Latest news with #GreenHouse
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Sony wants to bring PlayStation exclusives to Xbox, according to new job listing
Sony wants to bring PlayStation games 'beyond PlayStation hardware.' According to a new job listing on PlayStation's official GreenHouse hiring platform posted by user Hazzador on X (via Windows Central), the Tokyo-based company is looking to hire someone for the new role of 'Senior Director of Multiplatform and Account Management.' This person would be responsible for expanding PlayStation Studios' games across various platforms. 'Reporting to the Vice President, Commercial Management as Senior Director of Multiplatform & Account Management,' says the job listing, 'you will play a critical leadership role in shaping and executing the global commercial strategy for PS Studios software titles across all digital platforms beyond PlayStation hardware, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, Nintendo, and mobile. This role is accountable for optimising title profitability, ensuring cross-functional alignment, and leading a high-performing team focused on multiplatform expansion, mid-range commercial planning, and platform partner management.' As you'd expect, this story caused quite a stir on X over the weekend. However, industry insider Shinobi602 believes that PS5 fans are 'really getting carried away' with this job posting (via Push Square). Shinobi602 doesn't believe that Sony is radically altering its strategy and is just thinking about bringing its live service games to other platforms. That opinion makes sense, especially given how the PlayStation exclusive Helldivers 2 is coming to Xbox. That said, Sony has released LEGO Horizon Adventures on the Nintendo Switch, so perhaps it's not entirely unreasonable to assume that something like God of War Ragnarok or Horizon Forbidden West could land on Xbox since they're already on PC. Considering how new this job listing is, and that the person who gets hired will need some time to push Sony's multiplatform strategy forward, don't expect to see major PlayStation games on rival systems like the Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox Series X anytime soon. That said, this job listing is a clear indication that the gaming industry is changing. Though the PlayStation gaming division is more profitable than Xbox's, Sony won't exactly shirk at the chance to increase revenue—even if it means launching its exclusive titles on Xbox. Console exclusives might eventually be a thing of the past. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Major A-road used by thousands of drivers a year to close for 21 days from TODAY – will your commute be spared?
A MAJOR A-road is set to close for for three weeks from today. Roadworks on the A6 are due to begin today, June 23, with the route remaining closed to traffic for 21 days while essential work is carried out. 3 3 Motorists have been urged to check their routes and plan accordingly. The roadworks will be carried out across two phases with different sections of the road closed for each. Phase one, on the stretch of the A6 from Green House to Ullsmoor, will start today, June 23. Phase two on the stretch between Bampton junction and the north end of the 40mph signs will follow on after completion of phase one. Road closures will last for the duration of both phases but only the section of road being worked on will be closed. Rolling closures will hit several sections of the road as works get underway with some parts of the busy A-road remaining open. The extensive works will see the existing road surface removed completely. This will then be replaced with new surface course and binder courses. Repairs are also set to be carried out on the highway drainage system. Locals have been issued with letters detailing the road closure plan and warning them of delays. Motorists planning to use the route over the next three weeks have been urged to plan ahead. Contactors have said that access for emergency vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained throughout the duration of the roadworks. Bus companies and recycling collection services have been informed so that they can make other arrangements. Diversions will be put in place during the closures with motorists directed along the M6. Separate diversions have been put in place for non-motorway vehicles. The works are reportedly part of Westmorland and Furness Council's £37.7 million highways and transport investment programme. The programme is aimed at improving infrastructure and tackling potholes in the local area. Schools have been notified of the closure with school bus operators warned to plan ahead. Measures are being taken to ensure locals will have access to their homes while the works are underway. Residents have been instructed to contact the contractors about local access. 3
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
A6 through Shap closed for three weeks of roadworks
A key road is to shut for three weeks as part of a £38m project to tackle A6 through Shap in Cumbria will be closed for 21 days from Monday as resurfacing work gets under scheme will be carried out in two phases, with the section between Green House and Ullsmoor closing first, followed by the stretch between Bampton junction and the north end of the 40mph and Furness Council, which is behind the project, said its road network was "an ageing asset" that needed ongoing investment "to ensure residents are kept safe and moving". The council is spending £37.7m on road and resurfacing work throughout its Shap roadworks will include repairs to the drainage diversions will be in place via the M6, with alternative diversions for non-motorway vehicles. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Al Bawaba
15-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Burgan Bank Publishes Its Sixth Sustainability Report
In 2024, Burgan Bank made significant headway in environmental sustainability, driven by a commitment to tackling climate change and reducing its environmental footprint. A key highlight was achieving LEED Gold certification (O&M v4.1) for its head office—a recognition of energy-efficient design and sustainable operations. The Bank initiated in 2023 a structured approach to mapping its Green House Gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain and continues to expand the scope every year to include Scope 3 emission categories. The bank is on track to design a long-term decarbonization strategy in line with Kuwait's vision for a low carbon economy. Along with this, the Bank also introduced the ESG Risk Assessment Scorecard for systematic evaluation of ESG risks in lending activities. Further, the Bank is conducting climate-related risk stress testing covering physical as well as transition risks. It is noteworBurgan Bank has released its sixth annual Sustainability Report, marking a major milestone in its ESG journey and reinforcing its excellence in sustainable financial practices. As the first bank in Kuwait to publish its 2024 Sustainability Report, Burgan continues to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and proactive sustainability leadership. The report highlights the Bank's key accomplishments across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) domains, reflecting the deep integration of sustainable practices into its operations, culture, and stakeholder engagement. The Report was created in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) Universal Standards 2021, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Kuwait Vision 2035, and Boursa Kuwait ESG Reporting Guidelines. 'This milestone reinforces Burgan Bank's proactive and purpose-driven ESG strategy,' said Mr. Fadel Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer – Kuwait at Burgan Bank. 'We are proud to celebrate the significant advancements we've made in 2024. Our ESG journey builds on a strong ESG foundation that began in 2019 and has since evolved into a strategic and bank-wide commitment. From achieving LEED Gold certification to empowering local talent and enhancing our governance framework, our progress reflects our mission to finance responsibly, promote ethical practices, minimize environmental impact, and deliver lasting value to our community.' Sustainability as a Strategic PillarBurgan Bank's ESG strategy is anchored in a long-term vision to be a responsible financial institution that helps build a resilient and equitable future for all stakeholders. At the heart of our approach are four strategic pillars: Good Governance, Responsible Banking, Community Betterment, and Environmental Impact Reduction. These pillars guide the Bank's operations, drive internal alignment, and support delivery of its ESG mission—to finance responsibly, achieve positive community impact, endorse ethical practices and transparency, and minimize environmental impact. The ESG governance framework is spearheaded by the Board of Directors and overseen through the Management ESG Committee (MESGC), chaired by the CEO - Kuwait and composed of senior executives from across business and support departments. The Committee convenes quarterly to set direction, monitor performance, and support integration of ESG into core banking operations. This is underpinned by a comprehensive ESG roadmap, framework, and materiality matrix, which collectively ensure that the Bank's initiatives remain adaptive, pertinent, and aligned with the evolving expectations of its stakeholders.. Close-Up on 2024: Tangible Progress on All FrontsBurgan Bank's sixth Sustainabithy to say that in alignment with its sustainability agenda, Burgan bank was among the first banks in Kuwait to develop a Sustainable Financing Framework in line with internationally accepted part of its broader decarbonization efforts, the Bank made strides in green operations and responsible resource consumption. This included the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its head office to encourage cleaner mobility among staff and visitors, as well as the deployment of rooftop solar panels and motion-sensor lighting to optimize energy Bank also reinforced its environmental stewardship through collaborative initiatives. In partnership with Tadwire, the first recycling facility of its kind in Kuwait, Burgan launched a head office waste management and recycling program targeting paper, plastic, and e-waste. Its participation in DHL's GoGreen Plus program—aimed at reducing shipment-related emissions through sustainable aviation fuel—further supported its supply chain decarbonization Burgan played a role in community-based environmental efforts, which included the redevelopment and greenification of a public park in Daiya residential area and internal efforts to phase out single-use plastic water bottles, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among Sustainability Burgan Bank's social sustainability efforts in 2024 were centered on empowering its people, championing inclusion, and strengthening national talent. For the second consecutive year, the Bank earned the 'Great Place to Work' certification, with employee participation rising to 89%—a clear indicator of improved engagement and workplace satisfaction, reinforcing its stance as an employer of choice. The Bank boasts a gender-diverse workforce, with women comprising 46% of total staff and 11% of leadership positions. Burgan launched the 'Empower Her' initiative aimed to empower women with professional skills, mentorship and networking opportunities. Burgan's human capital strategy is focused on developing our local talent which prioritizes recruitment and development of nationals contributing to Kuwait's socio-economic development. Kuwaitization reached an all-time high of 86%. Burgan focused on investing in the development and career progression of Kuwaiti employees through mentorship programs, succession planning, and tailored leadership development all created to actively prepare high-potential talent for future roles. Programs like Ro'ya, the flagship leadership training initiative, and the Lab Academy—launched with CODED to cultivate future tech leaders—are shaping a pipeline of local expertise aligned with future banking needs. The Bank continued to prioritize work-life balance and employee wellbeing by introducing innovative benefits such as reduced working hours on Thursdays, increased paternity leave to five days, and a birthday leave policy. It also launched wellness initiatives, including the "Rock Your Habits" challenge, and opened a new in-house medical clinic to support employee health and mental wellbeing. Fostering a culture of recognition and excellence, the Burgan Beacon program was launched to celebrate employees for outstanding commitment to employee development remained steadfast, with an average of 33 hours of training per employee in 2024. Learning opportunities were delivered through a blend of digital platforms and in-person sessions, supporting varied learning styles and ensuring inclusive development Engagement and CSRBurgan's commitment to the local community continued to grow in 2024 through a variety of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.. It also actively participated in the Central Bank's 'Let's Be Aware' (Diraya) campaign to enhance public financial literacy and banking awareness. In addition, Burgan supported numerous initiatives across the areas of health, sports, education, and inclusion. Highlights included its continued support for Team Kuwait at the Paris 2024 Olympics, backing youth empowerment through sports and national pride. For 23 years, Burgan has also proudly partnered with the Kuwait Association for Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) and Bayt Abdullah Children's Hospice (BACCH), ensuring vital palliative care services for children in need. Further community contributions in 2024 included support for the Kuwait Association for Learning Differences, cancer awareness and treatment campaigns, and sponsorship of local sports events that promote wellbeing and social inclusion. The Bank also partnered with several NGOs to provide assistance to families in need, reinforcing its role as a community-first institution. Digitalization: Technology as a Driver In 2024, Burgan Bank made significant strides in advancing its digital transformation strategy, emphasizing accessibility, efficiency, and a user-centric approach to services. The Bank introduced a range of enhancements to its mobile banking platform, offering a more seamless, intuitive, and secure experience that caters to the evolving needs of its customers, reflected in the 15% YoY increase in active online banking users These improvements not only made banking more convenient but also reinforced the Bank's commitment to providing innovative and reliable digital the Bank focused on automating core processes, which streamlined operations and facilitated faster decision-making. By reducing manual errors and enhancing compliance and control mechanisms, the Bank improved its operational efficiency and risk management. These internal advancements also aligned with Burgan's broader ESG goals by promoting greater inclusion, ensuring wider financial accessibility, and fortifying the Bank's operational resilience in the face of an increasingly digital world. Through these efforts, Burgan Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric SustainabilityIn 2024, Burgan Bank further solidified the governance foundation underpinning its ESG agenda, ensuring sustained alignment with best practices and regulatory standards.. The ESG materiality matrix was updated for 2024-2026 based on stakeholder input to enable more informed decision-making process on sustainability, emphasizing topics of shared importance to the Bank and our stakeholders, and a comprehensive review and expansion of ESG-aligned policies was completed. New and updated policies included those covering Human Rights, Sustainable Procurement, Climate Risk Management, ESG, Debt Collection, and Responsible Lending and Investment. These policies help embed ESG into every level of the Bank's operations and risk management cybersecurity, the Bank has implemented strengthened internal controls, advanced systems, and comprehensive employee training programs to enhance data protection, mitigate digital risks, and maintain customer trust. These initiatives focus on adopting cutting-edge technologies, AI-driven threat monitoring, and proactive incident response protocols to ensure the security of digital transactions and sensitive data. By prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures, Burgan Bank not only protects its clients but also reinforces its operational resilience in an increasingly digital landscape. These efforts demonstrate the Bank's long-term commitment to ethical governance, responsible digital leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of security in the financial AheadWith six reports published and a growing legacy of impactful initiatives, Burgan Bank continues to lead the way in ESG integration within Kuwait's banking sector. In the years ahead, the Bank will continue to expand its impact across environmental action, inclusive growth, governance excellence, and community advancement across all our geographies. With clear direction, committed leadership, and a purpose-driven strategy, Burgan is poised to build a better future for its stakeholders, employees, and the wider community. To access the full 2024 Sustainability Report, visit the Burgan Bank website. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
The Guardian
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
UK child sexual abuse survivors take standup comedy courses
Survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) are taking courses in standup comedy to help process their trauma, in the first such scheme in the UK. The comedian Angie Belcher, the first person to get standup comedy prescribed on the NHS through her project, Comedy on Referral, ran the two-day programme in Bristol last week. 'Comedy is often tragedy plus time, and these are people who have already gone through major counselling, are in recovery and are now looking to do something different to keep themselves busy,' said Belcher. 'Saying that something is funny doesn't mean it's not sad or serious,' she said. Standup comedy can be part of recovery because it gives power back to the victim by laughing at their oppressor. So instead of going, 'Oh God, that was terrible', they can say: 'You know what? The guy who raped me was a prick. Let me tell you why.' And that's funny.' There are an estimated 11 million survivors of CSA in the UK. A recent report by the child safeguarding practice review panel found at least one in 10 children would be sexually abused before the age of 16. CSA can lead to problems in later life, including addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders, long-term clinical psychiatric diagnoses and suicide. Belcher has used comedy to address issues around CSA before. She has twice compered at the annual conference for the Green House, a Home Office-funded charity providing specialist support for CSA survivors. It was that event that led her to start mentoring survivors after young people at the conference asked for her help writing standup comedy for a Green House CSA festival. Gemma Halliwell, the chief executive of Green House, said: 'Survivors need to find ways to hold the pain alongside hope, positivity and healing, and that's where comedy can help. It's really important that we support survivors to find their voice in a way that's right for them: we don't all need talking therapies or medication.' Commissioned by the charity Southmead Project's Active Recovery scheme in Bristol, 12 survivors used their trauma as a starting block to wrote comedy on Belcher's course. She taught the young people to write jokes, discover their 'comedic persona' and use their 'inner comedian' in their everyday lives. Ryan Moore has learned standup with Belcher through Green House and Active Recovery. 'No pill that doctors have given me makes me feel as good as when I get on stage and talk about all the difficult things that have happened in my life,' he said. Moore said that while there was 'absolutely nothing funny about CSA', he found it necessary to tell audiences about it as part of his act so they could understand the context of his 'wild' later life. 'I don't have one single joke about the abuse but it's the context of my crazy adulthood, which is very funny,' he said. 'When I'm so transparent and honest with the audience, I build a rapport. That's so therapeutic that when I get off stage, I'm buzzing for the next week and feel so much more proud of myself than if I had to take a pill to survive.' Jemima Foxtrot, the director of Kindreds Creatives, which runs creative workshops for survivors of CSA, said turning trauma into standup comedy was a 'high-risk strategy' but one that for her had reaped 'huge rewards'. 'When the abuse happened to me, I could barely say the words: when I told my mum, I had to write it down,' she said. 'But because I've now tackled it repeatedly in my stage shows, I've finally got to a place where I can talk very openly.' Viv Gordon, the artistic director of UpFront Survivors, a creative arts organisation that works to increase the visibility of adult CSA survivors, said: 'Humour is a really big survival strategy for our community.' She added: 'For me personally, it was always a way of surviving, a way of being with unbearable pain and with the challenges and difficulties of having an experience that I couldn't talk about.' James MacKinnon from the charity Survivors UK also welcomed the course. 'It's not a one-size-fits-all approach but comedy can provide a powerful sense of agency and release, and a different perspective on difficult experiences,' he said.
