Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC began her first day in office as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations last week. Nominated for the post by Dominica, she is the first woman to hold the post. To the rhythm of a steel band, the sound of a gospel choir, and the flair of Quadrille dancers, hundreds of guests welcomed the new Secretary-General at Commonwealth headquarters in Marlborough House. They included well-known figures from the world of politics, sports and broadcasting.

A new free service is being launched in Haringey to help local people become healthier. Haringey Council is teaming up with the NHS ‘One You’ initiative to provide up to 3,000 Haringey residents every year with a range of health advice and support due to inequalities in well-being in the local area. 

Midlands Housing Association Nehemiah UCHA is pleased to announce that it has appointed Jimmy Ogunshakin to succeed Kwadwo Owusu Darko as its new Chair. Jimmy is the Director and Founder of Mayflower Solicitors, in Birmingham. The law firm specialises in employment, commercial and corporate law. Jimmy has extensive experience of the Nehemiah UCHA Board.

Scientists and campaigners are encouraged to submit nominations for an annual prize that has already awarded over one million pounds to ‘outstanding’ non-animal testing initiatives around the world. With £250,000 available, the Lush Prize – a collaboration between Lush Cosmetics and Ethical Consumer Research Association – is the largest annual global prize fund in the non-animal testing sector.

Future Faces - the young professionals’ arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – is to stage its second annual dinner in September following an outstanding debut event last year. The second Future Faces Dinner and Awards to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of its diverse membership will take place on Friday, September 16, in a return to Edgbaston Stadium following last year’s successful inaugural ceremony.

Help for Heroes (H4H) Patron, Lorraine Kelly recently visited Tedworth House Recovery Centre to launch the 2016 ‘Bake for Heroes’ campaign and to meet some Band of Sisters; the families of our Heroes.