UPDATES

General Updates

Companies Act changes
There are a number of provisions that came into force on 1st October 2007 in relation to the Companies Act 2006, the key ones affecting Company’s limited by Guarantee relate to the duties of directors and to the resolutions and meetings of a company.  For example there are changes to the notice period for all general meetings of a company; members have a new statutory right to appoint a proxy to act on their behalf at meetings etc
It is always advisable to seek professional legal advice on all matters relating to company law, but you may like to look at an overview of some of these changes on the links below (any advice given should not be regarded as legally binding)
http://www.dsc.org.uk/charityexchange/legaleyes1007.htm
http://www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/co-act-2006/faq%20Act%202006/page38139.html

Health and Safety CD
Through European Social Funding (ESF), EU Skills working in partnership with the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and other waste management organisations has developed an interactive health and safety
CD, 'A Day in the Life of a Collection Operative'. This CD is aimed at raising awareness of the hazards that a Collection Operative faces, and also providing advice on the safe way to work.  The CD uses photographic
stills, video clips and hazard spotting exercises in order to provide a varied programme designed to raise awareness of the importance of health and safety.

This CD would be of particular interest to members operating kerbside collections. The CD takes approximately one hour to complete and can be used as an induction tool for new/agency staff, or as a refresher for existing staff.

Changes to National Minimum Wages
Businesses are being advised to prepare for changes in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to make sure they do not fall foul of HMRC inspections. From October 1st a new band of pay rates for the NMW will come into force and businesses need to make sure that their payroll systems are ready to implement the changes. Some of the changes include:

Adult rate (workers aged 22 and over) will increase to £5.52.
Development rate for 18-21 year olds will increase to £4.60.
Development rate for 16-17 year olds will increase to £3.40

For legal requirements and further information visit:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage/index.html

WRAP Recycle at Work advisors
Recycle at Work Advisers are being recruited across England to provide one to one support to SMEs to help them recycle more materials. The Recycle at Work Advisers can provide help to:

· Design and set up in-house recycling systems including record keeping and administration
· Store and segregate materials including practical advice and information on what happens to the material when it is recycled
· Understand the environmental and cost benefits of recycling including understanding waste contracts
· Find appropriate recycling services.

Why not introduce yourself to your regional advisor and let them know you are out there delivering a service?

http://www.wrap.org.uk/businesses/start_recycling_at_work/meet_the.html

Recycle Now
Recycle Now's Schools Programme provides a range of materials and support to help you establish and promote effective and sustainable recycling schemes in schools, they are also delivering recycling in schools training courses. Recycle Now has put together a seasonal press pack to help you get started with your Christmas preparations and help you plan an effective Christmas PR campaign

  http://www.recyclenowpartners.org.uk/

CRED

The business support that CRN's CRED Business Support Team has been providing to CRED funded projects came to a close on 28 September 2007.   We would like to remind all organisations and projects that

the Community Waste Information Centre at http://www.communitywaste.org.uk still offers many links to information about everything from running / expanding / closing your project to waste regulations and partnership working.

Charity changes
If you are a charity or wishing to become a charity it is important that you update yourself on the changes presently taking place and planned for the future with regard to charity status and operation.

There are many proposed changes and we would recommend that you carry out some further research to prepare yourselves for those that are likely to have an effect on your organisation. For example from January 2008, after a consultation period during 2007, the 'public benefit' role of ALL charities is to be reviewed. All charities with incomes over £10,000 will be required to submit returns showing the extent of the public benefit they demonstrate.

From January 2008 charities will have the power to pay trustees in very limited circumstances, subject to certain safeguards. From January 2008 Company Limited by Guarantee is to be phased out as the way in which charities become incorporated and replaced by Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIC), existing charities requiring limited liability can convert to a CIC and all new charities will have this structure. These are just a few examples, further reading is highly recommended.

Links to the information you should need are available from this website link which also includes information about charity law reform in Scotland & Northern Ireland:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/
law_and_regulation/charities_act_2006/

There are limited hard copy stocks of the guide to the charities phone 0845 015 0010 to order and quote URN 07/Z2

Training delivery changes
Is your organisation delivering training? Major reforms are coming into force from 1 September 2007 and there will be n ew requirements for teachers, trainers, tutors and lecturers. New initial teacher training, requirements for continuing professional development and registration of all teachers, trainers, tutors and lecturers with the Institute for Learning (IfL) are some of the changes to take place.

The White Paper 'Further Education: Raising Skills, Improving Life Chances' sets out the Government's commitment to have a well qualified and professional workforce across colleges and LSC (Learning Skills Council)-funded providers.

http://www.lifelonglearninguk.org/roadmap/index.html

Compost Doctors programme
The SME Compost Doctors programme is a Defra BREW funded pilot programme that aims to investigate the options for on-site composting of kitchen food waste. The programme received finding in year 2006/07 and has been successful in obtaining further funding for this year to continue monitoring the amounts of food waste composted on the projects.

The Compost Doctors advise on and assist in installing composting equipment in the grounds of catering establishments. They are working with these establishments to support the staff in setting up kitchen procedures to facilitate the separation of food waste. Having set up, staff are then trained in using the composting system and are supported by the Compost Doctor.

Contact Lizzy info@crn.org.uk .

Every Action Counts
Inspired by the CRN Conference - Community Recycling in a Changing Climate?

Take some easy steps to make your organisation more environmentally sustainable by registering on to the Every Action Counts wesite and getting loads of useful hints and tips on all aspects of 'greening your organisation'. Including saving energy, travelling wisely, shopping ethically and caring for your area.

Register at www.everyactioncounts.org.uk and click on to the Community Groups button to find out more.

Contact Lizzy eac@crn.org.uk.

MEMBERS QUESTIONS

Mid Devon Community Recycling are looking at their future management structure and it would really appreciate it other members were able to provide them with details of theirs.

Contact: Ken Orchard Mid Devon Community Recycling ken.orchard@mdcr.org