy options can be piled on plates and washed down with tolerable tea and bad coffee. The Britannia restaurant It is a quite different experience eating in the Britannia restaurant, where smart attire is compulsory, waiters unfurl napkins with a flourish before placing them on your lap, sommeliers proffer the wine list and the menu is Frenchified a la carte. The mixed quality of the cooking – understandable given the scale of operations – makes this another place on the ship where expectation sometimes collides with reality. The Commodore Lounge While there is place onboard for traditional British pub culture, Cunard goes all-out to foster the sense of sophistication elsewhere. There are several areas on the ship that feel exclusive yet are open to all, even the occupants of inside staterooms. The Commodore Lounge with its marvellous views, deeply cushioned seating and cool background jazz, is a retreat for voyagers who prefer their murmured conversation without the accompaniment of blaring pop music. In the comfortable, spacious Chart Room, cocktails are prepared and served by immaculate, charming waiters. The well-stocked library, with its deep armchairs and reading lights, is a haven for those who want to browse diverse material – from gardening to nautical history – in peace and quiet. Waiting for an excursion But the ultimate Cunard experience must be afternoon tea, served in the Queen's Room between 3 and 4 every afternoon accompanied by a medley of light classics played on the grand piano. Crustless sandwiches, savoury nibbles, fancy cakes and most importantly scones, jam and cream, are served by white gloved waiters. Freshly brewed tea is poured from china teapots, a far cry from the push button operation in the Lido. Afternoon tea – the ultimate Cunard experience The fact that the waiters – and indeed the majority of staff – are predominantly Filipino, West Indian or South African gives the whole afternoon tea scenario a faintly post-colonial feel reminiscent of postwar expat clubs in the tropics. But it is this kind of service that makes Cunard – as one traveller put it – the Waitrose of cruise lines. At afternoon tea, you can if you choose to mingle with other passengers and learn a lot about cruise life. I heard complaints from American, Dutch, German and Spanish passengers that they can't participate in the quizzes because they are so geared to British popular culture and therefore incomprehensible. I also talked to people who never leave the ship to visit the ports because they have been there before on previous trips or because it is much more comfortable staying onboard where your every need is met and it is blessedly cool. For these voyagers, the journey itself – rather than the destinations – is what matters. They are happily immersed in ship culture and reluctant to run the gauntlet of taxi drivers and trip organisers waiting for passengers to emerge blinking into the light. Not for them the challenges of grappling with a foreign town or city. Tai chi class Tai chi and chair yoga The upmarket theme continues in some of the numerous activities timetabled for the days at sea and the evenings on the ship. One can refine one's golf strokes, play deck quoits, learn how to paint watercolours, acquire basic salsa moves or listen to a lecture on popular psychology (why do disasters happen?) in the mindboggling full-size theatre – complete with stalls, circle and boxes. Cunard caters for all tastes; if so inclined you can also join line and ballroom dancing sessions, learn how to flatten your stomach, watch Wimbledon or fit pieces into the enormous communal jigsaws. Silent disco, and dancing in the Queen's Room The logistics of this enterprise are astounding. How many yards, or possibly miles of cucumber must be peeled and sliced ready for sandwiches for 2,000 people daily? How many people labour in the laundry that deals with all the bed linen, towels, and every day turns the chefs and the crew (or 'ship's company' as the captain calls it) out in starched, pristine whites? When and where do the kitchen porters, technicians and cleaners sleep and eat? Who organises work rotas, trains and monitors 900 people? Waitrose or Wetherspoon's, the sheer scale of the operation is bound to impress. And it all feels effortless and dream-like until on the morning of disembarkation you nervously open your bill for the drinks you have bought with numerous carefree swipes of your room key, swallow hard, then head to the airport to catch your easyJet flight home. Getting ready to leave
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Meet the robots taking care of Richmond city's lawn
Meet the robots taking care of Richmond city's lawn A pair of robots on their trial period mowing the lawn at Richmond city hall have been scrutinized by staff - will they be allowed to stay?
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
12 Ways To Effectively Recruit Nonprofit Volunteers
In a digitally driven environment, the staff that a nonprofit is able to recruit plays a significant role in how well the organization is able to navigate a competitive business landscape. While full-time staff members are critical to meeting targets, the contributions of volunteers are just as important to the success of the organization. From looking at established networks and connecting with peers to doing targeted outreach, enticing people to become volunteers requires knowing how to best engage with interested parties. To help, 12 Forbes Nonprofit Council members share effective strategies they've found to recruit volunteers in today's business landscape. 1. Recruit From Within Be clear and transparent about your volunteer needs. If you work with the youth, ask their families and caregivers. If you work with animals, ask your friends and family. Volunteerism isn't a solo endeavor, and short-term volunteer duties fit well within our busy society. Consider pairing volunteers up on one or multiple tasks to help lessen the burden on their time. - Erin Davison, Davison Consulting 2. Optimize The Hiring Process Match volunteer roles to their interests and skills while simplifying the application process and offering flexible schedules. This will help to align the right volunteer to the right job. Inspire potential volunteers with compelling stories about the impact of volunteering and showcase real-life examples of how volunteers make a difference. Always recognize the contributions of your volunteers. - Victoria Burkhart, The More Than Giving Company Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify? 3. Focus On Discovering People's True Motivations The most effective way to recruit volunteers is by discovering their true motivations. Ask what drives them and what they hope to gain. Then, align roles with their personal "why." People stay where they feel seen and valued, not just needed. In a digital world, authentic connection still wins hearts. - Yujia Zhu, 4. Develop Personal Relations Through Storytelling In a crowded digital world, the key to genuine volunteer recruitment is building personal relationships and sharing purposeful stories. People want to know their time matters. When they see themselves as part of the narrative and believe in the cause, they don't just sign up but also stay committed. - Gregory Johnson, Foundation for the Mid South 5. Build A Sense Of Community We focus on building a genuine sense of community, not just filling roles. Through virtual information sessions, engaging social content and personalized outreach, we help potential volunteers feel welcomed and connected from the start. When people believe they're joining a cause rather than just checking off tasks, they're more likely to show up, stay and advocate for others to join. - Alan Thomas, Association for Materials Protection & Performance 6. Offer Meaningful Opportunities Volunteers want two things: communal experiences and to help the organization's core mission. An effective way to recruit volunteers is to offer opportunities that combine the two. When nonprofits clearly connect volunteer work to mission outcomes and shared experiences, they highlight purpose and connection. This can inspire volunteers to be more willing to help. - Matt Nash, The Blackbaud Giving Fund 7. Target People Already Engaged In The Work The most effective way to recruit high-caliber mentors is through introductions from peers who are already engaged with your work. Instead of mass outreach, we build a curated experience that attracts impact-driven leaders by showcasing the tangible contributions mentors make to social entrepreneurs. It's also just as important to highlight what they gain in return, including intellectual engagement, purpose and community. - Brigit Helms, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship 8. Call People Directly To recruit, nonprofit leaders should try calling people directly. A message sent is never a message received on social media. I believe in high-touch interactions, verbal communication and collaborations that don't happen through a computer. People appreciate a phone call! - Rhonda Vetere, Laureus Sport For Good 9. Make A Personal Ask It is hard to beat a personal ask. Cleophus P. Franklin Jr., one of my board members, often says, "Competence gets you in the room. Storytelling gets you the signature." Share your nonprofit's mission and then ask them to help. Allow them to become the hero of the story. Allow your passion for the cause to become contagious. - Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation 10. Create A Culture Of Genuine Engagement Make volunteering both a social interaction and service. Hosting a happy hour or offering a meal after a meeting or event fosters an atmosphere of excitement and collaboration. The organization doesn't even have to carry that expense; just create the opportunity. The creation of these social avenues better engages volunteers and helps them see serving as an exciting opportunity instead of a chore. - Jamee Rodgers, Urban Neighborhood Initiative 11. Prioritize Transparency And Empowerment The best volunteer recruitment starts with transparency and empowerment. Be clear about the role and the impact. Volunteers step up when they know their time, voice and the things they treasure truly matter. Equip them with the tools and the confidence to be ambassadors. Empowered volunteers share your story on social channels through their eyes, driving both engagement and donations. - Karen Cochran, Philanthropy Innovators 12. Blend Social Media With Tailored Outreach The best approach blends social media reach with personalized outreach. Nonprofits need to meet prospective volunteers where they are at the right time and on the right platform. Tools like agentic AI help optimize this process by analyzing patterns in volunteer behavior, predicting when someone is most likely to engage, and automating personalized communication to drive action. - Scott Brighton, Bonterra
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Staff at special care centres miss thousands of days due to violence and sickness
Tusla's special care centre staff have lost tens of thousands of days at work due to being harassed, injured or forced to take sick leave since 2021. A briefing note on Tusla's residential care capacity said more than 10,000 days of work had been lost to sickness or harassment at three special care units in 2023 alone. Detention in special care is a last resort for children aged 11 to 17 whose health and safety are at risk. They can only be held in special care on the order of the High Court. Tusla, the child and family agency, is legally obliged to find a special care place for a child once such an order is made. READ MORE A national shortage of special care places has been exacerbated by a recruitment and retention crisis, leading to Tusla being criticised in the courts if and when it is unable to find a place for some of the country's most at-risk children. According to the internal Tusla report – released by the agency under the Freedom of Information Act – by spring last year the total number of staff leaving special care was 'greater than the number of staff hired'. Overall, between 2021 and last year, 168 staff had been hired, but 134 had left, with 37 transferring to different roles. Another two people retired, while one was unable to work due to ill health. The report, prepared in April 2024, also noted that absenteeism among staff in special care was 'relatively high, largely driven by a significant number of incidents of violence, harassment and aggression in the context of escalation of a young person's behaviour because of their complex needs'. The State has three special care units: Ballydowd and Crannog Nua in Dublin and Coovagh House in Limerick. In 2023, there were a total of 10,199 days lost across all three units to violence, harassment, harassment, aggression or illness experienced by staff. Tusla said this included 2,240 days lost to assault of staff working in the three special-care units. In 2022, the total for days lost to violence, harassment, aggression or illness was 8,981. In 2021 there were 10,019 days lost. Reports of violence, harassment and aggression incidents to the Health and Safety Authority from the three special-care facilities and mainstream children's residential services increased from 27 in 2021 to 44 in 2023. Staff in special care reported most incidents, accounting for 39 of the 44 incidents reported in 2023. In the report, Tusla said that it was 'anticipated that for the foreseeable future, [Tusla] will continue to experience ongoing and significant difficulties in staff recruitment and retention which will impair its ability to make available beds in residential care'. It also said: 'This is an ongoing and systemic problem, which is not confined to a simple question of financial resources or the responsibility of a single agency, but which relates to the need for additional resources, policy and legislative changes, creative thinking and an inter-agency and whole-of-government approach.'
