This week I’m sitting in for Pippa as she attends a training course. As I write this, it’s dark and grey outside. I’m hanging on to the final days of summer as we move at lightning speed into autumn. Someone reminded me recently that there are only 100 days left until Christmas – apologies if this causes distress, it certainly did for me!
It’s easy for time to escape us as the months gallop by. In the middle of juggling busy lives, we tend to forget to make time for ourselves. If you can, try and set some time to do something you enjoy. Even if you only manage half an hour – enjoy the presence for just a little bit before the world speeds up again and the juggling starts again.
For me, I’m playing in a golf competition tomorrow morning and will be out on the course with my 13 year old daughter Eilidh, who is quite a wee golfer. She’s very competitive (takes after her mum!) so it’s always interesting when we play together but at least I know I’ll go home happy whatever the result – if I win, it’s all good, if Eilidh wins, I’m going home with a happy teenager!
Podcast
Before some of our young people headed off to university, Pippa took time to speak with members of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) about their work in helping young people to understand and engage with the Children and Young People’s Service Plan (CYPSP).
Joining the conversation were youth members Rosie Sumsion, Vinita Rawani, Megan Day and Eleanor Preece, along with adult members Simone McAdam (acting education manager with Argyll and Bute Council), Helen Martin (vulnerable groups nurse with NHS Highland) and Brian Smith from Live Argyll’s community learning and development service. Listen to the podcast on the council website.
YAPs are really proud of the work they have progressed in developing an animation that explains the Argyll and Bute CYPSP to young people and you can view the animation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07CdxaSKjNA
New Chief Social Work Officer
The Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 requires all local authorities to appoint a Chief Social Work Officer for a number of specific, listed social work functions.
Julie Lusk has held this position for Argyll and Bute since 1 May 2020, but is now moving on to take up another position on secondment with the Scottish Government.
I am pleased to confirm that David Gibson will take over the position of Chief Social Work Officer with immediate effect, and am sure you will all join in wishing him well as Argyll and Bute Council’s new Chief Social Work Officer, which duties he will undertake in addition to his role as Head of Children and Families.
Employee Benefit Scheme
It’s the weekend so if you feel like a treat for yourself or the family, take a look at the latest Employee Benefit autumn savings.
Did you know there are discounts for cinema and theatre tickets, restaurants and coffee shops? Visit the website to find out the latest offers. You’ll even find an A-Z of retailers offering exclusive savings to Argyll and Bute Council employees.
A guide to MS 365
New guidance has been issued on how to use the latest 365 apps. With the migration to 365 comes a range of useful apps to help us work better together more efficiently. Some apps will be familiar to many of us including Teams. Don’t worry if you haven’t used them before, the guide features useful videos and handy tips. Read the guide.
Enjoy your weekend
Kirsty
Kirsty Flanagan
Executive Director