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The European Convention on Human Rights and immigration control in the UK: informing the public debate
No full textDebate about the role of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in the context of immigration has intensified in the UK in recent months. This report identifies and addresses misconceptions widely reported in the media concerning the application of the ECHR to immigration control. The report is based on a systematic review of media coverage about the ECHR between January and June 2025, wherein it was found that over 75% of the 379 media reports reviewed which mentioned the ECHR focused on the application of the Convention in immigration control, and in particular on the issue of human rights-based appeals against deportation by foreign national offenders. When subjected to rigorous analysis, fact-checking, and scrutiny of claims made about legal frameworks and cases, the review found that many news reports and opinion pieces about immigration and the ECHR were based on misconceptions, often mischaracterising UK immigration law, the UK’s appeals system, and the role played by the ECHR and the European Court of Human Rights in this context
The (rocky) road to the Olympic Games: a longitudinal case study on the preparation, monitoring, and training of an elite weightlifter
Get PDFThis case study provides a comprehensive, longitudinal analysis of an elite weightlifter’s performance, neuromuscular ability, and barbell kinematics over a 2.9-year period in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Monitoring of training load, weightlifting performance, and measures of force production were conducted periodically throughout the lead up to the Olympic Games. Data were analyzed utilizing upper and lower tail standard deviations between time points. Key findings show performance improvements in 2019, with notable gains in the capacity to express higher forces, as measured by the isometric mid-thigh pull and countermovement jump. COVID -19 led to a de-crease in training intensity (81 ± 6% to 75 ± 6% 1RM), which subsequently resulted in reduced performance (360 kg to 340 kg total). Following the pandemic, training intensity in-creased (75 ± 6% to 84 ± 4%), particularly during the taper phase, which positively impacted peak barbell vertical velocity (1.87 ± 0.01 vs. 1.94 ± 0.01 m.s−1). COVID-19 necessitated a shift towards General Physical Preparedness, reflecting the challenge of limited training resources. The tapering strategies, involving volume reduction and increased in-tensity, were in line with established weightlifting practices. This study highlights the importance of adaptability in supporting elite athletes, emphasizing the need for flexible monitoring strategies during periods of disruption, whilst maintaining some ability to objectively identify meaningful changes in physical preparedness. Findings from this case study suggest that tailored adjustments to training load were critical in enhancing performance. Therefore, adopting pragmatic approaches, such as modifying training relative to external constraints and stressors with a holistic approach to monitoring, can help optimize performance
The experience of counselling for Hindu Indian ethnic minorities with a counsellor of a perceived different ethnicity to their own
Get PDFThe U.K. is a country housing many different cultures. It opened its doors to immigrants from war ridden countries and gave them a life here. Yet, there are still many areas of healthcare that do not cater for those from different cultures, creating a barrier into the healthcare service for many. The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of Indian Hindu’s experience of counselling when working with a counsellor of a perceived different ethnicity to their own, and why it is they may not access support when needed. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven participants who had immigrated to the U.K. from India, and who considered themselves to be Hindu. The interview transcripts were then read thoroughly, so Personal Experiential Themes and Group Experiential Themes could be identified. All participants spoke of their experiences, and not feeling understood by their counsellor due to cultural differences, as well as some embracing the differences and finding it positive.
The findings of this study support the idea that there are numerous cultural barriers for ethnic minorities to access mental health care. This is partly due to the lack of cultural knowledge within healthcare systems, emphasising the need for cultural training withing psychology degrees and courses before qualifying and working with clients of ethnic minorities. The findings also highlighted difficulties within the counselling process, creating distance and disruption in the therapeutic relationship and journey for the participants. It is evident that there is a need for change in the mental healthcare system, to create a space that is culturally diverse for the U.K.’s dynamic population
Are coordinative abilities impaired during adolescence in academy soccer?
Get PDFThe current study sought to compare single leg (SL) landing and cutting mechanics within a cohort of youth footballers. A secondary aim was to examine how task complexity modulates the relationship between maturation and performance. Thirty-nine soccer players from an English football academy were categorised as pre-, circa- and post-peak height velocity (PHV). As part of routine club testing, players performed 1) bilateral and SL jumps (countermovement jump (CMJ) and 10/5 rebound jump tests), 2) speed (30-m sprint), and 3) change of direction (COD; 505 test and 45° cut) assessments. Landing (LESS score) and cutting mechanics (CMAS score) were determined during SL CMJ and 45° cuts, respectively. Differences in landing mechanics were not observed between groups. However, large effect sizes indicated that CMAS scores were lower in the post-PHV group versus pre- and circa-PHV groups, indicative of a favourable cutting technique. The circa-PHV group outperformed the pre-PHV group in the ‘simpler’ bilateral CMJ and linear sprint assessments, but not in the SL CMJ, 10/5 or COD assessments. The observed variability between participants in the circa-PHV period could be interpreted by changes in coordinative abilities. It is possible that athletes may require closer monitoring and possible training modification during this phase
The development of a preliminary training framework for local authorities as modern slavery first responders in England and Wales
Get PDFExecutive summary
Modern Slavery (MS) is a serious and growing issue in England and Wales and Local Authorities (LAs) play a key role in identifying and supporting survivors. However, many LAs face challenges in fully adopting their legal responsibilities as First Responders (FRs). This report explores these challenges and opportunities, focusing on improving training, awareness, and collaboration to strengthen the local response to MS.
Why Focus on Local Authorities?
LAs are responsible for housing, social care, education and safeguarding, services that survivors of MS often use and seek help from. However, research shows that frontline staff may lack the necessary training and awareness to recognise cases of exploitation and respond effectively. While the Modern Slavery Act 2015 sets out clear legal obligations for LAs to prevent, identify and offer support to these survivors, they often struggle with limited resources, inconsistent training and gaps in inter-agency collaboration.
What Does This Study Do?
This research was conducted to better understand the role of LAs in tackling MS and to identify ways to improve their response. A multi-phase study was carried out, including:
• Reviewing modern slavery statements (MSSs) published by LAs.
• Surveying council specialist staff to assess their knowledge, training, and experiences.
• Interviewing MS Leads at the LAs to gain deeper insights into the challenges they face.
Key Findings
The study identified several barriers and areas for improvement:
1. Limited Awareness and Training: Many LAs staff are unaware of their role as FRs. Training, where available, is often inconsistent and not tailored to local needs. Some staff assume that only the police can deal with MS cases.
2. Fragmented Responses: While some councils have strong MS policies, others lack clear processes for identifying and supporting survivors. This results in an inconsistent approach across different regions.
3. Barriers to Multi-Agency Working: Effective MS response requires collaboration between LAs, law enforcement, and community groups. However, miscommunication, lack of trust, and unclear responsibilities hinder joint efforts.
4. Gaps in Supply Chain Oversight: LAs have a legal duty to monitor their supply chains for potential exploitation, but reporting is inconsistent and many councils lack the resources to conduct thorough checks.
5. Examples of Good Practice: Some LAs have developed strong partnerships with community organisations, invested in specialist MS teams, and introduced innovative training approaches. These examples highlight what is possible with the right strategies in place.
Preliminary Training Framework and Recommendations for Improvement
Based on the findings and on previous tools in the sector, the report suggests several actions to strengthen the role of LAs as First Responders:
• Standardise Training: Introduce a nationally recognised, three-tier training framework:
Tier 1 Basic awareness training for all staff (e-learning).
Tier 2 In-depth, face-to-face training for frontline workers and councillors.
Tier 3 Advanced training for specialist staff making National Referral Mechanism (NRM) referrals.
• Enhance Collaboration: Improve partnerships between LAs, law enforcement, and community organisations to create a more coordinated response.
• Increase Resources: Secure dedicated funding to support MS training and specialist teams within LAs.
• Strengthen Accountability: Establish clearer processes for monitoring MS risks in supply chains and reporting on actions taken.
• Improve Communication: Ensure all staff understand their FR responsibilities and provide clear referral pathways.
Why Does This Matter?
MS can happen anywhere and LAs are on the frontline of prevention and support and 2 million people work in Local Government. Strengthening their capacity to act as First Responders is critical to ensuring survivors receive the help they need. By improving training, collaboration, and accountability, LAs can play a vital role in tackling MS and protecting vulnerable individuals where there is sometimes distrust of other FRs like the Home Office or Police and others still like charities do not have the resources or national coverage to always respond effectively.
This report highlights the urgent need for action and provides practical recommendations to build a more effective, coordinated response. With the right support, LAs can lead the way in combating MS and making communities safer for everyone
Commentary on Kristin Henrard's 'The Margin of Appreciation for 'State-Religion Relations': Critical Reflections on the Jurisprudence of the ECtHR and the CJEU'
Get PDFThis is a commentary on Kristin Henrard’s ‘The margin of appreciation for ‘statereligion relations’: critical reflections on the jurisprudence of the ECtHR and the CJEU’ addressing the contrast between the ECtHR and the HRC in relation to the wearing of religious symbols and the contrast in the case law of the CJEU in relation to religious discrimination
The rhetoric of antisemitism in the UK
No full textFollowing Raymond Williams’ notion of keywords, we explore the extent to which antisemitism is part of the cultural and social vocabulary of Britain, explicitly and implicitly. We establish a conception of rhetoric as the theory-praxis of becoming attentive to speech and its workings in individual and collective life, both in speaking as well as in listening. In the form of a dialogic exploration of the articulation of antisemitism in individual, lived experience, we explore how what is said and what is not said determines cultural memory, belonging, identity and difference. The resulting text puts the new conception of rhetoric we propose into practice. Antisemitism emerges as a keyword in the discursive formations regarding particularity, embodiment and care. It thus transcends the bounds of ethnic, religious or migrant discrimination and shows us an essential feature of the nature of human communication
Klassifizierung der negativen Auswirkungen und Folgen von destruktiver Führung auf Mitarbeitende und Organisationen und die Identifikation der damit verbundenen ökonomischen Kosten innerhalb der Banken in der Schweiz
No full textThis thesis investigates the effects and consequences of destructive leadership in banks in Switzerland, as well as the economic costs caused by this kind of leadership behaviour. According to research on cultural differences, such as the GLOBE study, Switzerland exhibits cultural differences even when compared to its closest neighbours, and major differences compared to countries like the USA. Due to this fact, the effects and consequences of destructive leadership need to be identified in a fundamental way. A critical review of the literature concerning different concepts of destructive leadership highlights the lack of classification of consequences and effects. This review also revealed that no attempt has been made to quantify the effects and consequences of destructive leadership in monetary terms. Addressing these omissions, this thesis focuses on identifying the consequences and effects of destructive leadership in Switzerland and the related economic costs.
A mixed-method approach was applied in a sequential manner. In order to identify all possible kinds of effects and consequences of destructive leadership, a first study (qualitative) was conducted using the instrument of expert interviews. This was followed by a second study (quantitative) in the form of an online questionnaire to identify the frequency and costs of destructive leadership in Switzerland. The questionnaire was completed by more than 400 participants (valid responses) and achieved representativeness across all banks in Switzerland. This provided the evidence to quantify the effects and consequences of destructive leadership for banks in Switzerland in general. Both studies were conducted across all different kinds of banks in Switzerland, taking into account various factors of diversity. Especially the quantitative study reflects the statistical population with its known characteristics.
The thesis presents new effects and consequences of destructive leadership, including consequences for affected employees, destructive leaders, teams, and the whole organization where this behaviour is displayed. Overall, over 800 findings of effects and consequences of destructive leadership were identified. In addition, the thesis reveals the calculation of selected economic costs caused by destructive leadership in banks in Switzerland. The thesis proves that destructive leadership accounts for several hundred million Swiss francs annually
Unveiling the everyday: ethnographic observation of persons living with dementia in a long‐term care facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Get PDFBackground
The behaviours of four residents living with dementia was analysed using ethnographic observation techniques while they were receiving routine care in a long-term care facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to investigate if dementia care staff in Dubai are equipped with the right skills and resources to provide person-centred dementia care to people living with dementia.
Method
The residents were observed during their waking hours from 7:00 to 21:00, for a time-block of five minutes, followed by 10 minutes for note calibration, and another five minutes used for breaks before resuming observation for another block of five minutes. In total, 840 to 870 minutes of data from each resident was recorded and analysed using outputs from ©ATracker and Python on Microsoft Excel.
Result
Three of the residents spent the majority of their waking hours in a neutral state, showing minimal indicators of sensory stimulation, social engagement, or supervised independence. Self-care practices were low or absent for all but one resident. While inappropriate or antisocial behaviours were rarely observed, the lack of meaningful engagement and proactive care highlights significant gaps in dementia care practices.
Conclusion
This study lays the groundwork for designing tailored interventions aimed at enhancing current dementia care practices by providing person-centred dementia care and effectively responding to the needs and preferences of people living with dementia
Exploring how followers’ verification behavior influence sharing decisions: the role of source, content, and audience factors
Get PDFDue to the pervasive use of social media platforms, firms use Social Media Influencers (SMIs) to exploit the massive number of social media users to promote their products and services. The success of influencer marketing remains in strong influencer–follower engagement. One method to engage with SMIs is through sharing their content. Yet, little has been investigated about the factors that encourage followers' sharing decisions. This article addresses this gap by adopting the Communication Persuasion Matrix (CPM) to identify factors related to the source, message, and audience. Moreover, it explores how followers' verification behavior influences their sharing behavior, employing digital media literacy to understand how followers evaluate and verify SMIs' content. Based on 21 semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study's findings conclude that factors like source popularity, content creativity, audience personal values, and self-efficacy influence followers' sharing behavior. The results also suggest a framework that links verification behavior to sharing behavior and demonstrates that verification behavior is important when engaging with SMIs