News In Brief - Monday 13 April
Thank you once again for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
Monday 13 April: Savvy about scams roadshow
A drop-in ‘Savvy About Scams’ roadshow event is being held at Irvine Library on Monday 13 April from 10am to 1pm. Trading Standards, Police Scotland, Citizens Advice Bureau, Home Energy Scotland, Ayrshire Independent Living Network and Money Smart will all be in attendance. There’s also a Freestyle Art session for children from 10am to 12pm, and lunch/refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday 14 April: Postal vote update
Are you voting by post in the Scottish Parliamentary Election? If you applied before April 10, the postal vote will be sent from April 20. If you applied for before April 21, the post vote will be sent from April 28. The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on April 21 2026. If you would like to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf you can apply online by visiting the UK Government website.
Saturday 18 April: Potato planting party at Eglinton Community Gardens
Would you like to give back to your community this Easter break? Well why not be part of the action at Eglinton Community Gardens? The team supported by North Ayrshire Ranger Service at Eglinton Country Park are hosting their annual Potato Planting Party on Saturday 18 April from 10am until Noon. For ages 6 years and over, join in where you will enjoy good vibes, dirty hands, fresh air and plenty of teamwork! FREE event but booking is required via the HAC events webpage.
Also on Saturday: E-bikes sessions continue
The Travel Smart Team are excited to invite you to upcoming E‑Bike Taster Sessions, taking place between 10am and 12 noon on the following dates at The Circuit, Irvine, Quarry Road, KA12 OTH. Full details in the Travel Smart e-bike taster sessions news update.
Staff café menu for this week
Head up to the Café on 4 this week if you’re working in Cunninghame House. The weekly menu and specials have been posted on Staff News.
Meet EVA – Your New HR Virtual Assistant
People Services are pleased to introduce EVA, a new Employee Virtual Assistant. EVA is an AI‑powered chatbot designed to help you quickly find answers to everyday HR questions, including topics such as sickness absence, maternity, and other areas covered by our HR policies and guidance. Read the full EVA assistant update on Latest News.
Spaces left on suicide prevention training
There are spaces remaining for upcoming suicide prevention courses between now and summer. These free training opportunities are open to Council staff, NHS Ayrshire and Arran and third sector/voluntary organisations and will include training on how to recognise early warning signs, have safe, supportive conversations and confidently direct someone to the right help and resources. You can view the training calendar and find out more about the available courses on the NHS A&A website. Further Adult Support and Protection training can be found via the latest training sessions round-up.
Managers invited to book onto ‘special leave’ session
Save the date! Mangers can book now for the upcoming Microsoft Teams session on on Wednesday 29 April at 11am via Teams. This ‘How To’ session will help managers recognise when Special Leave may apply, and will provide an overview of the Council’s Special Leave Scheme and the types of leave available, how to assess requests and common scenarios and considerations. Book now via the special leave mangers training news article.
Sign up for our Employee Perks
Did you know that you can get exclusive savings with North Ayrshire Council’s Employee Perks? Whether you're hunting for holiday deals, planning a day out, want to make supermarket savings, there’s something for everyone. To log in or sign up to Employee Perks and access these fantastic discounts, visit the Staff Benefits webpage.
That’s all! If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone!
