News In Brief - Monday 16 March 2026

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 16 March: Election nomination period begins

Following the Notice of Election for the Scottish Parliament Election announcement this morning (Monday 16 March), colleagues are reminded that we are now officially in the pre-election period until close of polls on Thursday 7 May 2026. This means as Council employees, we need to take additional care to ensure that we continue to act in a completely impartial and non-political manner. Whilst Council business goes ahead as usual, we should not engage in activities which could impact on the outcome of the election. Care therefore needs to be taken if organising events or taking forward policies or decisions which could be controversial and impact on the outcome of the election. Full details are via the Guidance to Council Employees and Elected Members document.

Also on Monday: North Coast Community Conversation session

The North Coast Locality team will be at West Kilbride Village Hall from Noon until 2pm on Monday 16 March for a community feedback event to discuss locality priorities and what matters most to communities. Full details and online booking link for those who cannot attend in the Community Planning Partnership news article.

Finally for Monday: Free try curling session!

Colleagues have been invited to a Try Curling session on Monday 16 March at 6.30pm in Auchenharvie Leisure Centre. Pre-booking via the Try Curling website is required. Why not head over to the ice-rink and try something new? Scottish Curling will cover the cost of this free session.

Tuesday 17 March: Cabinet meeting

The March meeting of Cabinet gets under way from 2pm. You can view the agenda for the meeting and are also able to follow proceedings live online via the webcast.

Wednesday 18 March: MCR Pathways info session

Could you volunteer one hour a week to change a life? Following on from their recent in-person drop-in at Cunninghame House, national mentoring charity MCR Pathways will be holding an information session this week for colleagues interested in becoming a mentor for care experienced young people in our secondary schools. Join the MS Teams session on Wednesday from 11am to be part of the action. Further info in the MCR news update.

Thursday 19 March: Costco pop-up in Cunninghame House

Costco marketers will be visiting Cunninghame House on Thursday 19 March between 12pm and 2pm, based at the staff entrance. No proof of employment or ID is required and all new members will receive a £10 online voucher when they join. Feel free to stop by if you’d like more information or to try some of their bakery samples!

Thursday 19 March: UNISON AGM for Education staff

This March, colleagues can take part in the UNISON North Ayrshire Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) in three different ways and the first session for Education staff takes place this Thursday. The participation options are as follows:

• Thursday 19 March: Education colleagues can attend Fullarton Connexions, Irvine (6.30pm until 7.30pm)
• Wednesday 25 March: Online MS Teams session (1pm until 1.30pm)
• Thursday 26 March: All colleagues can attend the council-wide AGM at Fullarton Connexions (5.30pm until 6.30pm)

Both in-person AGMs will have guest speakers and soup, sandwiches, baked goods and refreshments available. Registration is required – book here to secure your place for one of the above sessions.

Friday 20 March: NASA AGM

The NASA Annual General Meeting is open to all members, and will be held at the NASA Club, Littlestane Hall, Irvine (doors 6pm, meeting starts 6.30pm prompt). Buffet and refreshments will be provided for those in attendance. After the meeting, vocal entertainer Tom Aitken will perform a range of music through the eras. Members and guests welcome from 7.30pm. Free entry. Find out about upcoming events in the NASA 2026 schedule.

Join our new WhatsApp channel

We are on WhatsApp! We will share key service updates and Council news on this platform so it’s worth a follow to ensure you're kept informed. Search North Ayrshire Council in the app updates tab or find us directly via the NAC WhatsApp registration link.

Register now for Young Scotland Programme 2026

The Young Scotland Programme is back but spaces at the Western House Hotel event in Ayr are limited! Book before the 8 April deadline! This is your time to let young people in your service shine! Full details in the Young Scotland Programme news release.

St James Palace visit for colleague Phil

We are proud to shine a spotlight on the focus, passion and inspiration of Assistant Waste Resources Manager, Phil Diffin, after he was nominated by Neighbourhood Services to represent North Ayrshire Council at a special local government reception hosted by His Majesty The King. Read all about it in the COSLA reception news article.

Digital Maturity Assessment: Important reminder for senior managers!

North Ayrshire Council is undertaking a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) in partnership with the Digital Office for Scottish Local Government. To help us better understand our digital strengths, challenges, and opportunities across the organisation, senior managers have been asked to nominate staff to participate in a series of service innovation workshops. Full details in the DMA latest news article. Nominations must be made by Friday 10 April 2026.

Reserve a stall at Spring Recruitment event

DWP and North Ayrshire Council’s Employability team – Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire are hosting a Spring Recruitment Event on Thursday 26 March from 1pm until 3pm at Ardrossan Civic Centre. The seasonal event will offer attendees looking for work or thinking about progressing in their career the chance to discover local businesses and organisations. If your service would like to be a stallholder at the event, please email the DWP Recruitment team.

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!