In this issue:
Newsflash from January
Coming up
- 14 February – budget survey closes (see post below)
- 27 February – Council meets to set the budget and consider Mull Campus site shortlist
Get involved, have your say
What are your priorities?
We’re facing one of our most significant budget challenges in recent times, and need your input. With a budget gap of £27 million over the next five years, we’re asking residents to let us know what services should council budgets prioritise.
As you may be aware, council services have delivered more than £50 million in savings in the last ten years and we continue to look for more savings in the years ahead. There is simply not enough funding to meet demands.
- What services are most important to you?
- Which services do you use the most?
- Would you support paying more to maintain local services when our budget falls short?
These are just a few of the questions we’re asking in our survey. Please take a few moments to let us know what you think.
Thank you.
Making it easier to get the news you want
To help make it as easy as possible to get the council news you want, the Communications Team is keen to hear from you about where you find the latest news and updates. We have two quick questions to ask and would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks
Connect for Success
Communities at the core of Connect for Success
Rona Gold, Communities and Partnership Manager, tells us about about what the principles of Connect for Success mean for our work with communities…
“For me, the principles of Connect for Success are fundamentally linked to the values of being a public sector worker – delivering to the best of our abilities for communities, with the resources we have.
The work we do in my team is focused on understanding the needs of the people around us and working to address those needs. We do that by looking at the data, listening to the community voice and working across services to come up with solutions. These cover so many different areas that are aligned to the outcomes of Community Learning and Development and the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan. We’re focused on bringing partners and communities together for the benefit of the whole of Argyll and Bute. This is very much a One Council approach.
The recent work on place plans is a good example of this, where we are working to ensure that we are coming together with relevant services, partners and communities to support those wishing to develop these plans. If you would like to be connected to this work you can contact our cross-council team via Localplaceplans@argyll-bute.gov.uk
As a team we’ve changed and evolved over recent years, like many across the council, and the work we do continues to effect change over time. As I look to the year ahead, for me and my team, we will continue to be open to change and opportunity. As a manager I feel it’s important to continue to learn, grow, and support others to do the same. This year, part of that is ensuring that the principles of Connect for Success are embedded in how we deliver services and I want to focus on creating space for reflection, learning, discussion and growth in how we work, across all our projects in all parts of the team, with our partners and communities. A big part of this will be reviewing how the Community Planning Partnership can be further developed to strengthen relationships, trust and focus on delivering collectively. For me this is Connect for Success; delivering in a connected way with and for communities”.
Congratulations, achievements and thanks
Storm Eowyn makes its mark across Argyll and Bute
Fallen trees, blocked roads, damaged buildings -storm Eowyn made its mark across Argyll and Bute. Many services worked hard over the weekend to help our communities. Congratulations to everyone involved and those who continue to work hard to make the area move on.
AB Recognition
Congratulations to all the individuals and teams, nominated by colleagues and members of the public through AB Recognition, for all the great work you do.
This quarter’s nominations show the positive impact we make when working together to deliver services to our communities. It’s fantastic to see your hard work noticed and appreciated.
Colleagues have received recognition for:
- Providing mentorship and guidance to team members and fostering an inclusive environment
- Working effectively as a team and acting quickly during emergencies
- Resolving complex IT issues, enhancing workflows and record management
- Obtaining professional development qualifications in Education Support Assistance to enhance support for school pupils
- Providing excellent customer service and supporting energy initiative
Local charity receives boost from Ellis Lodge
Well done to colleagues at Ellis Lodge, Dunoon. Each year they get together for a lunch to raise funds for a local charity.
Back in December, they held a special bring and share festive lunch and arranged a tombola. They chose to fundraise for the local Argyll Pink Ladies, a charity who support women with breast cancer.
The small team managed to raise £153 for this fantastic charity and had a great time together with lots of food!
Thanks to everyone who donated and made food.
Long service award
Congratulations to Jennifer Coyle, Senior HR Business Partner, who has achieved her 25 years’ service milestone. Well done for all your hard work over the years.
Training opportunities
Are you planning to retire in the next 10 years?
Are your retirement savings on track? Do you know how much income your pension savings may provide?
To help you plan for a financially secure future, we are running an online course from financial education specialists Affinity Connect. We have various dates for you to choose from February through to November.
Financial wellbeing
In addition to the pre-retirement course, we are also offering an online financial wellbeing course from Affinity Connect.
The course will help identify the four steps towards becoming financially well, including how to make informed financial decisions. Spaces are available in March and October.
Affinity Connect – Your Financial Wellbeing Agenda – Online Course
Using data to tell a story
Today, data has become one of the most valuable business assets. Find out in this workshop how you can turn data into insights and insights into knowledge and understanding.
Spaces are available from February to March.
Staff savings
Save money with the employee benefit scheme.
As an employee, you have access to a range of savings. From lifestyle to fitness, gift cards, bikes, electronics and even visitor attractions.
Did you know?
- You can save 6% on Airbnb bookings
- 10% off selected airport parking
- 25% with any Radisson Hotel stay
- 7% with Lastminute.com
Just now, you can save 7% with a Nike e-voucher, 15% off PUMA and 20% off the Fitbit product range.
Finally, for any football fans, you can even get 10% off selected football stadium tours including Liverpool and Arsenal
Good to know
Pier Point Cafe relocation
Due to storm damage, the Pier Point Cafe will temporarily relocate from Helensburgh Leisure Centre to the Civic Centre.
Monday – Friday 9am -4pm (with immediate effect)
*Saturdays 10am – 4pm (from 8 February) *Please note these timings may change subject to private events bookings
Remember that all council staff can get a hot drink and a scone for £4 just now!