This week included Earth Day, which felt well timed given the sudden appearance of some very welcome sunshine. After what has felt like a long, grey winter, it’s been good to finally get outside a bit more — even if just for a short walk, some fresh air between meetings, or noticing how quickly everything is springing into life.
It’s a helpful reminder that many of the things that sustain us — the places we live in, the communities we serve, and the public services we provide — benefit from steady care and attention rather than quick fixes. That’s something I see in the work that you do that requires a delicate balancing act between that longer term focus and a need to respond to more immediate issues. I know that holding that balance isn’t always straightforward when pressures are real and urgent and I want to thank you all for the care and empathy that you display when managing these situations.
Scottish Parliamentary Election – Staffing Update
My thanks to everyone who has already put themselves forward to work at the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary Election Count, or at the overnight verification and receiving of ballot boxes. Both activities will take place in the Sports Hall, Lochgilphead Joint Campus.
The Election Team will shortly be in touch with offers of appointment to everyone who has already confirmed their availability. While the response has been good, there are still some vacancies to work at the count on Friday 8 May.
If we have reached out to you by email to see if you are available to work, and you have not yet had a chance to respond, it would be helpful if you could advise on your availability. We would also welcome hearing from any staff in the local area who may be interested in working at the count.
Please speak to your manager in the first instance to ensure that your absence would not impact on service delivery. The cooperation of managers in releasing staff for election duties, where possible, would be very much appreciated.
In terms of requirements:
- All staff need to be in position by 8.30am to be briefed ahead of the count starting at 9.00am
- It is anticipated that the count will conclude around 6.30pm
- As these roles are remunerated, staff will need to have an appropriate contract in place to undertake election work
If you are interested, please discuss this with your manager and then contact the Election Team by emailing elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
I hope the improving weather gives you the chance to enjoy a bit of time outdoors – have a good weekend.
Pippa
Pippa Milne
Chief Executive
